I may be a beauty editor [1] who tests dozens of products at work a day, but I have approximately 10 minutes to get my makeup on my face in the morning before sprinting out the door (and likely forgetting something). Because of my tightly packed schedule, I tend to favour products [2] that blend easily, show up in a single swipe, and take very little time to put on. In order to earn a spot in my routine, these products have to be top-notch, and ideally can be applied with my fingers.
Over my career, I've curated my daily cosmetics bags down to the quick, easy-to-apply essentials so I can get out the door in a flash. Ahead, read about the products that allow me to spend less time putting on makeup, and more time writing about makeup.
Step 1: Apply an Easy to Blend CC Cream
The It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ [3] ($39) can be easily applied with my hands, and perfects my complexion without looking cakey. It takes about 30 seconds to blend out with my fingers and has added sun protection as a bonus.
Step 2: Cover Under Eye Circles Stat
Next, I grab my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer [4] ($7) and swipe it underneath my eyes. I use my ring finger to quickly tap it into my skin, where it instantly improves the appearance my dark circles.
Step 3: Add a Rosy Glow
I instantly look more awake when I apply the Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Colour [5] ($32) to my cheeks and blend out with my fingers. I love how quickly and effortlessly it diffuses into a rosy glow.
Step 4: Fill in Brows
I have super puny brows, so they can take a long time to fill in properly. Thankfully, the Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon in Deep Brown [6] ($6) bulks them up in one go, so I don't have to spend a lot of time filling them in.
Step 5: Define Brows
After I've added some colour to my brows, I like to go in with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz [7] ($23) and add a more defined line around my brows to give them more shape.
Step 6: Apply a Cat Eye
I spend the most amount of time in my routine applying my daily winger eyeliner. Luckily, the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner [8] ($20) has a precise tip that lets me apply it with very little effort.
Step 7: Layer on the Mascara
I love that the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara [9] ($8) can be piled on without clumpping and makes my lashes look so long, defined, and volumized that I can skip a lash curler.
Step 8: Add a Wash of Colour to the Lips
The last step in my routine is applying the sheer Kaja Heart Melter Lip Gloss Stick [10] ($17) for a hint of colour before grabbing my purse and sunlasses (if I remember them) and running out of my apartment to work.