Leave it to the Scandanivians - famous for clean-cut Ikea and Nokia - to pare things down to the bare minimum.

If you would like to work this less-is-more philosophy into your beauty regimen, look no further than Danish brand Tromborg.

This make-up, skincare and bodycare brand, founded by professional make-up artist Marianne Tromborg, in her 40s, opened a standalone store last month at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, the first in Asia.

Tromborg, who has 15 years of make-up experience and is based in Denmark, prides herself on providing women with quick and simple beauty plans.

'I've always loved make-up where I don't have to think about matching wild yellows or greens,' she said.

'Make-up that you can put on without looking like an accident, and still look healthy and beautiful, that's Tromborg.'

During her visit to Singapore for Tromborg's opening, she said: 'A common beauty mistake of modern women is that they pay too much attention to covering up with make-up.'

So, Urban asked her to create three fuss-free make-up routines of five, 10 and 15 minutes for today's time-strapped woman.

Her reply: 'Being beautiful in five minutes, I can do it. 10 minutes, I can too.'

Then she adds with a laugh: 'Fifteen minutes? We'd have to drink champagne in the last five minutes because I won't have anything else to do.'

Tromborg's secret to keeping things quick and easy are her multi-tasking products.

For example, the brand has a Face and Body Shine lotion ($96) that delivers a hint of shimmer to liven up dull skin. It also doubles up as a highlighter to brighten up the browbones and upper lip and can be dabbed on the inner corner of the eyes.

Maureen Law, director and vice-president of marketing of OneNine57, which distributes Tromborg in Singapore, sums it up this way: 'Don't complicate life. Looking beautiful is important but why waste time?'

Tromborg is giving away 20 mineral foundations worth $110 each to the first 20 readers who call 6732-8880 to make an appointment for a free foundation shade consultation.

DOUBLE DUTY
Multi-tasking beauty products are great time savers. Here are seven to play with.

Tromborg Eye Grease $55, from 05-25B Ngee Ann City TowerB This eye palette contains two gel eyeliners (black and brown) and two cream eyeshadows (gold and silver). The cream version doubles up as colour intensifiers. Simply apply powder eyeshadow over them and see the colours pop.	Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge $41, from all Bobbi Brown counters Use this cream-based formula on both the lips and cheeks. Dab on to the apples of your cheeks for a natural-looking flush.	La Mer The Refining Facial $153, from Tangs Orchard and Robinsons TheCentrepoint A two-in-one product that can be used as either a scrub or a mask. It contains pure diamond powder and polished sea quartz to exfoliate the skin. Or, spread a thin layer of this scrub over your face and wait for about 15 minutes for it to dry. The sea mud in it softens skin and gently lifts away dead surface cells. Moisten with some water, scrub, then wash away.
Benefit Benetint $65, from Tangs Orchard and Robinsons Raffles City This best-selling lip and cheek stain from cosmetics brand Benefit is a cult favourite of beauty junkies. Using the brush that is attached to the cap, blend three or four dots of Benetint onto each cheek for a natural, just-exercised flush. Or, blend in three dots of it over a layer of lipgloss for a perfect pout.	Lancaster Sunlight Palette $68, from Tangs Orchard and VivoCity from next month If you want a sun-kissed glow minus the streaky orange of self-tanners, check out this compact. Swivel a brush over all the shades and brush over your face for an all-over glow.	Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Dry Oil $48, from all Kiehl's counters This multi-purpose dry oil works wonders to moisturise dry spots on your body and face. You can even use it to soothe dry and flaking lips. Plus, massage a little into your hair to smooth split ends and add a healthy sheen to your locks.
Stila Convertible Eye Colour $42, from escentials, Tangs Orchard An all-in-one wand, it contains an eyeliner, powder eyeshadow and smudging sponge so you can create various looks - from sheer and natural to smoky.

BEAT THE CLOCK
Here are Tromborg's five- and 10-minute make-up routines:

Five minutes

1. Brush on mineral foundation with a kabuki brush (a large powder brush with a short handle). Buff the powder onto your skin for a flawless finish.

2. Colour the apple of your cheeks with the Creamy Lip, Cheek & Eye Powder ($55). If you have trouble locating your cheek apples, smile. You can also use this powder as an eyeshadow or lip colour.

3. Swipe on Tromborg's Velvet eyeshadow ($52) over your lids. This shimmery shade of brown is what Tromborg calls a 'universal colour' because it can be used on any skin tone.

4. Apply a coat of mascara on your lashes.

5. Finish the look with natural-looking pink lips. Try Tromborg's lipgloss ($55) in shade #2.

10 minutes

1. Follow steps 1 to 5.

2. Using a flat eyeliner brush, dot on black gel eyeliner from the Eye Grease ($55) palette along the upper lash line and inner corners of the lower lash line.

3. Add an extra coat of mascara to lashes for more va-va-voom.

4. Apply Face And Body Shine ($96) on your eyelids over your eyeshadow and the inner corner of your eyes for added pizzaz.

5. If you still have time, apply Face And Body Shine to your upper lip and brow bone to highlight these areas as well.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Oct 31, 2008.