You don’t need a full face of makeup to look polished. The best everyday looks enhance your features, last through a busy day, and take less than ten minutes. Here’s a simple five-step approach that works for almost everyone.

Step 1: Prep your skin. Makeup sits best on hydrated skin. Apply moisturiser and sunscreen, then let them settle for a couple of minutes. If you want your base to last longer, add a light primer to areas that get oily, usually the forehead, nose, and chin.

Step 2: Even out your complexion. Skip heavy foundation and reach for a tinted moisturiser, skin tint, or light-coverage foundation. Apply it with a damp sponge or your fingertips, blending outward from the centre of your face. Use a small amount of concealer only where you need it, such as under the eyes and around the nose.

Step 3: Add colour to your cheeks. Blush instantly brings life to the face. Cream blush gives a dewy, natural finish and blends easily with fingers, while powder blush suits oilier skin. Smile and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, then blend upward toward your temples.

Step 4: Define your eyes and brows. Brush your brows upward and fill sparse spots with light, hair-like strokes. For eyes, sweep a neutral shade across the lid, add a little brown or black eyeliner close to the lash line, and finish with mascara. Curling your lashes first makes your eyes look wider and more awake.

Step 5: Finish with lips. A tinted balm or soft rose or nude lipstick keeps things effortless. For long wear, blot after the first application and apply a second thin layer.

A few quick tips. Match your base to your neck, not just your face. Blend thoroughly, because blending is what separates a professional finish from a patchy one. Clean your brushes and sponges regularly, since dirty tools can cause breakouts and make your makeup look uneven. Always remove your makeup before bed, ideally with a cleansing balm or micellar water followed by your regular cleanser.

The goal of everyday makeup isn’t perfection. It’s looking like the freshest version of yourself. Practice these steps a few times, and you’ll soon be ready in minutes.