'I’m an over-50s beauty writer. I use these 6 glowy products when I don’t feel like a full face of makeup.'

Since starting a new job and heading back into an office every day, my mornings have gotten a lot shorter.

Suddenly, I'm not leisurely applying serums and blending foundation with surgical precision. Instead, I'm making sure I've packed my lunch, dressed appropriately (not like a bridge troll), and grabbed my keys all before 8am.

So the full-face glam? She's taking a backseat.

Watch: A beauty editor tests dupe foundations. Post continues after video.

What I've found myself reaching for instead are a handful of products that give me just enough polish to feel like I've made an effort, without eating into my morning coffee time. And, funnily enough, I am loving a more minimal but polished look.

These products have been sneaking into my bag because they are fast and easy to use, while also making me look pulled together. 

Here's my current six-product "I still look alive but didn't try that hard" routine.

You might have most of these types of products in your bathroom or makeup bag already, but the point is: you don't need a full face to feel polished.

A handful of easy, multi-use products can save you time and still give you that "yes, I made an effort" vibe.

Step 1. Sunscreen.

Don't skip SPF. Please. Image: Raww Cosmetics.

SPF is a non-negotiable in your morning skincare routine.

Even when I skip almost everything else, sunscreen goes on. It's the one product I refuse to compromise on, because protecting my skin is the best long-term beauty investment.

I don't care what you use, just use something. We should all know by now that sunscreen is the best thing you can do for your skin full stop. Forget the current controversies going around. Don't stop using one.

I look for lightweight, hydrating sunscreens that don't pill. Lately, I've been using the Raww Natural Sunscreen SPF50+, $39.99.

Don't forget, sunscreen is just one part of sun protection — seek shade, wear your hat and sunnies and always re-apply your sunscreen after sweating and swimming.

Step 2. The best BB cream for mature skin.

Here I am wearing my Naked Sundays BB Cream! Image: Supplied.

Instead of a proper foundation, I reach for a BB cream to even things out. It's a two-in-one step that gives skincare-ish hydration and a wash of coverage.

The one I've been reaching for lately is Raww Vitamin C BB Cream, $34.99, or Naked Sundays Beauty Screen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint, $54.95.

Both take about five seconds to apply and make me look like I've actually slept.

Step 3. The best bronzer for mature skin.

Bronzer is my makeup cheat code. Image: Catrice Cosmetics.

Bronzer is my secret weapon. A quick dust over my cheeks brings me back to life, and if I blend it into my crease, it doubles as eyeshadow.

My mornings are faster when I can use one product in two places, so I've been loving Catrice Sun Lover Glow Bronzing Powder, $9, which gives warmth without looking muddy.

This product is relatively new to Australian shores, and you can pick up the range at selected Priceline stores, so you know it's value for money.

Step 4. A multi-use cream blush.

One product for the cheeks, eyes and lips! Image: Supplied.

This is the product that ties everything together. I tap it on my cheeks for colour, dab a bit on my lips, and swipe across my lids. Done.

The multi-use blush I've been carrying in my work tote is Raww Superfood Face Tint in the shade Cosmopolitan, $26.99, because it gives me that healthy flush without needing three separate products.

If you prefer a more mattifying product, then reach for either the Fwee Pudding Pots, $29.99, or the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Velvet Matte, $66.

All three of these are great multi-use products. 

Step 5. The best mascaras for hooded eyes.

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On mornings when I'm running late (so… most mornings), I can't skip mascara.

Even one coat makes me look awake and put together. If you are worried about transfer and want a softer look, try Holme Beauty Loyal Lash Mascara in Brown, $44.

It's a tubing mascara that is now in the most gorgeous hazelnut brown to make eyes pop. This makes my lashes stand out without looking overdone.

Step 6. The best setting spray for mature skin.

Image: e.l.f. Cosmetics.

This last step is optional, but it makes all the difference.

A mist of setting spray brings everything together and makes my skin look hydrated rather than "powdery makeup." I've been spritzing E.L.F. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray, $24, before heading out the door.

I give my face a good soaking; this is important and something that I bang on about all the time. I then fan my skin down until it's dry. The whole point of this is to not only make your face last longer, but to make everything more seamless, and it just makes your skin, well, look like skin. BUT BETTER!

Altogether, these six steps take less than five minutes, which means I can still get out the door on time and feel put together for the office.

The funny part? I never thought I'd be raving about RAWW beauty products, but right now, their stuff is just doing the job, and I have had to eat my words.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast below or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature Image: Supplied.