I used to cover my face in makeup, layer on acne creams every night and [basically] obsess over everything beauty. After hundreds of dollars and many cosmetic bottles later, I realized my beauty routine can be simple, effective and time efficient -- here are five tips on how to simplify your daily glam sesh.
1. Use Less
Primer, foundation, concealer, powder, blush, highlight -- the list goes on and on! We may love our makeup products, but our skin is on total overload after the endless products we layer on. Limit your routine to your favorite cosmetics and determine if each product truly works for your skin/complexion. Sort through your makeup bag and throw away any expired products [look for the small container with “12M” or “6M” -- it stands for the number of months the product should last]. For skin cleaning, find a gentle cleanser and basic moisturizer. Use natural oils to remove makeup, like coconut oil, to avoid harsh chemicals by your eyes. Your skin will thank you later.
2. Take Advantage of Multi-Use Products
Find products that multi-task -- a.k.a less steps and time. BB and CC creams, like Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB, hydrate and smoothen the skin, while adding a touch of color to even your skin tone. Coconut oil and olive oil naturally cure dry skin and hair. Warm up either oil and apply it to your hair, or rub the oil into the skin as a moisturizer/lotion. Let the oils sit and rinse out later for a smooth, moisturized mane -- instant hair mask. Limit the number of brushes and sponges you use to around five or six that work the best. Not only will your makeup bag be lighter, but brush cleaning is quicker. Clean your brushes to avoid excess bacteria or dirt on the skin. A simple beauty routine is a hygienic beauty routine -- no dirt here!
3. Find Natural Light
Apply makeup in front of a window or in a room without artificial lamp light to highlight your natural features [without over-applying or discoloring]. You can identify colors that blend well with your skin tone, without applying multiple products to “color correct.” When you step outside, your makeup will look natural and simple. You will find yourself applying less product overall -- your inner beauty will shine through.
4. Balance High-end and Drugstore
Beauty products are not always cost efficient [usually over-priced!]. Makeup dupes, or replicas, can produce the best results, without breaking the budget. Compare ingredients of different products. Stores usually offer “generic” versions of skin moisturizers or makeup removers that have identical ingredients and uses. Test out different versions of products to find the cheapest and best option. High-end, professional makeup and skincare brands offer great products that can beat out drugstore -- no doubt. High-end eyeshadows, foundations and blushes/bronzers can last long and provide positive results. The trick is to balance your budget on makeup and skincare between expensive and cheap. Do you love eyeshadows? Maybe splurge on a palette you love. Could not care less about mascara? Maybe choose a drugstore option. Not only will your beauty routine be simplified, but your beauty bill will be less if you balance the products you purchase.
5. Rock What You Love
