In today's world, it always seems that time is of the essence. And even though I do enjoy sitting down at my bathroom mirror for a leisurely glam session - sometimes that “me time” is not an option. On the contrary, getting ready in the morning can often feel like I’m racing race against the clock! Especially when you have a crazy busy life like I do being a small business owner and a mom with 3 kids who constantly need to be somewhere…and on time! So today, I have Time-Saving Beauty Products to Simplify Your Makeup Routine.
Even though my kids are fairly grown (12, 15, and 17 yrs old) they still seem to need dear old mom a lot of the time, and I will always put them first…while swiping on a little concealer and mascara of course 😉
So fear not you ladies who feel like you just don’t have the time to pull your look together OR aren’t even sure what products to use to achieve that!
Jennifer shares Time-Saving Beauty Products To Simplify Your Makeup Routine
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
In today’s post, I’ll introduce you to some of my current go-to beauty products that will not only save you time and streamline those hectic morning beauty routines, but also leave you looking and feeling as fabulous as you want to be.
If you're tired of juggling multiple products for your base makeup, it's time to embrace the wonders of a multitasking color-correcting cream, like the It Cosmetics CC Nude Glow, $47. This all-in-one product is 90% skincare as it contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea. Along with these ingredients is also combines the benefits of an anti-aging serum, lightweight foundation, moisturizer, and an SPF of 40 into a single formula.
By using this CC cream, I can cut down on my makeup application time significantly, while still achieving a flawless and glowy complexion even with my mega-dry skin. I find it quicker and more effective to get an even complexion by using my BK Beauty Buffing foundation brush, $34.
If you have oily skin at all, try their original CC cream or if you’re super oily, their Matte CC formula.
Flawless-looking skin is always the key, but sometimes you just can’t ignore the tired dark under eyes that need attention! And the Makeup Revolution Eye Brightener concealer, $10 is the perfect solution to bringing life to the eyes. It’s basically a dupe for the $33 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away concealer. I also use this handy click pen with sponge to place strategically onto other places of my face (after my CC cream) where I want to highlight/lighten and bring forward so I don’t have to bother with highlighter or shimmer.
I know my photo looks crazy, (showing you for placement purposes!) but once you blend it out, it really adds an extra level of revitalized complexion and under eyes - and you can do this quickly! I usually finish off the CC Cream and concealer with a few pats of my holy grail loose powder to set for the day.
I am not one to forgo the brows - mine are way too sparse! And I know most women struggle with picking a color. Well It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Pencil in “Universal Taupe”, $26, has made it easy to find one that works for practically all brows. It truly is one of the best formulas and pencils I have found that doesn’t go too warm and looks extremely natural.
Creating an eye-catching look doesn't have to involve hours of blending and precision. Eyeshadow sticks are a godsend for busy individuals seeking an easy way to add a pop of color to their eyes.
I have been loving the new shades from Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks,$32, because they are easy to use, and best of all, you can skip the eyelid primer because once applied, they don’t budge!! These creamy sticks glide on smoothly and can be blended with your fingertips or cream shadow brushes.
Whether you prefer a subtle shimmer or a sultry smoky eye, eyeshadow sticks simplify the process and save you valuable time. I have layered two shades here, “Cafe Noir” a cool deep brown, and “Brick” a chestnut brown closest to the lash line.
Forget about the hassle of separate blushes and lipstick application. Tinted lip + cheeks stains are the perfect solution for a low-maintenance look with a hint of color. I have brought back the old-school Benefit Lip and Cheek Stain, $21 (their original shade is iconic) that now comes in a variety of shades.
I have been wearing the shade “FloraTint,” which is a desert rose. These products are perfect for someone that wants to knock out cheeks and lips with one product that is a non-drying and transfer-proof product, that you can apply best with your fingertips! (although it does stain the finger, so you’ll have to wash it off!) I layer this stain until I get just the amount of depth and color I want.
If you follow me on Instagram, you have no doubt seen my stories about my love and devotion to press on nails! I despise going to the nail salon (just not my thing, don’t have the time) but I dig having pretty shapely nails. The Kiss Brand of press on nails are my go-tos. I switch off between their glue-on ones and the sticky tab ones. They are chip-proof, waterproof, and require no color drying time.
So once your glue dries in mere seconds per nail, you can go on about your business! My trick for easily applying myself is to do my dominant hand first, so then I can use my dominant hand to do the non-dominant one. Be sure your nails are clean and buffed slick (no ridges) before applying for the longest wear.
Washing my hair is one of my least favorite things - it seems like such a time-consuming process! Enter the game-changer…dry shampoo. This magical product soaks up excess oil, adds volume, and refreshes your hair, making it look and feel clean without the need for water. My affordable go-to is the $7 Hask Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo. I go through cans and cans of this stuff! I love it. Now if I didn’t need to constantly buy and use so much, I'd buy the popular Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, $40.
The key I have found to less oily hair - is to spritz my roots at nighttime before I go to sleep. And then in the a.m., I need to use less product to soak up the oil! So if you've never tried dry shampoo to cut your morning time in half, do it! Your locks will be rejuvenated, and you'll be ready to take on the day with fabulous hair in no time.
See, getting ready doesn't have to be a daunting or time-consuming affair! With the right beauty products, you can streamline your routine and still look fabulous. These time-saving beauty products will make your mornings more manageable and leave you feeling confident and ready to conquer the day!
Be sure to check out my picks for BEST OF BEAUTY DEALS FROM THE NORDSTROM SALE if you missed it last week. You have until August 6th before prices go back up, so take advantage of these beauty exclusives before they’re gone or more expensive!
This square neck puff sleeve top, $23 comes in over 20 colors | My fave LuvAJ shaker betzel earrings are now 1/2 off! | This Loft multi-colored chain link necklace is only $19 and literally goes with every single top in my closet! | Amazon initial ring
Yesterday, Beth and Kelly shared Easy Breezy Summer Outfits. Click the title or image below to read the article.
is our beauty & makeup contributor. She posts a weekly column on Wednesdays.
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Thanks again, Jennifer, for another informative post! You have very good content. I appreciate the links to the jewelry, clothing, etc., as well. Oh, and my goodness, you have a beautiful family!
Thank you so much Angie for this comment about my family 🙂 I’m very proud of them all! And glad you’re appreciating all of the beauty & style details!
Jenifer -Loving this post and the products/prices. Saving until I have time to pick some of them up. A quick, stream-lined routine may be just the thing I need at this time in my life. Thank you!
Great to hear Deanna! Yes you can always flag this post and come back to it when you’re ready to try out some of my recommendations – hope they help your routine in the future!
Jennifer: I really enjoyed today’s post about quick makeup (and seeing your kids!) I WAS a very active 67 yo until breaking my ankle last week. Surgery, cast, pain, no weight bearing on that leg for at least 6 weeks. But I still love makeup and grooming and find that a little blush, lipgloss, and brow definition really lifts my spirits. Perhaps you could do a future column on “Beauty in Bed” or “I may feel sick but I look good” 🤣 Thank you.
I laughed out loud Sandra about the “Beauty in Bed”’ topic idea!! What a great sense of humor you have!! If just a few swipes of makeup can lift your spirits after an injury, then I think it’s money and time well spent!
Jennifer, love your posts. It’s so great that you’ll post without make-up so we can see the process and the “after!”
Your recommendations are terrific. I have tried many things that you’ve suggested, with great results. I had been using the Laura Mercier caviar sticks and love them. I didn’t realize that there were so many more colors.
Thanks for educating us on make-up.
Cute kids…by the way! Happy summer! Hope you’re enjoying time with your family.
Aww thank you Nancy for letting me know how much you’re enjoying my recommendations! And happy to hear that the ones you’ve tried have worked out! A good before and after makeup is one of my favorite ways to really show how certain products work together – really tells the story!! And yes Laura Mercier has really expanded her color options on the caviar sticks. Treat yourself to a new shade for fall!
Terrific post Jennifer! So many helpful hints for a quick makeup routine;. I would like your recommendation for colors on the Caviar Sticks – I’m fair-skinned, medium brown hair and blue eyes. Looking forward to trying them and a couple other products you’ve shown. Thank you!!