Let’s be real: Sometimes “life hacks” are only good in theory. (Yes, rigging a system of binder clips and plastic bread ties will organize my computer cables, but who has the time for that?) So, in celebration of National Simplify Your Life Week, we asked dozens of experts on everything from finances to nutrition for advice on how we can really, actually make things easier. To finish out our Simplify Your Life series, we're bringing you double the expertise for two classically time-consuming routines: skincare and makeup.
We all have those binged-on-Netflix-till-2-am nights followed by I-have-to-leave-in-10-minutes mornings, which usually means a panicked face wash and a speedy makeup application before running out the door. But, take note: Even the latest of sleepers can learn a thing or two from our experts. If you've only got a few minutes to go through your makeup and skincare regimen in the morning, you can still purify and beautify masterfully—provided you’ve got a smart strategy.
TIP 1: KEEP YOUR SKIN IN ITS BEST CONDITION
Yes, it's true: The best way to skip steps when you’re applying makeup is to take care of your skin on the regular. Lucky for us, simple skincare is having a moment within dermatological circles. The most important thing: “Find the right cleanser that removes oil and makeup, but doesn’t dry out your skin,” says dermatologist Jessica Wu. Her pick: Shu Uemura Porefinist Anti-Shine Fresh Cleansing Oil. Both Wu and dermatologist Lisa Airan agree that a thorough cleansing at the end of the day is essential as well. “Using a Clarisonic Skin Brush in the shower once a day can help the skin look wonderful,” says Airan. (Super sensitive-skinned ladies, though, beware, says Wu.)
TIP 2: USE MULTI-TASKING SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Try a combination moisturizer, anti-aging serum, and sunscreen, says Wu—Elizabeth Arden’s PREVAGE Anti-Aging Moisture Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is a beauty fan favorite. As for all-over skin care, Airan loves Olay Ultra Moisture In-Shower Body Lotion. It’s so moisturizing, it’ll save you those usual four minutes you spend slathering up your limbs in lotion after you've dried off from the shower.
TIP 3: DON’T SPEND TIME TREATING PROBLEMS YOU DON’T HAVE
Determine what you really need. Super-dry skin? Use a heavy duty moisturizer (ELLE.com editor Leah Chernikoff loves Clinique Moisture Surge Intense.) Acne problems? A toner can be helpful, says Wu. Unfortunately, skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, but it never hurts to get back to basics and evaluate what’s best for your skin, and use that one product when you're in a pinch—not a whole host of them.
TIP 4: NOW, ONTO MAKEUP. PRIORITIZE YOUR BASE, THEN POP A FEATURE
When you’re in a time crunch, prioritize. “Get your skin looking flawless and then zone in on a focal point, whether that’s the eyes, lips, [or even] brows,” says makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who’s worked on Charlize Theron, Kate Bosworth, and Naomi Watts. Enhance your complexion with anything from a tinted moisturizer to a full foundation and concealer routine, depending on time, and then pick which feature you want to focus on. Dubroff suggests highlighting your eyes by smudging pencil on the outer corners of your upper lids, curling your lashes, and then swiping on mascara. It's a quick three-step move, but it'll get you maximum impact in minimal time.
TIP 5: USE LOW-MAINTENANCE MAKEUP
If you want to sleep in a bit on purpose (beauty sleep is a real thing) and you’re looking for a more complete makeup routine in a short amount of time, “Pick products that are easy to use and apply,” says Clinique global color artist Jenna Menard, and keep the number of products you use at a minimum. “Just picking up and putting down each product down ends up being a lot of time,” says Menard. Make sure you keep you cosmetics neat and organized to avoid clutter, too, says Dubroff.
Menard’s quick picks: Clinique Even Better Compact Makeup, Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, and Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes. The latter “can be used to create a multidimensional look with just one product,” says Menard. Our shade fave: Lots ‘O Latte. (Trust us: It’ll make you look like you put way more effort than you actually did into a bronze smoky eye.)
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