This post is especially for all the moms out there reading this...and dedicated to my best friend, Nichole, who is about to become a mom for the first time today!  (I've been anxiously awaiting, phone in hand all day...)

I'm the mother of a busy 2 year old, Jack.  (Insert obligatory photo for bragging rights of my sweetheart here:

I'm sure most of you can understand the crazy mornings trying to get your child(ren) ready in time for whatever festivities the day may bring, let alone yourself.  You want to look presentable (better yet, feel pretty!) but most often time just doesn't allow for an elaborate makeup application.  I'm going to share with you what's in my own makeup bag and what I always carry with me to accomplish a more engaging look.  (And if you chance run into me at the grocery store sans makeup [yes, I do go out without makeup], just know I'm a mom and human too ;)

Here's my own 5 minute (really!) makeup routine:

First up is my holy grail product...concealer!  I use Face Atelier's Ultra Camouflage Duet ($30) in Light, for my very fair skin.  There are 2 ingenious shades in the mini compact with mirror that make this a winning product for me.  The peachier shade covers my undereye circles instantly (in a full coverage, crease-free kind of way) and the neutral shade can be used to quickly dab on any troublesome areas (read: my skin STILL breaks out.)  In a pinch, I can very sheerly blend a little down the center of my face and out slightly to give an even tone overall without adding a foundation.  We're at about 60 seconds so far for time...

Next, and a new recent love is Smashbox's O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color ($26).  This product is AWESOME!  It starts as a clear gel and transforms before your eyes into the perfect shade of pink for your cheeks.  No guessing games here, this gives the best natural looking flush.  (I don't know how I lived without this all these years.)  Time is about 1 minute, 45 seconds now...

Looking back up to my eyes, I add a couple coats of The Body Shop's Super Volume Mascara ($14) in Black, though I think I'd like to try the Cobalt soon!  This is my favorite daily mascara.  The wand is easy to manipulate around my lashes, not too big nor too small.  It gives a nice, natural look and doesn't flake.  If I know my day will require a waterproof mascara, I add a coat on top of Clarin's Double-Fix Mascara ($21) which is a transparent gel that can be coated over virtually any mascara to waterproof and keep it in place!  Let's all say it together now, "Genius."  Time spent on entire makeup routine so far: 3 minutes, 30 seconds...

Lips are last.  I enjoy a good lip color whether it be in the form of a gloss, stain or traditional lipstick.  I look nearly lifeless without lips!  There are a few staple favorites that I gravitate toward depending on my mood and what I'm doing for the day or wearing.  They are MAC Pro Longwear Lip Colour in Perennial Rose ($21), a deep berry pink and also a stain which means no touch ups for 6-8 hours; Chanel's Glossimer in Spark ($27) a very soft and sheer berry pink with gold shimmer; and lastly my NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine ($24), a cool soft matte pink.  Total time spent? 4 minutes, 40 seconds.

My point in sharing my own makeup routine with you is that you can cater your own makeup routine to your time available and what's important to you.  Go ahead and cut out the unnecessary steps (for me they're foundation, eyeliner and eyeshadow)...just don't skip makeup altogether because you don't have time to do EVERYTHING.  As I've said before, pick what's important to you and highlight your best feature.  You'll be amazed at how 5 little minutes (or 4 minutes, 40 seconds) can make you feel beautiful and boost your confidence as a mom :) 

p.s. If you had time to read through this blog, you know what to do tomorrow morning!  As Yoda says, "Do or do not, there is no try". (ahem, I thought if I shared my little one with you, might as well share my husband's charm & influence too!!)

Enjoy your family, Nichole!  And may you always feel your inner beauty makes you up every morning after you haven't slept a wink all night.  xxoo!