Isn't it fantastic to have a few superhero products in your bag of tricks that can get you out the door quickly looking a little less like you just rolled out of bed? BONUS when they are inexpensive and easy to find!
These are 5 Superheros that I use ALL the time - sometimes all together and, in a pinch just one or two - the eye roller and baby lips usually.
I love make up and beauty/skin products of all price points, and sometimes I use them to go all out (or something in-between this and "all out"), but. .. . a lot of days, I just want to look a bit put together - QUICKLY!
I'm not saying that this "after" is red-carpet worthy, or client-meeting worthy, or date-night or girl's night glam. . . I am saying that I feel like it works for me for a Target run, dog walks, the park (dog or kid) , zoo, casual brunch, work (on days when I don't have client "stuff"), etc. Basically when I don't want to look like I didn't sleep much or look like I rolled out of bed 3 mintues ago.
I also think that some or all of these would be great wrapped up together for a new mom. I know I relied heavily on (again) the eye roller and baby lips when I was on maternity leave. Oh, and dry shampoo (we can talk about the hair part later - ha!) I digress. . here's the list with more of why I use these.
Please note: I have included affiliate links if you'd like to try something.
1. Garnier Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller
This thing is AWESOME!!! It's sheer - I often do use it over concelar or put on a couple layers in the morning - like today. The great thing for me is that it "wakes up" my eyes through the day - I just will add a touch of it during the day if I feel like my eyes look tired, or even if some make up melted a bit. It has a tint - a little coverage - while moisturizing and not settling into my lines around my eyes! I used to mix some eye cream with concealer and this takes out that step & is much more portable. Oh - and it feels cool and lovely as you're applying because of the metal roller (especially in the summer or when the dry heater is turned up in the winter)
2. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer
It feels good going on - light and a little refreshing with a pleasant (not-at-all-overpowering scent). It has a little color that doesn't sit on the surface like I've found with a couple other BB creams or tinted moisturizer. I feel like my skin looks more "Even" & it has some bonus ingredients like Retinol (I'm always for a little extra anti-aging at this point) plus it's oil-free AND has sunscreen. In case you're wondering. . . the pricey make up that I adore (& think is worth the price - just not daily) is Givenchy Photo-Perfexion. I tried it years ago and got compliments on my skin right away!
3. Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Mascara
My eyelashes are my best feature - in my opinion - ha! So. . . . I used to spend a lot of money on mascara. . . "Fancy" mascara. Then I found that there are a lot of less expensive ones that work GREAT!!! This is a go-to! Here's one eye with this mascara (and a fast eyelash curl) and one without:
Another couple versions from this line that are in my drawer are: The Falsies & Cat Eyes
I've recently ventured away from this big-thick-brush-only attitude when I tried CoverGirl's Star Wars Mascara! While you probably can't find the Star Wars packaging, it says that it's The Super Sizer. The brush is small and thin and it and I kind of love it anyway.
Want a bit of color that smells like kid-stuff, looks a little shiny - but not sticky - and feels moisturizing on your lips? This is it! You don't even have to look, just swipe some on and you add some brightness (or you can get clear). My first, and still favorite, is Cherry Me - a little redish tint. That's what I have on in this picture.
Depending on my mood, I also like Ruby Star and Pink Punch!
5. Physician's Formula Ph Matchmaker Bronzer
I like the brush and the mirror (if you are applying on the go or just in your kitchen or kid's room or living room while you also play or do something else it helps to have a decent size mirro) and the color. The shape of the brush makes it easy to do a bit of quasi-contouring under your cheebokes and maybe under your chin by swiping sideways/longways. If you use it broader, you can add a touch of color to your cheeks and other spots you might naturally get a little sun.
BONUS - Powder - Right now I have two - one doesn't fit the $15 qualifier, but it's awesome! It's like wearing a filter or being airbrushed with just a powder brush!
Here's a link if you want to check it out: HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Powder - Dim Light )
The other is less than $10: Maybelline FIT ME! Matte + Poreless Powder
I like it to "set" make up (or the Skin Enhancer above - or BB or CC cream or the like) or take away some shine. I usually do that with a fluffy brush to make it more translucent. I've also used it right over moisturizer with the spongy applicator that comes with it. I think it has some coverage if you want to use it for a little coverage instead of the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer. When travelling this could cut out a liquid/gel/aerosol item if you're going to be casual some of the time.
If I've got another minute, I will add a quick swipe of light eye-shadow - not quite white, but light so that it wakens the whole area up.
I'd love to hear what you think! Do you have a "quick" routine and go-to products when you want to look a little more polished than the I-just-rolled-out-of-bed or i-didn't-get-much-sleep look?