Top 5 Makeup Products For an Effortless Look

Life as a college student is so odd. Sometimes I’m sleeping in until noon, other days I’m rushing out the door at 6:00 am. Either way, I seem to wake up exhausted and in a rush. For this reason, I’ve sort of perfected the 10 minute makeup look to help myself feel a little more put together on days where I can’t seem to catch a break. These are 5 of my favorite makeup products that help me nail the effortless look.

#1: A Tinted SPF

When I discovered tinted sunscreen for the first time, my world changed. I’m telling you, it’s truly a game changer. Sun protection is a daily MUST for my routine (and it should be for yours too)! Tinted sunscreens are a great 2-in-1 product that help you stay protected and offer slight coverage as well. Because I am so pale, most tinted sunscreens alone are too dark for me, so what I do is mix them with a regular sunscreen to tone down the color. Most sunscreens have white casts, so mixing the two helps lighten the complexion a bit.

If your skin is on the deeper side, tinted sunscreens are perfect for you! They eliminate the concern of looking pasty after application. No more white cast!

The one I’m currently using is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 50. I recommend always looking for an SPF that has a protection factor around 50.

#2: A Hydrating, Medium Coverage Concealer

Lately, I’ve been giving my skin a break and I have not gravitated towards a foundation. However, on restless days, a concealer is a must. I recommend using a medium coverage, hydrating concealer because those look the most natural. Especially since no foundation is being used, I find that an intense concealer gives a weird look on a natural face.

To save time and tools, I blend my concealer out with my fingertips (kill me!). Before you click off, give it a try! It creates a natural, seamless blend, especially with the SPF under.

#3: A Bold Mascara

This part is crucial!!! Mascara is a product that I have just recently been giving the attention it deserves. Last year, I stopped wearing false lashes (I was an Ardell Wispies 113 devotee) because I wanted to try and grow my natural ones out. That was the best decision I made! I never knew my natural eyelashes could grow in so long, thick, and full.

I have also learned that mascara is NOT a one size fits all. Finding your perfect mascara is a very personal experience but it is so rewarding in the end. I tore Ulta and Sephora apart testing out every cult favorite to try and find my perfect fit. After months, I found my favorite mascara to date: the Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! mascara.

This product has been revolutionary for my lashes. I get so many compliments on my lashes because of this product. The length and volume it gives me is insane (and without a lash curler!). Again, I want to emphasize that mascara is not a one size fits all. I urge you to try different ones out to see what works best for you.

#4: Liquid Blush

Thank god we collectively decided to stop ignoring blush. The 2016 blush-less makeup days still haunt me. I was in seventh grade using a grey contour removing ALL the color from my face and making myself look like a corpse. I’m already pale as it is, so I really don’t know what I was thinking.

Luckily we can put those days behind us because blush is definitely here to stay. For my quick, natural makeup days, I find myself gravitating toward a liquid blush for two reasons.

1.) I find it looks the most natural because it’s easier to build.

2.) I can easily blend it out with my fingertips. No extra tools needed!

Recently, I’ve been obsessed with the Glossier Cloud Paint, however there are so many great liquid blushes out there with a range of different prices to fit every budget.

#5: A Lip Tint

I shamelessly have TikTok to thank for this next product, and the one I use costs less than a latte nowadays. Lip tints have become a staple in my routine. They add a nice natural pigment to my lips and last way longer than a lipstick or gloss.

I apply my lip tint like any other lip product and just let in marinate on my lips. The longer it’s on, the better. I love a rosy lip and it looks soooo good with a gloss over top. I could not recommend the Elf lip stain enough! My current favorite shade is ‘Power Mauves’. For only $6.00, you truly cannot beat the price.

Now You’re Ready

There you have it. You now know how to achieve a glowing, radiant look in less than 10 minutes (and using only your fingers as a tool!) I hope you got something out of this list! If you’ve tried any of these products I’d love to hear about it!

What’s your favorite everyday makeup product? Let me know! I’m always doom scrolling on the Ulta App so give me some recommendations to try.

Until next time!

-Diana