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Mornings can feel like a race against the clock, especially when your to-do list is longer than your coffee order. Between early meetings, commutes and last-minute calendar alerts, carving out time for a full glam session can seem wildly optimistic. But looking polished doesn’t have to mean spending hours in front of the mirror. The secret lies in smart choices, multitasking heroes and a routine that works as hard as you do. To break it all down, we spoke to Marianna Mukuchyan—an international celebrity hair and makeup artist and one of Tira’s Expert Panellists—who knows exactly how to deliver maximum impact in minimal time.
For Mukuchyan, everyday makeup isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters. She believes the best routines are the ones that feel instinctive. Think intentional steps, clever techniques and products that earn their place in your makeup bag. Ahead, she breaks down her busy girl routine—a quick daily makeup routine designed for the days when you need to be out the door fast but still want to look completely pulled together.
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Everyone knows Laneige for its Lip Sleeping Mask, but this moisturiser deserves a little spotlight too. It’s lightweight but hydrating enough to keep your skin soft all day, thanks to a blend of squalane, blue hyaluronic acid, and a Pepta-Panthenol Complex. If your skin’s feeling a little dull or tight, this one gives it that bounce-back feel—without being greasy or heavy.
“For a busy girl, makeup should feel effortless and quick—about 10–15 minutes total,” says Mukuchyan. The focus is on simplicity and intention, making this a truly quick and easy everyday makeup approach that delivers impact without slowing you down.
Before anything else, Mukuchyan preps the skin properly. “Never skip moisturiser—hydrated skin is the key to beautiful makeup,” she says. Taking the time to massage it in ensures everything layered on top looks smoother and more seamless, setting the tone for a minimalist makeup routine that still feels polished.
If you have a little extra time, she recommends a quick depuffing ritual: a few seconds of a face ice bath or an ice towel to tighten the skin, followed by a red-light wand to boost glow and circulation.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer and Primer (30ml)
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel, Lightweight Korean Peptide Moisturizer For Oily Skin (100 ml)
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer (50 ml)
When it comes to foundation, Mukuchyan keeps it breathable. “Tinted moisturiser or very light coverage foundation—keeps it fresh and natural,” she explains.
She likes to mix her tint or foundation with a drop of liquid illuminator for a natural glow. For application, she keeps it efficient—hands or a flat foundation brush first, then pressing everything into the skin with a damp beauty blender. “This gives a seamless, skin-like finish very quickly,” she says.
Concealer comes next, applied under the eyes and anywhere needed. The idea is not to overlayer, but to brighten and even out selectively, so the skin still looks like skin.
Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation - 5-Light Neutral (30 ml)
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All in One Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25 - Light Neutral (12ml)
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi Use Concealer - 100 Ivory (6ml)
For definition that does not require a full eyeshadow routine, Mukuchyan reaches for a brown pencil. “Smudged brown eye pencil—soft definition that’s quicker than eyeshadow,” she says. It adds subtle shape and depth in seconds and is forgiving enough to apply in a rush.
Mascara follows. “Instantly opens the eyes,” she says, and that alone makes it worth the minute it takes.
FAE BEAUTY Eye-Deal Intense Gel Kajal With Sharpener & Fine Bristle Brush Shade - Brown Sugar (0.35 g)
KIKO Milano Intense Color Long Lasting Eyeliner - 04 Pearly Brown (1.2 g)
Kylie Cosmetics Kyliner Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil - 003-Matte Dark Brown (1.2 g)
NARS Mini Climax Mascara - Explicit Black (2.5 g)
Mukuchyan uses a brow pencil to lightly fill sparse areas, brushes through with a spoolie to soften the product, then finishes with brow gel to hold everything in place. It keeps brows defined yet natural and helps frame the face without overpowering the look.
Maybelline New York Define & Blend Brow Pencil - Grey Brown (0.16g)
Swiss Beauty Micro Precision Eyebrow Pencil - Deep Brown (0.1g)
ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown (0.25g)
A little bronzer goes a long way to add warmth and structure,” Mukuchyan explains. It is her fastest way to bring life back into the face without complicated contouring.
For glow, she taps a liquid highlighter onto the high points of the face using her fingers—cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow. “It looks natural and takes seconds,” she says.
NARS Mini Laguna Bronzing Powder - Laguna 04 (3.5 g)
Makeup Revolution Relove Super Bronzer - Oasis (6 g)
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter - Satiny Pink (6ml)
Mukuchyan suggests thinking about longevity. “For long days, I recommend a lip tint or long-wear matte formula—they require minimal touch-ups,” she says. If you prefer something softer, “a balmy tinted lip product is perfect” for a more natural finish.
Her quickest trick is simple but effective: “Apply product to the centre of the lips and blend outward with your finger. It creates a soft, effortless finish that’s very flattering and easy to maintain.”
Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint - 17 Dark Coconut (3.5 g)
Clarins Water Lip Stain - 11 Soft Pink Water (1 ml)
Sheglam Take A Hint Lip Tint - Obsessed (3.5 ml)
To finish, she uses setting spray. “Locks everything in and blends the makeup beautifully.” It is the final step that ensures the entire look feels cohesive and lasts throughout the day.
M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix + Matte Vaporisateur Matifiant (100 ml)
Too Faced Hangover 3-In-1 Primer & Setting Spray (120ml)
Smashbox Photo Finish Fixate Setting Spray (110ml)
Mukuchyan’s go-to daytime eye is refreshingly clever. “For daytime, I apply a matte liquid lipstick on the eyelid as a cream eyeshadow—it blends quickly and gives a soft, effortless look.”
To take it into the evening, she simply builds on that base. “Add dark kajal to the waterline and smudge it out slightly as a liner for more depth and drama.” It is a subtle shift that transforms the look without needing to start from scratch.
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“For a busy girl, makeup should feel effortless and quick—about 10–15 minutes total,” says Mukuchyan. The focus is on simplicity and intention, making this a truly quick and easy everyday makeup approach that delivers impact without slowing you down.
Before anything else, Mukuchyan preps the skin properly. “Never skip moisturiser—hydrated skin is the key to beautiful makeup,” she says. Taking the time to massage it in ensures everything layered on top looks smoother and more seamless, setting the tone for a minimalist makeup routine that still feels polished.
If you have a little extra time, she recommends a quick depuffing ritual: a few seconds of a face ice bath or an ice towel to tighten the skin, followed by a red-light wand to boost glow and circulation.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer and Primer (30ml)
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel, Lightweight Korean Peptide Moisturizer For Oily Skin (100 ml)
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer (50 ml)
When it comes to foundation, Mukuchyan keeps it breathable. “Tinted moisturiser or very light coverage foundation—keeps it fresh and natural,” she explains.
She likes to mix her tint or foundation with a drop of liquid illuminator for a natural glow. For application, she keeps it efficient—hands or a flat foundation brush first, then pressing everything into the skin with a damp beauty blender. “This gives a seamless, skin-like finish very quickly,” she says.
Concealer comes next, applied under the eyes and anywhere needed. The idea is not to overlayer, but to brighten and even out selectively, so the skin still looks like skin.
Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation - 5-Light Neutral (30 ml)
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All in One Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25 - Light Neutral (12ml)
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi Use Concealer - 100 Ivory (6ml)
For definition that does not require a full eyeshadow routine, Mukuchyan reaches for a brown pencil. “Smudged brown eye pencil—soft definition that’s quicker than eyeshadow,” she says. It adds subtle shape and depth in seconds and is forgiving enough to apply in a rush.
Mascara follows. “Instantly opens the eyes,” she says, and that alone makes it worth the minute it takes.
FAE BEAUTY Eye-Deal Intense Gel Kajal With Sharpener & Fine Bristle Brush Shade - Brown Sugar (0.35 g)
KIKO Milano Intense Color Long Lasting Eyeliner - 04 Pearly Brown (1.2 g)
Kylie Cosmetics Kyliner Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil - 003-Matte Dark Brown (1.2 g)
NARS Mini Climax Mascara - Explicit Black (2.5 g)
Mukuchyan uses a brow pencil to lightly fill sparse areas, brushes through with a spoolie to soften the product, then finishes with brow gel to hold everything in place. It keeps brows defined yet natural and helps frame the face without overpowering the look.
Maybelline New York Define & Blend Brow Pencil - Grey Brown (0.16g)
Swiss Beauty Micro Precision Eyebrow Pencil - Deep Brown (0.1g)
ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown (0.25g)
A little bronzer goes a long way to add warmth and structure,” Mukuchyan explains. It is her fastest way to bring life back into the face without complicated contouring.
For glow, she taps a liquid highlighter onto the high points of the face using her fingers—cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow. “It looks natural and takes seconds,” she says.
NARS Mini Laguna Bronzing Powder - Laguna 04 (3.5 g)
Makeup Revolution Relove Super Bronzer - Oasis (6 g)
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter - Satiny Pink (6ml)
Mukuchyan suggests thinking about longevity. “For long days, I recommend a lip tint or long-wear matte formula—they require minimal touch-ups,” she says. If you prefer something softer, “a balmy tinted lip product is perfect” for a more natural finish.
Her quickest trick is simple but effective: “Apply product to the centre of the lips and blend outward with your finger. It creates a soft, effortless finish that’s very flattering and easy to maintain.”
Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint - 17 Dark Coconut (3.5 g)
Clarins Water Lip Stain - 11 Soft Pink Water (1 ml)
Sheglam Take A Hint Lip Tint - Obsessed (3.5 ml)
To finish, she uses setting spray. “Locks everything in and blends the makeup beautifully.” It is the final step that ensures the entire look feels cohesive and lasts throughout the day.
M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix + Matte Vaporisateur Matifiant (100 ml)
Too Faced Hangover 3-In-1 Primer & Setting Spray (120ml)
Smashbox Photo Finish Fixate Setting Spray (110ml)
Mukuchyan’s go-to daytime eye is refreshingly clever. “For daytime, I apply a matte liquid lipstick on the eyelid as a cream eyeshadow—it blends quickly and gives a soft, effortless look.”
To take it into the evening, she simply builds on that base. “Add dark kajal to the waterline and smudge it out slightly as a liner for more depth and drama.” It is a subtle shift that transforms the look without needing to start from scratch.
“For a busy girl, makeup should feel effortless and quick—about 10–15 minutes total,” says Mukuchyan. The focus is on simplicity and intention, making this a truly quick and easy everyday makeup approach that delivers impact without slowing you down.
Before anything else, Mukuchyan preps the skin properly. “Never skip moisturiser—hydrated skin is the key to beautiful makeup,” she says. Taking the time to massage it in ensures everything layered on top looks smoother and more seamless, setting the tone for a minimalist makeup routine that still feels polished.
If you have a little extra time, she recommends a quick depuffing ritual: a few seconds of a face ice bath or an ice towel to tighten the skin, followed by a red-light wand to boost glow and circulation.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer and Primer (30ml)
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel, Lightweight Korean Peptide Moisturizer For Oily Skin (100 ml)
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer (50 ml)
When it comes to foundation, Mukuchyan keeps it breathable. “Tinted moisturiser or very light coverage foundation—keeps it fresh and natural,” she explains.
She likes to mix her tint or foundation with a drop of liquid illuminator for a natural glow. For application, she keeps it efficient—hands or a flat foundation brush first, then pressing everything into the skin with a damp beauty blender. “This gives a seamless, skin-like finish very quickly,” she says.
Concealer comes next, applied under the eyes and anywhere needed. The idea is not to overlayer, but to brighten and even out selectively, so the skin still looks like skin.
Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation - 5-Light Neutral (30 ml)
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All in One Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25 - Light Neutral (12ml)
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi Use Concealer - 100 Ivory (6ml)
For definition that does not require a full eyeshadow routine, Mukuchyan reaches for a brown pencil. “Smudged brown eye pencil—soft definition that’s quicker than eyeshadow,” she says. It adds subtle shape and depth in seconds and is forgiving enough to apply in a rush.
Mascara follows. “Instantly opens the eyes,” she says, and that alone makes it worth the minute it takes.
FAE BEAUTY Eye-Deal Intense Gel Kajal With Sharpener & Fine Bristle Brush Shade - Brown Sugar (0.35 g)
KIKO Milano Intense Color Long Lasting Eyeliner - 04 Pearly Brown (1.2 g)
Kylie Cosmetics Kyliner Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil - 003-Matte Dark Brown (1.2 g)
NARS Mini Climax Mascara - Explicit Black (2.5 g)
Mukuchyan uses a brow pencil to lightly fill sparse areas, brushes through with a spoolie to soften the product, then finishes with brow gel to hold everything in place. It keeps brows defined yet natural and helps frame the face without overpowering the look.
Maybelline New York Define & Blend Brow Pencil - Grey Brown (0.16g)
Swiss Beauty Micro Precision Eyebrow Pencil - Deep Brown (0.1g)
ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown (0.25g)
A little bronzer goes a long way to add warmth and structure,” Mukuchyan explains. It is her fastest way to bring life back into the face without complicated contouring.
For glow, she taps a liquid highlighter onto the high points of the face using her fingers—cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow. “It looks natural and takes seconds,” she says.
NARS Mini Laguna Bronzing Powder - Laguna 04 (3.5 g)
Makeup Revolution Relove Super Bronzer - Oasis (6 g)
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter - Satiny Pink (6ml)
Mukuchyan suggests thinking about longevity. “For long days, I recommend a lip tint or long-wear matte formula—they require minimal touch-ups,” she says. If you prefer something softer, “a balmy tinted lip product is perfect” for a more natural finish.
Her quickest trick is simple but effective: “Apply product to the centre of the lips and blend outward with your finger. It creates a soft, effortless finish that’s very flattering and easy to maintain.”
Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint - 17 Dark Coconut (3.5 g)
Clarins Water Lip Stain - 11 Soft Pink Water (1 ml)
Sheglam Take A Hint Lip Tint - Obsessed (3.5 ml)
To finish, she uses setting spray. “Locks everything in and blends the makeup beautifully.” It is the final step that ensures the entire look feels cohesive and lasts throughout the day.
M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix + Matte Vaporisateur Matifiant (100 ml)
Too Faced Hangover 3-In-1 Primer & Setting Spray (120ml)
Smashbox Photo Finish Fixate Setting Spray (110ml)
Mukuchyan’s go-to daytime eye is refreshingly clever. “For daytime, I apply a matte liquid lipstick on the eyelid as a cream eyeshadow—it blends quickly and gives a soft, effortless look.”
To take it into the evening, she simply builds on that base. “Add dark kajal to the waterline and smudge it out slightly as a liner for more depth and drama.” It is a subtle shift that transforms the look without needing to start from scratch.
“For a busy girl, makeup should feel effortless and quick—about 10–15 minutes total,” says Mukuchyan. The focus is on simplicity and intention, making this a truly quick and easy everyday makeup approach that delivers impact without slowing you down.
Before anything else, Mukuchyan preps the skin properly. “Never skip moisturiser—hydrated skin is the key to beautiful makeup,” she says. Taking the time to massage it in ensures everything layered on top looks smoother and more seamless, setting the tone for a minimalist makeup routine that still feels polished.
If you have a little extra time, she recommends a quick depuffing ritual: a few seconds of a face ice bath or an ice towel to tighten the skin, followed by a red-light wand to boost glow and circulation.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Moisturizer and Primer (30ml)
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel, Lightweight Korean Peptide Moisturizer For Oily Skin (100 ml)
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer (50 ml)
When it comes to foundation, Mukuchyan keeps it breathable. “Tinted moisturiser or very light coverage foundation—keeps it fresh and natural,” she explains.
She likes to mix her tint or foundation with a drop of liquid illuminator for a natural glow. For application, she keeps it efficient—hands or a flat foundation brush first, then pressing everything into the skin with a damp beauty blender. “This gives a seamless, skin-like finish very quickly,” she says.
Concealer comes next, applied under the eyes and anywhere needed. The idea is not to overlayer, but to brighten and even out selectively, so the skin still looks like skin.
Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation - 5-Light Neutral (30 ml)
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All in One Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25 - Light Neutral (12ml)
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi Use Concealer - 100 Ivory (6ml)
For definition that does not require a full eyeshadow routine, Mukuchyan reaches for a brown pencil. “Smudged brown eye pencil—soft definition that’s quicker than eyeshadow,” she says. It adds subtle shape and depth in seconds and is forgiving enough to apply in a rush.
Mascara follows. “Instantly opens the eyes,” she says, and that alone makes it worth the minute it takes.
FAE BEAUTY Eye-Deal Intense Gel Kajal With Sharpener & Fine Bristle Brush Shade - Brown Sugar (0.35 g)
KIKO Milano Intense Color Long Lasting Eyeliner - 04 Pearly Brown (1.2 g)
Kylie Cosmetics Kyliner Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil - 003-Matte Dark Brown (1.2 g)
NARS Mini Climax Mascara - Explicit Black (2.5 g)
Mukuchyan uses a brow pencil to lightly fill sparse areas, brushes through with a spoolie to soften the product, then finishes with brow gel to hold everything in place. It keeps brows defined yet natural and helps frame the face without overpowering the look.
Maybelline New York Define & Blend Brow Pencil - Grey Brown (0.16g)
Swiss Beauty Micro Precision Eyebrow Pencil - Deep Brown (0.1g)
ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown (0.25g)
A little bronzer goes a long way to add warmth and structure,” Mukuchyan explains. It is her fastest way to bring life back into the face without complicated contouring.
For glow, she taps a liquid highlighter onto the high points of the face using her fingers—cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow. “It looks natural and takes seconds,” she says.
NARS Mini Laguna Bronzing Powder - Laguna 04 (3.5 g)
Makeup Revolution Relove Super Bronzer - Oasis (6 g)
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter - Satiny Pink (6ml)
Mukuchyan suggests thinking about longevity. “For long days, I recommend a lip tint or long-wear matte formula—they require minimal touch-ups,” she says. If you prefer something softer, “a balmy tinted lip product is perfect” for a more natural finish.
Her quickest trick is simple but effective: “Apply product to the centre of the lips and blend outward with your finger. It creates a soft, effortless finish that’s very flattering and easy to maintain.”
Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint - 17 Dark Coconut (3.5 g)
Clarins Water Lip Stain - 11 Soft Pink Water (1 ml)
Sheglam Take A Hint Lip Tint - Obsessed (3.5 ml)
To finish, she uses setting spray. “Locks everything in and blends the makeup beautifully.” It is the final step that ensures the entire look feels cohesive and lasts throughout the day.
M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix + Matte Vaporisateur Matifiant (100 ml)
Too Faced Hangover 3-In-1 Primer & Setting Spray (120ml)
Smashbox Photo Finish Fixate Setting Spray (110ml)
Mukuchyan’s go-to daytime eye is refreshingly clever. “For daytime, I apply a matte liquid lipstick on the eyelid as a cream eyeshadow—it blends quickly and gives a soft, effortless look.”
To take it into the evening, she simply builds on that base. “Add dark kajal to the waterline and smudge it out slightly as a liner for more depth and drama.” It is a subtle shift that transforms the look without needing to start from scratch.
