Makeup brushes are flying, their bristles casting a shimmer of pink powder across your porcelain sink. By the time you’re ready, your countertop is wrecked, and you’ve barely made it out of the door in time.
It sounds like your daily makeup routine is in severe need of a revamp. But the idea of coming up with a new approach can feel like too much trouble, especially with your packed schedule. However, developing a better beauty routine may be easier — and more beneficial — than you think.
1. Take a “Mise En Place” Approach to Your Vanity
The countertops of top chefs have more good things going on than the makings of a delicious dish. They start with a clean workspace and have all of their ingredients prepared before they flip on the gas. Kitchen staff often live by the principles of “mise en place,” a French culinary phrase that means “putting in place.” While you’re not measuring out spices, you can get inspired to rethink your beauty prep space.
Review the space you use to apply your daily look and consider where you currently store your products. If you’re reaching into multiple cabinets or drawers, it may be a sign to reorganize.
Choose visually pleasing containers that can corral your products and tools. Pair like items together to make choices easy, instead of rifling through a haphazard box of compacts before picking one. Embrace storage vessels that stay out on your counter and commit to keeping them tidy, making each day’s application easy.
2. Start With Skincare
Your skin is the foundation of your appearance, whether you choose to wear makeup or not. Start by taking good care of it, focusing on improving its condition and repairing any issues.
If you experience persistent breakouts, consider pursuing acne treatment to calm your skin. Prescription treatment can help tackle persistent problems like cystic or hormonal acne. Over-the-counter solutions can help round out your routine for long-term maintenance.
Choose a cleanser aligned with your skin type, moisturizers with sun protection, and specialty products that address specific concerns. Eye creams with caffeine can depuff eyes, while retinoids can reduce the appearance of fine lines. Add chemical or physical exfoliants to slough off dead skin cells, revealing a smooth surface that’s well-suited for cosmetics application.
3. Choose Products That Suit Your Lifestyle
Busy moms may need makeup that can stand up to the smacks of sticky toddler hands. Athletic people might require products that are no match for sweat. Others may prefer products that are cruelty-free. Consider your day-to-day as you peruse the product aisle, taking into account your activities and preferences.
Consult with your favorite beauty influencers, who are more diverse than ever thanks to the proliferation of social media sites. A solution for practically every skin tone, trouble area, and aesthetic goal can be found thanks to the ever-evolving online beauty landscape. Start a conversation in the comments to get real-life insights into the products that work for your peers. Give cult favorites a try, and you just may find a holy grail product of your own.
4. Add Multitaskers to Your Makeup Bag
Multitasking doesn’t really help you get more done at work, but it does have a place in your beauty regimen. Products that pull double or even triple duty can streamline your routine and create a cohesive look. Check out blush sticks that can flush your cheeks, lips, and lids. Bronzer sticks can serve as contour cream, eyeshadow, and blush. With less on your counter, finding and applying your look can be a breeze.
Rethink the core use of familiar favorites. A new favorite makeup remix uses your brow pencil as lip liner, finishing the look with your go-to cream blush. The combination might initially elicit a sneer, but the magic lies in color theory. Your blush and brow pencil have already passed the match test for your complexion and hair color. When they combine on your lips, the adjacent shades reinforce the cool and warm tones already featured on your face.
5. Keep Things Clean
Beauty tools aren’t exempt from regular cleaning. Brushes, sponges, and metal tools should be washed regularly with cleansers formulated for their material. Aside from being vital for good hygiene, keeping your tools clean can extend their lifespan. During your cleaning session, examine all tools and replace any that are losing bristles or otherwise no longer function well.
The same principle goes for makeup. Cosmetics do expire, although you may have used your mom’s old makeup for years before upgrading to your own. Check product labels for expiration dates, often denoted by months ranging from three to 24 after opening. Replace items that have worn out their welcome and audit your stash regularly to maintain a fresh product lineup.
Boost Your Confidence With a Face that Reflects the True You
Fresh-faced or full glam, the look you choose should reflect the real you. While some days call for industrial-strength primer and contouring, others are best suited for a high-quality sunscreen alone. Whichever look you choose, let it exude your personality, which is sure to shine through, no makeup required. And with a winning routine to bolster your efforts, you’ll start each day with a few minutes to spare.
