Perhaps you’re jumping from the gym straight to work, or maybe you’ve had a late night mid-week and can only bear to apply the absolute essentials the next morning due to sleep deprivation? Either way, I’ve collated five products that’ll do the bare minimum for you once you’ve cleansed and are ready to go.
You’ll never have to lug a tonne of products around in your gym bag, or feel guilty pressing snooze on your morning alarm again. Think of these time and space savers are your new beauty best friends.
A Hydrating Cream
A creamy hydrating moisturiser will prep skin and keep it looking glowy and fresh. Ideally, you’d use a toner first, and follow moisturising with a primer, but on really busy days the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream will see you through – it hydrates deep down, creating a dewy base for your makeup. Plus, it can be used on your body to combat severe dryness.
A bb cream
Bb creams are such multi-taskers, they help to cut down on the amount of product you need to use. The Erborian bb crème Light Hypoallergenic combines hydration, sun protection and foundation, and leaves skin with a smooth yet ‘make-up free’ look. If you want to make it even sheerer, mix it with your moisturiser before applying.
Bronzer
A multi-toned bronzer will add dimension to your face when applied right and can double as a blush if you choose the right one. I love the MeMeMe Shimmer Stack. Made from ultra fine milled powder and with just the right touch of shimmer, the different shades in the compact combine for a subtle bronze hue, or you can focus on one shade to add to apples of the cheeks. Even try swiping a brush into single colours for eyelids. Extra points are awarded for the handy portable package.
Mascara
A mascara will help to open your eyes, so it is a real must. Even if you think you have dark lashes, the blackest mascara will add that extra pop, making the white of your peepers seem whiter and giving your lashes a nice amount of length and definition. Try the Napoleon Perdis Mesmer-Eyes Mascara with a brush that’ll lengthen without making your lashes look OTT.
A balm
A great balm will not only help lips stay smooth, soft and add a little shimmer, it’ll also double as a hydrating illuminating product (simply swipe a little along cheek bones and brow bones to define and add a dewy look). The Natralus Natural Paw Paw Ointment is perfect, and can even be used to comb through brows to help hold them in place, as well as rubbed into cuticles to keep them soft. Amazing!