The 5-Minute Makeup Routine for Busy Moms

Posted by Jennifer Pierce

Published September 17, 2024

Updated June 4, 2025

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woman applying mascara (makeup for busy moms)
iStock Photo

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I love getting glammed up. There’s nothing like a smokey eye or a red lip to make me feel ready for a night out! But let’s be honest — I’m a mom of four with a schedule that keeps me on the go pretty much 24/7. The time for an involved makeup routine went out the window long ago. I still like to look put together, though, so this is my tried-and-true five-step daily makeup routine — simple enough for moms everywhere!

Step 1

After cleansing and applying moisturizer, I start with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. I really like Tula Skincare’s brightening serum skin tint and Tarte’s BB blur tinted moisturizer. Both are SPF 30 — so sunscreen and coverage in one! If you prefer more coverage, I recommend Tarte’s shape tape cloud CC cream (with SPF 15). I apply this all over my face, usually using a makeup brush (but you can also use your hands).

Step 2

Next step, conceal! I love a bright eye, so I always apply concealer to my undereye. My go-to is Tarte’s shape tape. I also use concealer for dark spots and blemishes. I use a lighter shade of concealer for my eyes and a darker shade for my face. I apply and lightly blend using a concealer brush then use a damp beauty blender to blend out more fully.

Step 3

After that, I apply blush and sometimes contour — depends how extra I’m feeling! My absolute favorite product for this is the Dibs Beauty desert island duo blush/bronzer stick. It’s creamy and light and blends flawlessly. If you’re in the market for a new blush or bronzer, I highly recommend this! You’ll want to apply to your cheekbones/apples of your cheeks and blend using a blush brush.

Step 4

Then, I apply a coat of mascara. Most days, this is enough to make me look more awake — mascara may be the makeup moms need most! (I usually only apply eye shadow if I am doing a full face of makeup.) My go-to is the suggestively named “better than sex” by Too Faced. It has been my favorite for many years. I first brush my lashes using a spoolie, then apply one or two coats of mascara.

Step 5

Finally, I finish with the lips. A little color on the lips is life giving, and sometimes it’s all you need to feel put together! Most days I go with a simple gloss or lip oil. I am obsessed with Tarte’s maracuja juicy lip. They have a variety of styles and colors that complement everyone. I have a whole bunch in my makeup arsenal!  

Finish off and seal in your look with a setting spray. I love the Hangover Rx by Too Faced. I sometimes spritz my face midday for a refresh, too.

This five-step makeup routine for moms can truly be done in around five minutes, and it’ll have you ready to tackle whatever comes your way — from a full slate of meetings at the office to an afternoon chasing toddlers at the playground. Keep it simple, and use the time you save to sleep in a little or to enjoy a cup of coffee while it’s still hot!

Jennifer Pierce

Jennifer Pierce is a 44-year-old mom of four living north of Boston. Jenn was born and raised in Massachusetts, having grown up in the MetroWest part of the state in Marlborough. She attended Elmira College in Elmira, NY, earning her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and education. She later completed her master’s degree through American International College in Springfield, MA. For 17 years, Jenn worked in education, starting in speech and language and then moving into a classroom teacher role teaching kindergarten, first, and third grades. Upon having her fourth child, Jenn took a break from teaching to stay home with her children. Since then, Jenn has returned to work part time in her other passion — dance! She is a dance teacher at Encore Dance Academy in Reading, teaching preschool and elementary school children in their First Steps programs.

Jenn is married to her husband of 15 years, Matthew, and they have four children together — two boys, ages 13 and 11, and two girls, ages 8 and 5. They also have a 4-year-old fur baby, a Goldendoodle named Charlie. They love living close to Boston and spending time in the city and in the surrounding areas of New England. They frequently vacation on the Cape and on Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire.

Jenn is passionate about her family, education, and New England sports teams! An avid reader, you will often find her with her Kindle in one hand and probably a coffee in the other! Jenn loves to share things that have worked well with her in her parenting journey and learning from others as she navigates each new age and stage with her children. In her spare time, she volunteers at her children’s school and as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop.

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