'I'm a beauty editor and most days I only wear 4 simple makeup products.'

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I can't speak for all beauty editors, but this one right here does not spend more than a few minutes on her makeup in the morning.

I love popping music on and luxuriating in doing a full face of makeup for a nice dinner or a wedding, but every day? Absolutely not.

Watch: Our beauty experts explain how to make your makeup last longer. Post continues below.

After some trial and error, I've found I only need a select few products for an everyday makeup routine I feel good in.

Not because I have perfect skin and wake up looking like a model, but because I'm strategic with my time and product choices. (And because I'd rather the extra sleep in!)

I loosely call these products the 'four Bs'. Just enough glow and colour to help you look more alive. Not enough fuss to make the application feel like a chore.

Chuck them on in under five minutes and get on with your day. Here's how I do it.

Step 1. Base.

My current fave base products. Image: Supplied.

Some people feel naked without foundation, while others ditch it all together. So, rather than tell you to use a specific foundation/tinted moisturiser/BB cream, apply whatever you feel most confident with.

For me day-to-day, a subtle bronzey illuminator applied all over the face with my fingers does the trick. I'll add some concealer on my eyebags depending on how I'm feeling.

The base products I'm reaching for right now:

Step 2. Brows.

Don't underestimate the impact of styling your eyebrows. Maybe this is controversial, but I'd sooner part with mascara than my eyebrow gel.

The products you use and how long it'll take depends on your brows — some people like to add colour or fill sparse brows in, while others (like me) just need them to stay put.

I've been using Benefit's 24 Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel ($48) for the last several years; the comb applicator makes brushing your eyebrows into place super easy, and the formula dries down clear for all-day hold, without any crunchy and flaky bits.

Pro tip: If your eyebrow gels go manky after a few months of use (which happens because your brush usually picks up foundation over time), consider buying travel sizes instead — my Benefit clear gel comes in a mini for $28!

Step 3. Blush.

Just a few very good blushes! Image: Supplied.

Celebrity makeup artist Max May said it on the You Beauty podcast recently: nothing transforms your face faster than blush.

The Tasmanian in me overheats on days above 23 degrees, so I never wore blush until I was in my late 20s. Looking back on old photos, I wish I'd learnt about blush sooner — it instantly adds life and vitality to your complexion. That's why it's a daily non-negotiable.

I prefer the ease and 'bounce' of a cream blush applied with a medium-sized brush like the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush for my dry skin, but combo or oilier skin types might like a powder blush.

The blushes I use on repeat:

Pro tip: Rather than smiling to place blush on the apples of your cheeks…. find the axis in line with your pupil and the bottom of your nose, and apply the colour there. Then, blend upwards and outwards along your cheekbones for a lifted look, even when you're not smiling!

Step 4. Balm (tinted, obviously).

Lip products make up 80% of my makeup bag. Image: Supplied.

I'm never without several tinted lip products. Forget a clear gloss. My white/purple/corpse-coloured lips practically disappear from my face without some slick of pigment.

Tinted lip balms are easy for every day because they're hydrating, feel comfy enough to wear for hours, fuss free to reapply and often leave a subtle tint behind should you go a few hours between touch-ups. Oh, and they'll never end up on your teeth!

I like to match my lip colour to my blush for a cohesive look that feels put together… even if you slapped it on in 0.76 seconds.

You'll always find these tinted lip balms in my handbag:

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

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Feature image: Supplied.