Ever feel like you don't have the energy to face your makeup-removing, skin-cleansing, anti-aging nighttime routine? Skin expert Dr. Heidi Waldorf says the key to simple skin care is using multi-tasking products. She recommends using a cleanser that is "non-foaming and hydrating like DCL Non-Drying Lotion Cleanser, $15 or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $12." You can exfoliate with the same cleanser by using a sonic brush with it like Olay Professional Pro-X Facial Cleansing Brush, $29.99.
"Next, add an antioxidant in the morning and a retinoid at night. To save time, find combination products. One of my favorites is SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, $148, which combines antioxidants, growth factors, and peptides -- one pump covers the face and neck and absorbs quickly so a moisturizer containing sunblock will go over it easily," she says. And "unless your eyelids are particularly sensitive, skip the separate eye cream and use your facial products there too -- you may just need to reduce the frequency of a product containing an irritating ingredient like a retinoid."
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Tip No. 2: Use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation and bronzer
Using a product that multitasks, like a tinted moisturizer with SPF, turns three steps into one. Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose recommends using one that's "a little bit darker [than your skin tone]. It adds a warmer glaze to your skin and makes [it] look better in an instant without [having to do] a lot." Plus, you can apply it with your fingers the way you would your moisturizer -- much easier than foundation. Our readers love Becca Luminous Skin Colour, $48.
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Tip No. 3: Use dry shampoo to save time (and water)
Chris Megia, hairstylist at the John Frieda Salon in Los Angeles, says when you don't have time to jump into the shower, combat oily hair by using a dry shampoo. First, spray it onto your hair; then, with a paddle brush, blow dry your hair in sections. The dry shampoo mixed with the natural oils of your hair imparts some oomph into otherwise flat strands. Peruse our readers' favorite dry shampoos to find the best one for you.
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Tip No. 4: Use the same product for cheeks and eyes
Barose recommends using one product that can be used on multiple areas instead of individual blushes and eyeshadows. He also suggests going for a sun-kissed color. "You want something that has a bronzy tone to it; you don't want an orangey or peachy shade because if you put it on your lids it'll look weird." He recommends Nars the Multiple Bronzer, $39, saying it's "a good color for cheeks and eyelids. It's a penny color but not as coppery. It's going to look warm on your cheeks and will also add a little bit of pep to the eyelids."
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Tip No. 5: Stick on your polish when you have zero time to let it dry
When you have to get dressed up for an event but don't have time to get your nails done, get salon-perfect-looking nails in a snap -- literally -- with stick-on nail polish. You can go with a solid shade or even try funky prints or nail art designs without ever having to meticulously labor over them with a teeny brush. With these ingenious stickers, all you have to do is peel, apply, and file -- no drying time necessary. And since they're technically nail polish, you can take them off with nail polish remover 10 days later. (That's right -- they last 10 days.)Our editors can't get enough of Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, $9.99.
Your kids are half dressed and running around the kitchen refusing to eat their oatmeal, which your dog licks up instead. All the while you're hopping on one foot trying to get your other heel on while hurriedly trying to swipe on some mascara before grabbing the keys and making a mad dash for the door, kids in tow.
While we hope your day begins a bit less frantically, the truth is that women have to fill big shoes these days. We're called to be businesswomen, mothers, housekeepers, cooks -- and that means making sure your eye and lip makeup match is a task that may (understandably) fall to the bottom of your list of priorities. When life gets hectic, it's easy to neglect taking care of yourself and your needs -- including your morning makeup routine.
But as the old saying goes, a happy wife makes a happy home, and taking care of how you look is an easy way to quickly boost your mood and how you feel about yourself. But, you protest, didn't we just go over how busy you are and how you don't have time to perfect the latest cat eye?
That's exactly why these 9 amazing beauty tips are for you crazy-busy women. We consulted top beauty experts to get the latest innovations and clever tricks that are guaranteed to leave you looking put-together without having to clock time parked in front of the vanity. Plus, we offer our favorite beauty products that'll help achieve these tips. So, if you can spare a few minutes to get a couple of pointers, let's begin �
