Becoming a mom has changed a lot, especially how I get ready in the morning. Long, luxurious makeup routines? It hasn’t happened in months. But I’ve learned you can still feel like yourself with just five minutes and a few tried-and-true products. My summer routine is all about quick steps, lightweight formulas, and a touch of glow that makes me look more awake than I actually feel. Almost everything I use is from Nordstrom, which makes it easy to stock up in one place. It’s simple, fuss-free, and actually fits into the nap-time hustle. Keep reading for my current summer makeup routine – designed for new moms, busy mornings, and anyone who needs to be out the door fast (but still cute).
Step 1: Base Makeup
When time is tight, I skip foundation and go straight for a skin tint. It gives me that fresh-faced glow with way less effort, and I love knowing I’m still getting SPF coverage in the process. A good base makes all the difference even if I’ve only had 4 hours of sleep. To make things even faster, I use my trusty BeautyBlender to blend everything into my skin.
Ilia
1. Skin Tint with SPF
Dewy coverage, SPF 40, and hyaluronic acid? It’s my shortcut to glowing, hydrated skin in seconds.
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YSL Beauty
Touche Éclat Concealer
The ride-or-die brightening pen I’ve used forever - it’s foolproof and never creases.
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Step 2: Eye Makeup
I keep eyes simple but defined. A swipe of eyeshadow, quick liner, and some attention to brows is all I need to feel put together without the extra steps. Here are the products I’m never without…
Tom Ford
Eyeshadow Quad
Smooth, pigmented, and so easy to blend. It’s my go-to for a quick, polished eye.
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Tom Ford
Liquid Liner
Glides on like a dream and makes lining your eyes practically failproof.
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Anastasia
Brow Pencil
Never skips. I fill in sparse areas for a natural, soft arch that frames my face.
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Step 3: Cheeks
This is where the magic happens. Adding warmth and a little color makes me feel human again. Cream products are key – they blend easily and look the most natural, even when I apply them in 30 seconds.
Bobbi Brown
Foundation Stick
I use a deeper shade to carve out cheekbones. Cream contour blends fast and looks effortless.
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Ilia
Multistick
The shade Ladybird is my go-to for a natural flush. It works on both cheeks and lips for a pulled-together finish.
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Step 4: Lips
Finishing with lips gives the whole look a polished vibe. I like soft, mauve shades that stay on, even through coffee runs and baby snuggles.
Anastasia
Liquid Lipstick
Matte but comfortable. It lasts all day and doesn’t budge - even through snacks and smooches.
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Tools
When you’re trying to get out the door fast – or applying makeup one-handed with a baby on your hip – having the right tools makes all the difference. I’ve tried a lot of brushes over the years, but lately, I’ve been reaching for my Hourglass brushes on repeat. The angled face brush is one of my MVPs. It hugs the natural contours of your face, making it easy to apply cream bronzer or blush with zero harsh lines. I don’t have time to sit and blend forever, and this one diffuses product seamlessly in just a few swipes. The Hourglass eyeshadow brushes are just as good. They’re soft but not floppy, so you get control without tugging at your skin. If you’re looking to invest in tools that actually speed up your routine while giving a pro-level finish, these are the ones I’d recommend to anyone!
xo, Maria
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom.
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