Northern Style Exposure
Beauty·

5 Minute Makeup Routine with Beautysense

Beauty makeup products flatlay

I'm a busy mom, and if I'm being honest, most mornings I have about five minutes to get myself together before the chaos of the day takes over. Over the years I've perfected a quick makeup routine that makes me look and feel put-together without spending a ton of time in front of the mirror. Today I'm sharing my go-to products from Beautysense — Canada's beauty store — that make this routine possible.

Step 1: Skin Prep (1 minute)

A good base makes everything easier. I keep it simple with a tinted moisturiser that gives me light coverage and SPF protection in one step.

  • Apply a pea-sized amount of tinted moisturiser with SPF 30+ all over your face and blend quickly with your fingers.
  • Dab a small amount of concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes — no need to blend perfectly, just pat it in.
  • Set with a light dusting of translucent powder to prevent shine throughout the day.

Step 2: Eyes (2 minutes)

Eyes are where I spend the most time, but even here I keep it streamlined. A good mascara and a neutral shadow do most of the heavy lifting.

  • Sweep a neutral matte shadow across your lid — I use a single shade that matches my skin tone for a no-fuss look.
  • Apply a thin line of brown eyeliner along your upper lash line to define your eyes without looking overdone.
  • Two coats of a lengthening mascara on your upper lashes is all you need. Skip the lower lashes to save time.

Step 3: Lips & Finishing (2 minutes)

A swipe of colour on the lips instantly pulls the whole look together. I reach for a tinted lip balm or a creamy lipstick in a MLBB (my lips but better) shade.

  • Choose a lip colour that's close to your natural lip colour — it's forgiving if you apply it quickly and doesn't need precise lining.
  • Add a touch of cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upward — this adds warmth and life to your complexion in seconds.
  • Finish with a light spritz of setting spray to lock everything in place, especially important in Alberta's dry climate.

My Beautysense Picks

Beautysense carries a huge range of Canadian and international brands, and they ship quickly across Canada. Here are the types of products I look for when shopping there.

  • Look for tinted moisturisers and BB creams from brands like Vichy, La Roche-Posay, and Marcelle — all available on Beautysense.
  • Canadian brands like Annabelle and Marcelle offer excellent drugstore-quality products at affordable price points.
  • Sign up for the Beautysense newsletter to catch sales and promotions — I've scored some great deals on higher-end products.

Have a favourite quick makeup product or routine tip? I'd love to hear what works for you — especially if you're a fellow busy Canadian mom!

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