Make Up Minimalism: Trying to Strip Back

Let me start by saying that my make up routine will never be simplistic.  There are far too many things that need fixing on my face for that.  But recently I've been getting later and later in the mornings, applying more and more to my face.  The result?  I still look frazzled at the end of the day, and in truth I don't look any different.  I started to really think about what I needed to be spending time on, and what short cuts I could take to speed up my routine.

Base //
Not much has changed here.  Primer is still a must, and for that I'm still loving my ever-faithful Seventeen Skin Wow! 3 in 1 Highlighter followed by a layer of Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation.  It works for now, but as the weather gets warmer I can feel myself wanting to go for something lighter.  It won't be long before I'm giving my MAC Face and Body a whirl.  Concealer-wise, it's still all about the Clarins Instant Concealer.

Eyes //
I'm lumping brows in this category, and of course for this it's all about the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade.  I really don't enjoy doing eyebrows and I wish I could skip this step, but alas, I'd look like I had no brows without it.
Eyeshadow is where I've implemented one of my time-saving hacks.  I still use MAC's Soft Ochre Paint Pot, but now instead of fussing with different shadows and liners I'm going with a one-wash colour: MAC Texture.  On days where it's too warm-toned, I'll pat a little of Wedge onto the lid and that's enough to lighten up the look.  A couple of coats of Lancome Doll Eyes is usually enough, but if I feel I need a little more definition, MAC Powersurge Kohl Liner is a speedy way to do this.

Cheeks //
Another time-consuming area of my make up routine that had to go.  I found that my contour and highlight routine was leaving me looking a little muddy, so I went on the hunt for an all-rounder blush.  I wanted something in more of a taupe-y shade, rather than pink or red, and in the end I think I've found it in the form of MAC Prism.

Lips //
Lips are a fairly quick step....it's just deciding on a shade that takes a bit of time for me!  I recently compiled a guide to my favourite nude liner/lipstick combos, so if you fancy having a look at what I've been using lately then definitely check out the link.

I'd love to know, how long do you spend doing your make up on a daily basis?