The "I'm Running Late" Guide to a 5-Minute Polished Glow

Look put together when you have little time

The morning rush is a universal struggle. We’ve all been there - the alarm didn’t go off, and you have exactly ten minutes to look human before your first meeting. The secret to a quick makeup routine isn't doing more; it’s choosing high-performance, multitasking beauty products that do the heavy lifting for you.

If you want to achieve that clean girl aesthetic with minimal effort, these are the 5 beauty non-negotiables I never skip for a fast, fresh look:

The Ultimate Multi-Tasking Base
The "Wide Awake" Under Eye Brightener
The 30-Second Brow Lift
The radiant Blush for Glowing Skin
The High-Shine Lip Finish

👉 Shop my full 'Running Late' collection on my Sephora Storefront

How to do a 5-minute makeup routine for glowing skin?

To achieve a polished, 5-minute glowing makeup routine, follow these steps:

Apply a Tinted SPF: Use a product like Tower 28 SunnyDays to hydrate and even skin tone.
Brighten Under-Eyes: Use an eye brightener (like Rare Beauty) to cancel out dark circles instantly.
Groom Brows: Brush up brows with a clear gel for an instant "face lift" effect.
Add a Radiant Blush: Use a liquid blush like YSL Beauty Make Me Blush on the cheekbones for a natural flush.
Finish with Lip Oil: Use a high-shine balm or oil to lock in moisture and add a luxury finish.

The Best Multitasking Makeup for a Quick Morning Routine

Create a Dewy Base with Tinted SPF

When you’re rushing, you don't have time for a separate moisturizer, primer, and foundation. I reach for a tinted hydrating gel or a glow-boosting base that combines skincare and coverage into one step.

How to achieve a glowing complexion

I rotate between the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue and Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30. For an extra dewy finish, I'll prep with Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum Sun Glow or iNNBEAUTY Project Face Glaze. This ensures your skin stays hydrated and protected all day.

Brighten Tired Eyes Instantly

Traditional concealer can be heavy and cakey when applied in a hurry. For an instant "rested" look, an under-eye brightener is the best way to fake a full night's sleep without heavy blending.

Eye makeup hack for tired eyes

The Rare Beauty Positive Light Under Eye Brightener is my absolute go-to. It’s ultra-lightweight and uses light-reflecting pigments to cancel out dark circles instantly while maintaining a natural skin-like finish.

Get a 30-Second Face Lift with Brow Gel

Never underestimate the power of a groomed brow. Brushed-up brows frame your face and make you look "put together" even with zero eyeshadow or liner. It’s the easiest way to look awake in seconds.

Easy brow grooming tips

I use the Rare Beauty Brow Gel. It has a clear, strong hold that keeps every hair in place all day without feeling crunchy or stiff.

The Best Liquid for Glowing Skin

This is the "star" of my routine. A blush with a radiant finish acts as your color and your highlight in one, giving your skin a healthy, "lit-from-within" look.

Easy tip for quick glowing blush

I am currently obsessed with the YSL Beauty Make Me Blush in the shade Nude Lavalliere. It’s a stunning soft pink mauve that blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural, high-end flush that lasts all day.

Finish with a Luxurious Lip Oil or Balm

To finish the look, you want something that provides deep hydration and a high-end shine without the precision required for traditional lipstick.

Easy lip makeup hack

Depending on the day, I grab Lawless Forget The Filler, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, or the Dior Lip Glow Oil. It adds that final touch of luxury and moisture to a 5-minute face.

Conclusion: Mastering the Fast Beauty Routine

Looking polished doesn't require an hour in front of the mirror. By focusing on multitasking products like tinted SPF and radiant blushes, you can achieve a professional, glowing look in under five minutes. Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's about feeling confident and ready to take on the day, even when you're running behind!

Shop My "Running Late" Beauty Essentials

Ready to streamline your morning? You can find all these products and more over on my Sephora Storefront. Don't forget to save this post or Pin it for the next time you're hitting the snooze button!

Items marked with an asterisk were gifted. As always, all my reviews are my own. This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will make a commission on any purchase you make when you click on one of my links.