Beauty
5 Tried-And-True Beauty Products That Will Seriously Streamline Your Everyday Face Routine
Easy routines and the products that make them possible are having their moment. Now more than ever, we’re about “skinimalism,” effortless beauty, streamlined face prep, and classic products that can easily take us from these trends to the next… whatever and whenever those may be. Spending free time figuring out what these products are, however, is kind of the exact opposite of simplifying.
In an effort to make your everyday that much easier, we’ve done the searching and testing for you. We’ve partnered with Sephora — the ultimate library of tried-and-trues as well as fresh launches — and identified the five best beauty products for a skinimalist’s dream face routine. The proof is in the glowing reviews and timeliness popularity behind each of these, which are all sure to become staples in your new, beautifully uncomplicated regimen.
By now, many of us have experienced the high of taking our time to perfect a full makeup look only to feel the low of seeing it end up on our face mask a few hours later. One of the most beloved products of our generation is Urban Decay's cult favorite (and aptly named) All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. It's infused with Temperature Control Technology that actually lowers the temperature of your makeup so it’s less likely to smudge. The clear, vegan and cruelty-free formula also feels so lightweight on the skin that it’s impressive how powerfully it locks looks into place through long days and late nights. It’s even available in a handy travel-size version to throw into your purse for days when you want a midday reset.
Available in warm, cool, and neutral undertones, IT Cosmetics' CC+ Cream with SPF 50 is a color corrector, mineral sunscreen, serum, moisturizer, and full-coverage foundation all in one. It’s no wonder it became an instant fan favorite. While some full-coverage formulas can clog pores and be a nightmare for anyone with sensitive skin, this cream is infused with skin-loving ingredients like collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Plus, the natural finish makes it great for any skin type. Pat a couple drops under dark circles or on pigmentation for a more natural look, or blend it all over for full coverage that still feels lightweight.
The glowy, natural finish of Armani's Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless-Oil Free Foundation formula is ideal for nailing that your-skin-but-better look. Wear the medium coverage on its own for a radiant everyday effect, or add some highlighter for extra wattage. If you want more coverage, the charmeuse-silk-inspired formula is easily buildable without ever feeling heavy or looking cakey. Simply layer on and blend with a brush. Plus, it’s oil-free, which means luminosity that doesn’t turn greasy by 2 p.m. Basically, it’s spa skin in a bottle.
Two-in-one products can sometimes be more gimmicky than efficacious, but the ingredients in Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Balm give it full credibility — it boasts a blend of six nourishing oils, macadamia butter, and hyaluronic acid. You can also be sure that the range of 19 nudes, browns, and reds (which come in a variety of cool, warm, and mixed undertones) are suitable for a wide range of skin tones.
Brightening vitamin C meets skin-plumping hyaluronic acid in Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum, a multipurpose anti-aging formula perfect for any skin type. For day, the lightweight liquid absorbs seamlessly without any greasy residue, leaving skin visibly brighter. At night, the nourishing prebiotics and hyaluronic acid don’t just protect and hydrate — they strengthen skin over time, improving pigmentation and increasing elasticity. Bonus: You can also add a few drops to your liquid foundation for a subtle, dewy glow that prevents your makeup from caking.
This post is sponsored by Sephora.
Photography: Vanessa Granda; Prop Styling: Tim Ferro; Art Direction: Diana Weisman/BDG; Branded Beauty Lead: Shyema Azam/BDG; Production: Julia Merenda/BDG