This might be surprising, but most of the videos I watch on YouTube are from beauty channels. I find it therapeutic to watch my favorite beauty vloggers apply makeup in a meticulous, time-consuming way, probably because I spend less than 15 minutes doing my makeup on a daily basis.

Part of my secret to a quick and easy makeup routine is having a streamlined collection of makeup. I’ve managed to minimize my makeup to basically the essentials by following a three-level approach to how I do my makeup.

I learned this three-tier method from Anushka Rees’ website years ago when I was first getting into capsule wardrobes and minimalism. Essentially, you create three levels that each consists of three products. The idea is for each level to build on the previous one, while also making sure each level is a complete look on its own.

I’ll be walking you through my three makeup routines: barely there, every day, and full face, plus showing you how they build on each other!

I love this approach because the shell never changes, even if the shades change from season to season.

1: “NO-MAKEUP” MAKEUP

Ask anyone who dabbles in barely there or no-makeup makeup looks and they’ll all say the same thing—skin prep is a must. I love the SW Basics Day Serum so much, but since it’s been hard to find in store, I’ve recently been working my way through the Cocokind Serum. It’s lovely and light and sinks into the skin so well. Definitely a great face oil if you’re in the market for one.

I then go in with SPF. I’m working through the sunscreen that I have but I haven’t found one I absolutely love. If you have a recommendation, drop it in a comment!

I’ve also recently started using eye cream (I know, I’m 32, this is long overdue) and am a huge fan of the Cocokind eye cream. It has a metal applicator that’s cool to the touch and I have honestly seen a decrease in the intensity of my dark circles since I started using it. Who knew skincare actually worked? 😜

Ok now that we’ve covered skin, we can move on to the actual makeup portion of this minimal routine.

I start my routine by getting my brows in order. I have sparse brows and sparse patience, so I love using a tinted brow gel like Glossier’s Boy Brow. It’s my one-and-done product for my brows. I love that it builds on the tiny, thin brow hairs I do have and that I don’t have to go in and change the entire shape of my brows every day.

Next is the base. I recently found a new skin tint thanks to a friend’s recommendation! It’s the Slip Skin Tint by Saie Beauty. I wear it in the shade 3.5 but I’m sure I could make 3 work too. The beauty of skin tints is that they’re sheer enough that a perfect match isn’t absolutely necessary. I’ve tried wearing more medium and full coverage foundations and my skin breaks out every time, so I’ve learned my lesson and stick to the sheer stuff.

Finally comes concealer. I’ve loved the Glossier Stretch Concealer since I got my hands on it a few years ago. It’s a dewy, creamy formula with just enough coverage to brighten my under-eyes. Again, I’ve tried more full coverage concealers but they tend to make my eyes look crepey, plus heavy under-eye coverage looks weird with a sheer foundation in my opinion. I wear the Glossier concealer in the shade G9.

I go for this truly minimal makeup routine for school drop-off or pick-up, if I’m traveling, and on weekends — especially during the warmer months.

2: EVERYDAY LOOK

This is the most common makeup look you’ll see me wearing. I wear these six items on days when I feel like I have a bit more time or energy to get ready, or when I have a meeting and want to look put-together.

My all-time favorite blush is the Flower Beauty Blush Bomb. I’ve been using it for years and always have backups on deck so I never have to run out. I tap it onto my cheeks and blend it out with my fingers.

Then, I use the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer with an Eco Tools brush to warm up my complexion then take whatever’s left on my brush and lightly brush it on my nose to give me that sun-kissed look I love. I really love the undertone of this bronzer. I’ve been on the lookout for a cream bronzer (since just about everything else I use is a cream product) but I haven’t struck gold yet. Currently eyeing the ones from Makeup By Mario and Fenty.

I finish off Level 2 with a coat of mascara. I recently picked up the Rare Beauty mascara and OH MY GOSH, it’s an instant favorite. I moved on to the Bite Beauty Upswing mascara after finishing off my tube of the Lancome Monsieur Big, and while it was amazing for volume, I found that the Bite mascara smudged by the end of the day. Maybe it wouldn’t be an issue if I didn’t use such dewy products. Either way, the Rare Beauty mascara lifts and gives me a solid boost of volume with just one coat, plus it holds a curl better than any mascara I’ve tried before. I know that’s a pretty big statement to make, but it truly has become my new go-to!

3: THE FULL FACE

Level 3 is for when I’m feeling fancy! I wear this look when I want to look extra dressed up, like on date nights or when I’m filming a video for YouTube. Again, it builds off the first two levels but this time, it adds a few final, extra touches.

I apply a warm brown eyeshadow to my crease and all over my lid when I’m going all out with makeup. These days, I just take a bit of my travel-sized bronzer and apply it to my lids with a fluffy brush. Once upon a time, I would have searched for a good, basic eyeshadow palette, but my bronzer is a great shade for me so I keep it simple.

I used to apply a highlighter, too, but just haven’t been drawn to that kind of product lately. I get a good amount of glow from using cream products, so I don’t feel the need to add anything extra to my routine.

The finishing touch is lipstick. Actually, it’s probably a cheat to call Colourpop’s Just A Tint crayon lipstick because it’s so sheer, but being a woman with perpetually dry or chapped lips, I love the sheerness of this product! I quickly apply this lip tint to my lips and it effortlessly ties my whole look together. My go-to, holy grail shade is City of Stars because it’s close to my natural lip color but adds some much-needed color. Anyone else have lips that tend to look a tad too purple?

My whole collection consists of less than 10 items: two brushes and seven items of makeup.

The thing I love most about having such a heavily curated makeup routine and collection is that doing my makeup doesn’t take long. As a mom of two busy toddlers who’d rather sleep an extra 30 minutes than use that time to apply makeup, I love that I’ve been able to find the sweet spot between recognizing my time limitations and feeling pretty. Plus! This routine is so flexible! It helps me feel put together even when I only have three minutes to spare.

I hope this inspires you to break down your personal routine and find your three levels!

This post was updated in April 2022