I love trying out makeup, don’t get me wrong, but trial and error takes time. My relationship with cosmetics is a clean split between play time—a weekend night getting dolled up with friends—and no time. As in, needing to save face at 9 AM while pulling on a go-to outfit, maniacally brushing my teeth and running out the front door in under ten minutes. That is not the moment to see how burgundy glitter looks on your eyelids. During crunch time, you really come to realize who your heroes are—product-wise, that is. I thought I'd shout-out my current roster of all-stars, and show them in action on a typical morning before heading off to Paris for Fashion Week.

For me, five-minute makeup means several things: using your fingers in addition to brushes (faster, easier blending), layering (contour PLUS blush PLUS highlighter…but I swear, all three happen super fast), a mussed-up eye (smudging eyeliner with a moist Q-Tip), and a touch of moisture somewhere (lip gloss is easiest) to keep the look fresh and not too “done.” But what is “too done', anyway? In my opinion, it's not about numbers—it's about technique. 10+ products isn't that many, right? ...RIGHT?!

The lineup:

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 Primer

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (two shades are better than one!)

Guerlain bronzer applied with Beauty is Life fan brush

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate palette & brush

Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid

Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl liner in black

By Terry mascara in black

Anastasia tinted brow gel in brown

Tarte “The Bright Side' Double-Ended Eye Brightener (inner & outer corners...genius)

Benefit Benetint

Tom Ford Sahara Pink lip gloss

T Alexander Wang top, Derek Lam fur vest, Rag & Bone skinny jeans, Repossi ring, Alexander Wang shoes.