These Are My Favorite Low-Fuss Beauty Products When I Just Can't
I'll never claim to be the lowest maintenance girl on the planet, but I also don't really have time for a super-extensive beauty routine. Luckily, a time-consuming one doesn't mean it's any more effective than a quick and easy one. That said, sometimes I barely even want to do a quick beauty routine and especially can't be bothered with layering multiple products. But I've discovered that if you have the right products, you can get away with caring for your skin and hair and doing your makeup with very minimal effort.
When it comes to beauty product buzzwords, "low-fuss" is one of my favorite ones. While I'm a self-professed beauty-product obsessive, I'm no dermatologist, so the more user-friendly, the better. I don't think I'm alone in saying that so many great beauty brands are constantly busy creating products that cater to shoppers' low-fuss desires. Scroll to shop some of my favorites, because there's no time like the present to simplify your beauty routine.
A.M. Skincare
Multitasking Sunscreen
I'm not a fan of layering multiple products under my makeup, especially in the summer, so this sunscreen is a godsend. Since it's packed with antioxidants and lightweight moisturizers, it's all you really need on a typical day.
Dewy Moisturizer
On days when I just can't be bothered with makeup, I've been reaching for this glowy serum. It blurs imperfections, moisturizes, and gives the prettiest glow. The hype is justified.
Vitamin C Serum
A vitamin C serum is the only skincare product I use in the morning, aside from sunscreen. This fades dark spots and improves texture in both the short term and the long term.
Brightening Treatment
This is the latest addition to my growing collection of Versed products, and it ranks high. I use it after cleansing and before applying moisturizer. It doesn't sting (and I have sensitive skin) and makes me look like I'm not as sleep-deprived as I am.
P.M. Skincare
Does-It-All Serum
If you really want to streamline your beauty routine, this serum is worth every penny. I started using it about a month ago and have really seen a difference in my skin. It's brighter, plumper, and smoother. The best part is that it doesn't need to be paired with any other products. It does it all.
Gentle Retinol Serum
I've always found retinol to be too harsh for my skin, until I tried Retinol Reform. It's powerful but it doesn't ravage my skin. I use it several nights a week on its own and always see a difference when I do.
Peel Pads
I love that these two-step packets take the guesswork out of exfoliating. They're one of my favorite skincare products to pack when I travel, for obvious reasons.
Simple Moisturizer
When I really can't be bothered with my bedtime skincare routine, this is the moisturizer I've been using for years. It's lightweight and layers beautifully with peels and other exfoliants.
Exfoliating Treatment
I rarely get facials, but thanks to Good Genes, I don't find that I need them all that often. I used quite a few brightening, glow-inducing products, but this may be the most powerful. I use it once a week and my skin looks prettier for several days after.
Makeup
Multi-Use Cream Color
I'm usually in a rush when I do my makeup, so the fewer products I have to dig around for, the better. When I found out Charlotte Tilbury had created a new multiuse cream I was eager to try it, and it doesn't disappoint. It's super sheer and buildable and gives the prettiest dewy glow.
Stick Highlighter
A quick hit of stick highlighter to the high points of my face is the final step in my makeup routine, and it goes a long way. This one is perfect—creamy, light, and blendable.
Tinted Lip Balm
Tinted lip balms are my favorite lip product, especially since wearing face masks is a daily occurrence now. I'm a big fan of Nars products and this one lives up to their gold standard. It leaves a pretty wash of color and is moisturizing but never sticky.
I love Kosas's Tinted Face Oil because it provides a little more coverage than your typical tinted moisturizer and lasts all day. It's the perfect product when I just can't with heavy foundation but still want moderate coverage.
Hair Products
Spray Hair Mask
A spray hair mask?! Genius. This leaves dry, damaged hair looking healthy, shiny, and bouncy—even if it's been months since your last cut.
Air-Dry Hair Product
I have long, thick hair, so air-drying it without applying something to tame it is a no-go. Luckily, I discovered Ouai Air Dry Foam, and now letting my hair air-dry is something I can get away with.
Hair Perfecter
I don't style my hair, so keeping it smooth and healthy at the very least is imperative. This is the holy grail product if you want healthy-looking hair sans effort.
This is a does-it-all treatment is my go-to before blowdrying my hair. It tames, protects, and detangles in 10 seconds flat.
Next up, 25 best-selling skincare products everyone wants at Sephora right now.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.