Six Beauty Products I Use Every Morning

Out the door in two minutes or less.

I was chatting recently with Wailin Wong, host of The Indicator from NPR’s Planet Money — such a fun convo, you can listen here. Before we got started, Wailin kindly mentioned a lipstick she bought from a newsletter I wrote a few years ago about my favorite easy-to-apply beauty products.

It was the reminder I needed to revisit this topic! And it feels so relevant now, with our family’s hectic spring schedule. I am always racing from one place to the next. Time is of the essence, especially in the morning. Below you will find my six go-to products that I apply in less than two minutes (promise — I timed myself). The assortment is refreshed with some new faves, plus the additional products I layer on when I have a bit more time.

But first, a gentle reminder to start with sunscreen. I slather it on my face (you need more than you think) after my skincare products but before any makeup. EltaMD is the gold standard; I also love a similar lightweight version by Neutrogena.  

🧵 ICYMI: Our latest discussion thread is here to solve your style problems!

Check out “What Do I Wear? Spring/Summer Edition” and add your queries in the comments. I asked about an upcoming costume gala, while Alex inquired about fave light jackets to pair with jeans. Maggie is headed to her high school reunion and Alexis is looking for one dress to wear to two upcoming weddings…so many great questions AND answers. Click here to join the convo.

Six Beauty Products to Simplify My Morning

Note: I use affiliate links, which means if you buy something by clicking below I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting SMT.

Face

• My go-to: Saie Slip Tint ($36) — This remains the best of the best! I tell everyone I know about this product. The coverage is thorough (with added SPF, too) and still dewy, evening out my skin tone in a fresh-faced way.

• When I have more time: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($22) — This lives up to its name, with a creamy finish that does not cake. I put it under and around my eyes, as well as on any red spots. 

Cheeks

• My go-to: Benefit Hoola Bronzer in matte ($36) — A quick swipe of this underneath my cheekbones as well as on my forehead and jawline gives me just enough of a glow.

• When I have more time: Tarte Clay Play To-Go Cheek Palette ($29) — This trio adds a bit more color and shine. The blush brightens my cheeks, while the highlighter lifts my cheekbones, forehead, and tip of my nose.

Brows

• My go-to: Maybelline Express Brow Fast Sculpt Mascara ($9.99) — Love how this magically fills in my brows and defines them. The bristles on one side of the brush are a bit longer, giving it a more rectangular shape than the usual spindle, while the formula adheres to the individual hairs for a much more natural effect.

• When I have more time: Benefit Cosmetics Powmade Waterproof Brow ($23) and Dual Ended Angle Brush ($18) — For more of a statement, I begin with this all-star pomade. The applicator is key, helping place the product carefully then brush it through.

Eyes

• My go-to: Tarte Tartelette in Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette ($47) — I feel a tiny bit silly linking this entire palette, because on days when I am pressed for time I only use one of the three lightest shades on the far left. Each one does the trick to smooth and brighten. 

• When I have more time: Glossier Monochromes Essential Eyeshadow Trio in Almond ($22) — My new obsession. I saw a Reel (wish I would have saved it) suggesting a rose gold shadow applied to your lid and then up and out. It works! Add a smudgy brown liner and it’s a sparkly, sultry statement.

Lashes

• My go-to: Glossier Lash Slick ($20) — A forever fave. It’s light and defining, perfect for daily wear. I use it so much I buy two tubes at a time.

• When I have more time: Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara ($34) — For a bolder look, I always do two coats of two different formulas. This Lancôme layers nicely over the Glossier, adding definition and volume without clumping.

Lips

• My go-to: Saie Glossybounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss ($22) — I was gifted this shade range when it came out and I use absolutely every one. Shiny but not sticky, with pigment level that is never too much. The clear-pinky “‘Kiss” shade is a great place to start, I also love “Push” (brownish) and “Dip” (rosey). 

• When I have more time: NARS Lipstick ($26) — This formula is layers nicely. A quick swipe for something more casual but can also build to a bold lip. Very sorry to say NARS no longer makes my perfect red-brown shade of “Falbala” — but “Pigalle” looks like a promising substitute.

  

Questions about any of these products — or have some go-tos of your own to share? Please click below! 💋