This is all You Need for a Polished Five-Minute Face, According to Ruby Hammer MBE
Main image – Oleg Ivanov
Ruby Hammer MBE is a celebrity makeup artist, brand founder and regular Live That Glow columnist. She has been providing makeup education for more than 30 years. Here, she advises a reader on how to create a quick, yet polished, makeup routine. Got a question for Ruby? Send it to columnists@livethatglow.com for a chance to have it featured.
Most mornings I’m doing my makeup in about five minutes flat (usually with a child talking to me at the same time), so I’ve got into a bit of a rut of just throwing on the same few things. It does the job, but I don’t look particularly polished — just… less tired. If you had to strip it right back to the essentials, what would you actually focus on to look put together quickly without it turning into a full routine?
Rubys says:
A five-minute face is not about speed, it is about being prepared. Have everything ready. Skincare done, products within reach. That alone makes a difference.
You do not need foundation. Use concealer strategically, targeting darkness and redness. Blend with fingers for speed and a seamless finish.
Bring warmth back into the face with a multipurpose product. Something like RMS Lip2Cheek or my Cheek Colour will add life instantly to both cheeks and lips.
Brows are essential. Brush them up and fix with a gel to create structure. For the eyes, keep it simple… curl lashes and apply mascara. That alone makes you look awake and considered.
Cream textures are your ally. They blend quickly, are more forgiving, and sit beautifully on the skin. Choose buildable formulas so you can apply without overthinking.
If you do the right things, you do not need to do many things.
Get Glowing!
