If we’re being honest… you hate it too.

Before relationships, before real adulting, I was stuck in my 2010s makeup era the flashy, over-the-top, views-and-clicks type of glam.

And when I look back, that was the only makeup we ever saw promoted.

Full glam. Cut crease. Heavy contour. Mandatory lashes. Every. Single. Time.

For years, I told myself that natural makeup “didn’t look like I did something,” and that I had to wear lashes and eyeshadow every time I wanted to feel cute.

What I didn’t realize was that I was putting rules and conditions on what made me feel beautiful.

And then you grow up…

You start noticing how the women older than you get dressed to go out.

Mandatory lashes. Mandatory eye makeup. Mandatory lipgloss.

A whole list of “musts.”

Before I knew it, I was following the same pattern creating stipulations around how my makeup had to look in order to be considered “done.”

But in reality?

Makeup has always been about how much you love your face not how much you can cover it.

As life got fuller, I started to realize something important:

I used to have so much time for a full glam.

Now? A full glam requires preparation, planning, and mental energy.

And when full glam is the only look you know, makeup starts to feel heavy, uninspiring, and low-key stressful.

With age (and wisdom), I learned something essential:

✨ Flexibility is the real it-girl skill.

As a makeup artist, teacher, and entrepreneur, I had to become flexible with my glam.

Sure, I would love to show up to a makeup appointment with a flawless full face.

I would love to do a beat for Thanksgiving dinner.

But when you’ve been cooking, helping set up, or running around?

A full glam suddenly feels like a chore.

Even on vacation when you try to recreate that dramatic look you learned it’s easy to overdo your makeup and feel like you’re fighting against your own face.

That’s when I realized: The strategy I had been using was overplayed.

So here’s what changed everything:

My True 10-Minute Glam Strategy (The Look That ALWAYS Works)

This is the look that leaves me feeling fresh, pretty, soft, and confident without the pressure of “doing the most.”

It’s quick. It’s effective. It’s skin-first.

And yes… your man will like it, but more importantly, you’ll love it.

⭐ STEP-BY-STEP: The 10-Minute Fresh Face Routine

1. Start with skincare (1–2 minutes)

Great makeup starts with great skin.

A consistent routine makes your 10-minute glam hit every time.

Cleanse Moisturize Add SPF (if daytime) Optional: a hydrating primer or lightweight glow product

2. Cream blush (your new best friend)

Cream blush is the quickest way to look alive and polished without doing much.

Dab cream blush on the apples of your cheeks Lift upward toward the temples Blend with fingers or a sponge

It gives you instant color, youthfulness, and dimension no bronzer, contour, or highlight needed.

3. Eyeliner (soft, quick enhancement)

You don’t need a full eyeshadow look.

A simple liner gives you definition without effort.

Use a brown or black pencil Smudge it lightly along the upper lash line For extra lift, flick the outer corner

This creates a soft, pretty eye without a dramatic beat.

4. Mascara (awake + lifted)

A few coats make your eyes look intentionally done, even without lashes.

Wiggle at the base Pull upward for length Add a tiny bit to the bottom lashes if desired

5. Lip combo (the cherry on top)

A 3-step lip is the quickest way to look “finished.”

Lip liner: Define your natural lip shape Lipstick: Add a soft wash of color or a nude you love Gloss: Finish with a gloss for dimension, fullness, and that fresh “done but not trying too hard” look

This trio instantly polishes your entire face.

Why This Works

This routine feels light, shows your real skin, and doesn’t take mental energy.

It gives you “pretty girl, everyday glam” without crossing into “full beat” territory.

And the truth is:

Most men don’t dislike makeup they just dislike the hour-long routine.

But more importantly…

you don’t love doing a full beat every day either.

Flexibility in your glam is what makes you truly “that girl.”

Because the look where “you didn’t even do too much” is still going to look like makeup

but it’ll be makeup that feels like YOU.