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These Minimalist Beauty Hacks Will Change Your Entire Routine

 

We all love beauty, but do we love the time it takes and the money it costs?

 

 

20 minutes may not sound like much at first glance – it might be shorter than your daily commute, after all – but think about how much time you spend applying makeup in a week, or in a month.

 

The average American woman spends 240 minutes – or four hours – putting on makeup each week!

 

Think about what else you could do with that time.

 

You could be taking that pottery class you’ve been wanting to try, or spending special bonding time with your kids, or hitting the gym for that hot yoga class three times a week!

 

There’s also all the money and space we take up with our multitude of beauty products.

 

A poll conducted by The Huffington Post and YouGov asked women how many products they use to get ready on an average day – including makeup products, hair care and styling tools, and even skincare items such as moisturizers.

 

While 35 percent of women reported to YouGov that they only use one to two products daily, seven percent of women reported using up to six items.

 

Keep in mind that this doesn’t even cover the items we buy, but don’t use – or the items we only use for special occasions rather than in our daily routine.

 

Who’s guilty of buying over five moisturizers in a quest to find the best one? I know I am!

 

Or what about buying multiple trendy lipstick colors that end up sitting in your drawer unused? I’ve been there, too.

 

It’s OK to splurge on beauty or take your sweet time on your skincare routine or makeup application – I do it too and it’s fun! Besides, you’re worth it!

 

But, if you’re looking to cut your "getting ready time" in half, trying to save a little extra from the beauty budget (especially with the holidays coming up), or maybe just trying to clear out your beauty cabinet, I’m here to help you out!

 

If you’re looking for tips on how to maximize the beauty products you already have and minimize the time you spend in front of the mirror every morning, keep on reading!

 

 

How to Maximize Natural Ingredients

You don’t have to buy new products to perfect your makeup routine – I promise!

 

In fact, I bet that some of the best multi-tasking products are already in your beauty cabinet (or even your kitchen).

 

These products can be used for a multitude of things – from your eyelashes to your cuticles – and some can even minimize your “need” for makeup in certain areas.

 

If you’re looking for simple products that truly do it all, here are some of my favorites:

 

 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil was a super trendy product in 2016, and its multiple uses were probably the reason for its popularity to this day!

 

Some of my favorite ways to can use this paradise-scented product are:

 

  • As a yummy hair mask
  • As a moisturizer
  • As a lip balm
  • As a cuticle softener
  • To control frizzy hair and flyaways
  • As a natural makeup remover
  • As a shaving cream
  • In a DIY a body scrub by adding sugar or salt!

 

Vitamin C

You may have heard that vitamin C is the thing to take when you’re feeling a cold coming on, but did you know that vitamin C can do wonders for your skin?

 

By using vitamin C skin care products, you can bring out your natural beauty in so many ways, some of which I’ve highlighted below:

 

  • Boosts collagen production
  • Fights free radical production (AKA signs of aging)
  • Brightens dark spots
  • Repairs sun exposure and can help fade scars
  • Gives added protection against sun damage (but don’t skimp on your SPF!)

 

Castor Oil

Did you catch my recent blog post on all the wonders of castor oil?

 

Were you amazed? I hope so!

 

Definitely check out the blog for more tips, but as a sneak peek, here are some of the amazing ways to use castor oil – it’s a major multi-tasker!

 

  • Heals inflamed skin
  • Fights signs of aging
  • Reduces acne
  • Prevents stretch marks
  • Can be used in place of a lip balm
  • Treats sunburn (although if you listen to my SPF tips, you should never have this problem!)
  • Can be used as a natural eyelash growth enhancer
  • Can be used as an awesome hair mask (castor oil has been shown to boost hair growth)

 

 

And don’t forget...water!

This is the oldest beauty secret in the book.

 

While it may seem intuitive, many of us aren’t getting enough water on a daily basis!

 

Water can make your skin look fuller and brighter, reduce hair loss, clear acne, and combat signs of aging.

 

Plus, it’s cheap and easy!

 

I like to buy a cute (and big) water bottle, fill it up, and keep it at my desk all day.

 

It might take practice, but it’s easy to train yourself to keep drinking throughout the day – and getting up from your chair for regular bathroom breaks can actually give you a quick energy boost to combat that 3 PM sleepy feeling!

 

Products That Do More

Natural ingredients are great, but sometimes you want something with a little more oomph – or maybe you just want something that comes in a prettier bottle that will look nicer on your bathroom counter.

 

Don’t worry, there are a ton of multi-tasking products specifically formulated to do more that you can buy at your local beauty supply store, online, or even at a drugstore.

 

Here are some of my favorite multi-use products to save you precious time:

 

  • In-shower moisturizers: Instead of drying off and then applying moisturizer post-shower, buy a product that pre-moisturizes while you’re still soaking up suds!
  • Microfiber towels: Wrap your hair up in one of these and let a super absorbent microfiber towel do the hard work of drying while you munch on a nutritious breakfast, then do a quick blow-dry to style before you head out. Less heat and time when using the blowdryer equals less hair damage, too!
  • A multitasking BB cream: This won’t be the last time you hear me mention BB creams today, I promise.
  • A bold lip color: If you’re in a rush and hoping to look put-together, a bold lip does the trick stat!
  • Dry shampoo: Another major time-saver and a personal fave of mine. Instead of washing and re-doing your hair each day, use a spritz of dry shampoo to keep yesterday’s locks going strong today. It can also be used as a texturizer to pump up your roots.

 

Makeup With Multiple Uses

I’m about to lend you all the double-duty secrets you’ll need for using fewer products in your makeup routine based on products you probably already own.

 

  1. Use Moisturizer as your primer

They sell primer for everything these days – from your lips, to your face, to your eyelashes.

 

Do these primers work? Absolutely!

 

But do you really need a primer for every part of your face?

 

Especially if you’re not doing a full face of makeup every day? Probably not.

 

In fact, I like to use my moisturizer as a primer, and it works just wonderfully!

 

If you already have it in your makeup arsenal, another product that works great as a moisturizer is your BB cream – that way you get a little coverage, some moisturizer, some SPF (depending on which BB cream you’re using), and a primer in one!

 

How’s that for multi-tasking?

 

 

  1. Try your lip color on your cheeks – voila, instant blush!

Are you looking to cut down on the products you carry around in your bag for quick touch-ups?

 

Try using your lipstick on your cheeks!

 

Soft red, pink, and peach colors will work beautifully.

 

Just dab the lipstick onto your finger, and dab it onto the apples of your cheeks where you’d normally apply blush.

 

Chances are your go-to lip color looks just as great on your cheeks, and it might even last longer!

 

  1. Forgo makeup for SPF on those sunny days (or every day!)

 

I know we’re trying to cut down your beauty buys, but there’s one you should give yourself a pass on: sunscreen!

 

You know I’m a huge cheerleader for sunscreen, and if you know all the facts about sun damage, you should be too!

 

Sunscreen is arguably more important than any makeup purchase, and if you invest in a tinted sunscreen, you’ll get protection from UV rays plus some light coverage to even out your skin tone.

 

Who needs makeup on a beach day?

 

You sure don’t with this hack.

 

Get your glow on, girl!

 

  1. Use your facial oil on your hair

 

A moisturizing and restorative facial oil can double duty as a hair oil for a quick and effective fix.

 

Just rub some between your palms and smooth through the ends of your hair.

 

Whether you’re using it to tame flyaways or smooth on your split ends, a facial oil can work wonderfully on your luscious locks, too!

 

  1. Try your powder eyeshadow on your brows or water line

 

If you’re like me, you’ve got a ton of eyeshadow palettes lying around that only really get used for special occasions.

 

Why not use those natural, darker tones on something you’re more likely to put into your daily makeup routine?


With the right small angled brush, powder eyeshadow can work great as an eyeliner substitute – especially if you’re looking to flaunt a smoky look.

 

Here’s a tip: wet the brush for a darker color, and leave it dry for a more subtle, “no makeup makeup” look.

 

While you’ve got the palette out, see if you’ve got a color that matches with your eyebrows. I bet you do!

 

You can use the same brush you used for the eyeliner, or your regular brow brush, to work that eyeshadow as your brow filler.

 

Again, wetting the brush will provide a darker tone.

 

How’s that for turning one product into three?

 

Sounds like a win to me!

 

 

  1. Save those samples for future travel plans!

 

When you are gifted free samples at the beauty counter, it can be tempting to try them all right away, or shove them in a drawer and forget about them.

 

Instead, save them up in a travel beauty bag for your next trip.

 

Even if you’re not swimming in beauty samples, you shouldn’t have to splurge on mini bottles for your next vacation.

 

Instead, invest in small three ounce containers (like these) that you can put your regular products in for a trip.

 

It saves money, is environmentally friendly, and ensures that you can rock your flawless look wherever you are!

 

 

How To Perfect The “No-Makeup Makeup” Look In Less Time And With Fewer Products

If you’ve been keeping up with makeup trends lately, you may have noticed that many women are moving away from heavy contour, colorful eyeshadows, and bright lipsticks for something more neutral.

 

It's known as the “no-makeup makeup” look, and it’s been popping up everywhere!

 

In fact, there are over 606,000 #naturalmakeup photos on Instagram.

 

As you may have guessed, the secret to the perfect “no makeup” look is actually really great makeup – and that’s totally fine!

 

While I’m all for embracing the natural beauty within each one of us, as we age we tend to fall victim to pesky dark circles, duller complexions, and sometimes simply less confidence.

 

Why not feel beautiful in your own skin with the right makeup that's perfect for those days where you want to look like you “woke up like this” - even when you didn’t?

 

Your secret is safe with me.

 

While the ideal no-makeup makeup look starts with a perfect skincare routine customized for your needs, we’re going to talk more about the actual makeup part of the process.

 

If you want a more in-depth rundown, check out my blog all about no-makeup makeup here.

 

The key to a no-makeup makeup look is products that match your skin tone.

 

Don’t breeze through this part - take your time making sure you have the right foundation color, brow tint (or eyeshadow, as we mentioned above), and a natural lip color if you want.

 

If you’re not sure how to find the right shade of foundation or concealer, ask someone at your local beauty counter – don’t be shy!

 

Now, for a no-makeup makeup look that's quick and uses minimal products, here’s what you need:

 

  • A neutral eyeshadow color (or small palette): You can use this for your brows, eyeliner, and light eyeshadow. You can also dust a lighter shade on the inner corners of your eyes to look instantly awake.
  • A good BB cream, tinted SPF, or tinted moisturizer: This can double as a primer and a foundation, plus SPF protection.
  • A natural lip color: Use it on your lips or on your cheeks for a natural blush.
  • Mascara: Skip the lower lashes and only use 1-2 layers for a more natural look.
  • A bronzer (optional): Use the “three” method for a quick, easy, and natural contour - sweep from your temple, to your cheekbone, to your jawline.

 

And that’s it! Five products are all you need for a no-makeup makeup look, and once you get the hang of it, it’ll be quick and easy for every morning.

 

Recommended Beauty Multitaskers

 

Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer

 

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Oil

 

Image Skincare Prevention + Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

 

La Bella Donna Mineral Light Lip Colour

 

Final Thoughts

I could go on and on about how to get the most out of your products and how to save time on your routine, but I’ll leave you with this good chunk of information...for now.

 

Stay tuned for more beauty advice; I’m always ready to share more tips to help you live your best and most beautiful life!

 

Do you have any time-saving makeup tips that you think I should know about? Or do you have any questions about how to perfect a quick and easy morning routine? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

 

2 comments

Hi, Jackie! Thank you so much for reading! I’m thrilled that you have products that work for you :)

Alana @ 2018-07-02 3:34pm

Hello Alana I learn sumthing new everytime I read ur emails I am 55 so that means that I look forward 2 my day & nite routine when I have an early 8 830 morning appt I luv my Tinted Defense Day Cream that 1 product is all I need 4 daytime other than my serum as far as makeup I luv my brown brow pencil lip color and I ’m good DDC gives me the makeup look

Jackie @ 2018-06-30 4:01pm

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