If you're like me, you have a favorite pair of jeans that you wear more often than all the others in your closet. They fit well, they're comfortable, and they seem to go with any kind of shirt, shoe, jacket, and purse. So, when you're short on time, and you need to put together an outfit fast, you reach for them; you just know they'll never fail you.
As a beauty editor, I'm always searching for the skincare, hair, makeup, and fragrance equivalents of my favorite pair of jeans. I want products that are quick and easy to use, so I can reach for them when I oversleep and I'm running late. It's taken me a long time, but I think I've finally found them. Ahead see the 14 beauty staples I swear by for getting me out the door in 10 minutes or less. These are tried-and-true items that make me look polished and put-together, no matter how disheveled I start out (you can thank me later).
Skincare
I understand your concern about using an exfoliating mask when you're short on time; let me share my personal experience with you. One Saturday night, I stayed out too late after dinner and drinks, and when I woke up on Sunday morning, I only had 15 minutes to get ready for a pre-planned brunch with friends. My skin appeared dry, dull, and tired.
To solve this issue, I decided to use this mask, which only takes 2-3 minutes to work. After washing it off, my skin looked bright and smooth. The mask's powerful formula, which includes AHAs, BHA, and pineapple enzymes, helps to effectively slough away dead skin.
I love this multi-tasking serum. It brightens, firms, hydrates, and calms my skin, so my complexion looks bright and refreshed before I even think about makeup.
This product is expensive, but to me, it's so worth it. It works like a serum, moisturizer, and mask in one, with a combination of skin-firming peptides, protective antioxidants, and nine brightening ingredients. I use it almost every morning without fail, but especially on busy mornings when I'm short on time.
I can't stop raving about this sunscreen. Its lightweight, milky texture easily blends into my skin without leaving any white residue, saving me a lot of time. The dewy finish it gives me is an added bonus, instantly leaving my skin looking radiant.
I love this other sunscreen formula as well. It comes tinted, making it function like a foundation, offering both SPF 30 and medium coverage. It never fails to make my skin look natural and polished.
Makeup
If you prefer a traditional foundation over a tinted sunscreen, I've got you covered. This might just be my all-time favorite foundation (and I don't say that lightly). The formula is as close to perfection as any foundation I've tried: it's lightweight, offers buildable coverage, and looks like my skin but better. What more could I ask for?
I was recommended this tubing mascara by Who What Wear's beauty editor Katie Berohn, and I have to say, it was love at first swipe. It takes just five seconds to apply, yet it makes my lashes look incredibly long and fluttery. When I'm short on time, I won't use anything else.
I feel more put-together when my brows look good. That's why I quickly swipe this gel through my brows on busy days. The tint adds definition, the formula fluffs them up, and the long-wearing hold keeps them in place. It's a classic product that never fails.
I like to have a sculpted look even when I'm in a rush. This contour stick does the job perfectly. I apply it straight from the tube under my cheekbones, across the tip of my nose, and around my forehead and jawline. Then, I blend it in with a Beautyblender ($20) or makeup brush. The stick blends easily, looks natural, and provides much-needed definition.
I can't handle complicated lip products on a normal day, let alone when I'm in a hurry. That's why I opt for this tinted lip balm instead. The juicy berry shade instantly brightens my lips and makes them appear plump. Plus, the combination of shea butter and marula oil keeps my lips moisturized all day long. Quick and easy.
Hair
I'm a devoted user of dry shampoo, and while I typically reach for my go-to Batiste Dry Shampoo, there are days when I'm short on time or simply don't feel like washing my hair. That's when I grab this dry shampoo. It never leaves a white or gray residue, and it absorbs excess oil in a snap.
When I'm short on time, there's absolutely no way I'm reaching for heat tools, so I have to stick with products that work with my naturally wavy texture. I like this texture spray. Beyond it's cheeky name, the most notable thing about it is that it defines my hair texture, adds grip and body, yet doesn't weigh it down.
Trust me when I say that a little shine spray can go a long way in making your hair look polished, even when it's the farthest thing from it. This one, also from Andrew Fitzsimons, gives my hair a glint of shine without any stickiness.
Fragrance
If there's one fragrance I spritz more than all others before heading out the door, it's this one. I've already waxed poetic about this, but it's worth repeating because I'm fully obsessed.
Up next: My Makeup Never Fails to Get Oily During the Day—Here's the $10 Solve.
