I Know The Feeling

Kathleen's Must-Haves for Hectic Mornings

I look in the mirror, tug at my face and judge it, noticing every new crinkle, blemish, and dark circle. I stare and question, “Are my eyebrows even?” “Are my lips full enough?” “Are my eyelashes long enough?” It literally goes on and on. It would be nice to not feel that pressure to somehow measure up. But then real life kicks in.

I don’t know about you, but my life doesn’t have time for all the “tips” I see on YouTube and Instagram. Just recently I saw a clip about the importance of “baking” my eyebrows… baking my eyebrows!! I have less than 10 minutes to myself in the morning to get out the door and look pulled together. I absolutely realize there is a time and place for contouring, cut creases, powder baking, and color correction. The thing we all have to realize is that doing all those applications is the makeup equivalent of wearing a sequin dress to yoga class. Super fun, but not very practical for every day. The pressure is real though. I recently saw a mom, at a sporting event, at 8am in the morning, with a full face—contoured, outlined, false eyelashes, the whole nut. Every time I see this, I want to go give her a hug and say, “You are beautiful. You can sleep in.” Seriously, that is like 40 extra minutes in the morning that could be spent cozy in bed, sipping a coffee, journaling, or doing laundry.

Over the years, my “must-haves to go out the door” items have changed a bit, but I’ve found that I can generally pull myself together with four easy, no-fail products. I’ve tried this with other women and girls and the result is always the same: a fresh, perky, finished look that doesn’t scream “trying too hard.”

This is exclusive of skincare, but honestly, in the morning that routine is pretty basic. The 4 makeup must-haves that I would call my desert island must-haves are: Concealer, Mascara, Highlighter, A multi-use blush stick in a skin-complementary color. Here’s how it goes… wake up, sip coffee, rush around doing nonsense, grab a minute to put on clothes, and then this…

Pre-Routine

I have used the Sheer Cocoon Cream from Natura Bissé for years! What makes it so special is that it’s day cream, foundation, and protection all-in-one. Take a pearl-sized amount and blend it into the skin. It’s perfect for a lightweight and natural makeup look, as it provides instant luminosity and a fresh appearance. My ultimate must-have!

Step 1: Concealer

Dab some concealer under my eyes and blend with my finger (or if I’m feeling luxurious, blend with the Westman Atelier Baby Blender Brush). Make sure to drag a little across your eyelid to brighten. Use whatever is left on your finger or the brush.

I like the Vital Skincare Concealer by Westman Atelier. Keep it something bright but still close to your actual skin tone because you’re going to blend it out and not use foundation. This is also why you need to moisturize morning and night—good skin is the best base for quick makeup.

Step 2: Multi-Use Blush

A cream, multi-purpose blush is a must-have for speed and versatility. Choose a neutral shade like mauve or dusty rose—something that works on cheeks, eyes, and lips. Dab and blend a bit on your cheeks, then take a little and blend into your crease—yes, your eyelid crease. Also, hit up your lips.

This is just enough to imply lipstick without actually using lipstick. Think: your lips, only better. Use your fingers—it's quick, intuitive, and effective.

My favorite for this is the Inner Glow Crème Pigment from Rituel de Fille in Desire, but Westman Atelier makes a Baby Cheeks Blush called Garçonne that is lovely too.

Step 3: Highlighter

Grab a highlighter in a soft silver or gold. Take a finger swipe and blend onto your eyelid between your crease and lashes. Dab a little bit onto your cheekbone.

Ta da! Glow.

I really like Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight. Every shade of this is basically perfect. It gives that fresh, dewy look without being glittery. It’s subtle, wearable, and yes—another must-have.

Step 4: Mascara

Finish with your favorite mascara. Try a brown mascara for a softer, more natural look.

Here at London Beauty, we love the Cloud Mascara by Sweed—an underrated must-have in your morning routine. It lifts and separates without clumping, and it doesn’t make you look overly “done.”

Wrap-Up: Get Out the Door

Bam! You’re done and out the door with a fresh face and all your morning must-haves in place. I’m loathe to say it, but this whole routine can even be done in a car mirror. I’m not advocating driving and “makeup-ing,” but in a parking lot, at a long stop light… I’m not judging.

Go get ‘um girl.