My love for makeup started almost a decade ago (before it was just eyeliner & blush!) and yet, I still feel like I need every single product that’s out in Sephora. An eyeshadow brush for every contour of my eye or face brush for all dimensions of my face. There are most days than not where I want to spend less time laboring over my face and just get out the door. Even more so when I’m traveling or forgot to pack my on-the-go beauty products.
So as you can imagine, I had to improvise and resort to what was available no matter the place. Below I’ve compiled a list of what you may call The Lazy Smart Girl’s Guide to makeup. Here are 10 products that will not only save you time but money.
1. Vaseline
I use my vaseline for everything especially when I’m feeling a bit dry on my face or on my eyebrows. Vaselines are not only great for your lips, but you could place a bit on your eyelids for a ‘natural’ gloss look especially during the summer or even as a ‘wet’ highlight across the high cheekbones. Another tip you can do is mix vaseline with a red or orange shadow as a tinted lip balm.
2. Mascara
Whenever you’re traveling next time, pack only mascara and ditch your eyeliner. With a similar formula, mascara can be the perfect eyeliner and mascara at the same time. Remember to grab a waterproof one! My daily go-to is the Tarte, Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara
3. Warm Eyeshadow Palettes
I never understood why I always bought so many extra blush or bronzer powders when nude palettes usually have the perfect nude blush and chances are you’ll always have a perfect light brown for that bronzer or contour shade! Next time you make a trip to the makeup store, buy a huge range of eyeshadows. My favorite is the Sephora Pro Warm Palette since it has a lot of skin tone colors and it’s perfect for both eyes and face.
5. Peppermint oil
I always find lip plumpers to be too stingy on my lips almost painful even. Normally I have a few essential oils laying around so I decided to put a small amount onto my clear or nude lip glosses. Peppermint oil is not only a great essential oil but you can also use it in your lip gloss to give that full, pout lip effect. I recommend using a small dose of peppermint oil as it can sting a bit on your lips. (Click on image for URL)
6. Nude lipsticks
I’ve always been obsessed with cream blushes since they gave this effect that blush was coming from within my skin. It wasn’t until I ran out of my favorite Mac cream blush that I had to resort to using my nude lipsticks as a cream blusher. You probably have a red or nude lipstick in your vanity so next time, you can use it as a cream blush alone with your makeup or bare skin. My favorite nude lipsticks are Bobbi Brown Lip color lipsticks they are a semi-matte creamy formula.
7. Stick Foundations
One of my favorite products to contour my face is with a creamy foundation stick. It not only sets into my makeup but it stays on throughout the day. Just recently purchased Anastasia Beverly Hills Foundation Stick in shade Fawn and Mink. Perfect stick foundation especially if you have an oily T-zone or acne prone skin.
8. Talc-free baby powder
A lot of setting powders on the market have talc as one of their top ingredients which can be harmful when inhaling in large amounts. I normally use a talc-free baby powder right after showers or as a dry shampoo, but you can also use it lightly to set your makeup. Toss your traditional makeup setting powders and use a light amount of baby powder to sweep all over the face. I’d suggest using a talc-free formula from Burt’s Bees Baby Dusting Powder. It works just as great as your regular makeup setting powders and you save a ton of money! On another note, baby powders are known not to clog your pores and help minimalize your acne.
9. Foundation Palette
I purchased my first RCMA Foundation palette after a friend recommended it to me and I’ve been hooked! It serves not only as skin foundation, but you can use it as a concealer or contour shade. Talk about saving money! It’s completely worth the investment if you take into account how many luxury brands charge for a single foundation and concealer. This palette is perfect for all year round (whether you’re tan or not!) and excellent for travel! Forget the idea that you need to buy a foundation for every shade… you’re welcome 😉
10. Self -Tanner Powder
I discovered the Vita Liberata Trystal Minerals Self tanner powder last year and was in desperate need of a quick tan for an event. I’m normally on the medium olive skin tone side, especially during the winter months, and will usually pop some of this powder on my face and neck/chest area right before makeup application. It works as a self-tanner & bronzer in a powder form which is amazing! I usually start with my cheeks to give it that chiseled look and work my way around my face to give it a lasting tan. Tip: Make sure to swirl the brush around the lid and tap any excess before application. This powder gives a healthy natural glow without looking too noticeable on the skin.
Let me know what are some of your favorite multi-purpose makeup products. Would love to know!
