My 2-3 minute face for when I'm in a hurry, or don't want to look too made up.
Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser (this is very very good but there are cheaper TMs on the market, I remember Vichy did one)
I have dark circles and use a corrector, plus a professional concealor (I think it's kryolan) palette as nothing consumer works, in my opinion (and my friend's opinion, who is a top top top makeup artist) If your dark circles aren't too bad you could get away with bobbi brown creamy concealer, or a light diffusing wand (Guerlain instant light, touche eclat, etc)
Check around your nose, if there's discoloration, brush a bit of concealer there and pat in.
colour in brows with a taupe shadow with angled brush. nothing unnatural, but it frames the face
tightline (basically lift up the top lid and apply dark eyeliner (gel or pencil) to the base of the lashes. Doesn't look like eyeliner, but lends bulk to lashes and makes you look groomed. Should also be done if applying eyeliner on top as it will get rid of gaps.
mascara. If you want a good but cheap one, try LashBlast, MaxFactor Masterpiece is good and it's a tenner.
Cream blush (which can also double as a lip stain) Stila convertible or Bobbi Brown cream pots are great and last forever.
Rimmel make good lipsticks and lipglosses and their kohl is fantastic.
Other from that my other basic routine is fairly down at home. I do curly girl for hair (using inecto) and cleanse with castor oil/
always moisturise with jojoba and an occlusive on top, face I use anything to hand.
I regularly have to dye my grey hairs (boo hoo) check you don't - instant frazzler
And other general grooming tips. New, proper underwear. Always. Can wear cheap clothing but don't wear nasty shoes. You can have decent hair and good shoes and the rest kind of follows.
I also would go against the grain and say avoid jeans (unless you are young, tall and skinny). They do not suit many women and there are trousers/dresses that look so much better.