Time Saving Makeup & FOTD... oh and a cameo by Luca

One of the things I get asked all the time is how do I make time in the mornings to do my makeup when I have a verrrry active toddler around, coz let's face it, I'm just not the type to leave home without my makeup on. I just don't feel ready to face the day until I'm fully dressed and have my face on. Well, most of the time my husband is around and looks after our little monster while I do my makeup. Other times I make sure to choose products that are quick and effortless to apply. Here are my time saving makeup products.

1. Mousse or cream full coverage foundation 
Why does it save time? Because it allows you to skip the concealer and powder.
My pick is the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation. This matte formula is not only cheap, but provides medium to full coverage that gives a flawless base. It's also quick to apply, just dab it on with your fingers and blend, no brushes necessary. Another favourite is the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Cream Makeup.

2. Shimmery blush
Why does it save time? It allows you to skip the highlighter.
You can't go past one of the best shimmery blushes out there, NARS Orgasm. It's the perfect peachy pink with just the right amount of shimmer that makes your cheeks glow. Because of the built in shimmer, the effect is similar to wearing a normal blush with a pop of highlighter over the top. Love. I also love the Benefit Coralista blush.

Clockwise from left: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Cream Makeup, Benefit Coralista blush, NARS Orgasm blush (with Laguna bronzer), Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation

3. Cake eyeliner
Why does it save time? It's easier to apply, and there's no drying time unlike with liquid/gel eyeliners.
I've already written about my love for the Laura Mercier cake eyeliners HERE. They are much easier to apply than liquids and gels, and they're extra long lasting.

4. Gel to powder eyeshadow
Why does it save time? They look great worn on their own, and can be applied easily with your finger or a dense flat brush.
I love the L'Oreal Colour Infallible eyeshadows as they're budget friendly, but you also can't go past the Chanel Illusion D'Ombres and the Dior Fusion Mono eyeshadows. These eyeshadows are multidimensional, so you don't need to use a highlight shade or a darker shade in the crease to give definition to the eyes. If you're really really short on time just dab it on with your finger and blend. But if you have 2 minutes up your sleeve then just use a dense flat brush and pack it on your lids. It looks like you made a lot more effort than you did!

Clockwise from left: Chanel Illusoire, L'Oreal Forever Pink, Christian Dior Millienium

5. Sheer lipstick
Why does it save time? Because you don't need to use a lip pencil or a lip brush to get a precise line. You might not even need a mirror!
I'm normally a lover of highly pigmented matte lipsticks (anything by Illamasqua, really), but when in a rush I reach for a sheer shade. One of my all time favourites is Pinkie Gold Sparkle by Barry M. It's sheer, but it's also shimmery which gives the added bonus of making my lips look plump. Another favourite is Coral Colours sheer lipstick in Rosewood. This actually used to be the colour I used all through my teens when still in high school, then when I came across it again a few weeks ago at my local chemist I thought I'd give it a try for old times sake and I'm glad I did as I still love it!

Coral Colours lipstick in Sheer Rosewood, Barry M lipstick in Pinkie Gold Sparkle

Here is a quick look that I did wearing the some of the above products. Face: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. Cheeks: NARS Orgasm. Eyes: Chanel Illusoire and Laura Mercier cake eyeliner in Black Ebony. Lips: Barry M Pinkie Gold Sparkle.

And do you want to know how else I keep my son occupied in the mornings while I get ready? This is how!

1. Luca messing up mummy's drawers. 2. Watching Peppa Pig on YouTube while playing with perfume bottles. 3. "Reading" a picture book. 

What are some of your favourite time saving makeup products?