Five things and a lipstick: everyday makeup that really works

Makeup shouldn’t be a morning battle

Let’s face it: most of us don’t have time in the morning to contour our noses or blend six shades of eyeshadow. Between hitting snooze three times and trying to locate that one clean sock, your makeup routine has to earn its place. That’s where the daily essentials come in: the few reliable products that make you look alive without demanding half your day. Think five minutes, a decent mirror and a playlist you didn’t overplay back in 2021.

The mascara that’s been there through it all

There’s a certain loyalty we develop with mascara. When you find one that actually lifts, doesn’t smudge by lunch, and doesn’t dry out in a month, you stick with it. Some swear by high-end names, but others know the secret: Max Factor has been quietly delivering dependable mascara for years, at a price that won’t ruin your weekend plans. Add a flick of liner and you're basically human again.

Brow pencils are doing the lord’s work

It comes as no surprise that brows shape your whole face — and your whole vibe. Soft arch? You’re approachable. Sharp tail? You're handling things. A brow pencil that matches your natural tone and actually stays put through your day (and possibly a minor emotional spiral)? That’s not just makeup: that’s survival. Whether you're sketching in missing bits or going full bold, don’t skip this step. It does more than you think.

The product you’ll only forget once

There’s nothing quite like nailing your look in the morning, only to glance at your reflection by 3pm and wonder what happened. Here's where a decent setting spray quietly becomes your best friend. It’s the last step, the safety net, the thing you didn’t know you needed until you walked home in the rain and your eyeliner was still intact. Spritz, set, move on with your day like you’ve got it all together (even if you don’t).

The lipstick that lives in your bag

Everyone’s got one: the lipstick that’s seen better days but still comes through when you need a bit of colour to feel vaguely functional. It’s the swipe-on-in-the-lift miracle, the quick fix before an unexpected meeting, or the confidence boost when your skin’s doing... whatever it’s doing. And it doesn’t have to be dramatic — just a shade that reminds your face it’s awake.

Because let’s be honest: you don’t need 40 products to feel good. You just need the right five, and a lipstick that’s been through things with you.