I’m definitely a less is more kind of person (except when it comes to guacamole, cheese, or sleep). The simpler and easier, the better.
This philosophy finds its way into many areas of my life, especially when it comes to my beauty routine. Some people can spend hours doing their hair, makeup, and nails. Take their time every morning while delicately sipping their coffee. Go through their entire routine patiently and flawlessly. Wing their eyeliner perfectly on the first try like pros. And I salute those super-people. But I am simply not one of them.
I try to get my routine done as quickly and efficiently as possible, especially if it’s 7:00am and I need my Starbucks. Sometimes that means just applying a simple swipe of mascara and lip gloss to take me through the day.
BUT, the great thing about hair care and makeup is you can make each routine as easy or as elaborate as you wish.
If you’re like me and your mornings tend to lean toward the low-maintenance end of the scale, I trust you will find this list of beauty essentials helpful.
I’m usually a drugstore mascara kind of gal, but since receiving a travel-sized vial of this magic potion last year, I was instantly HOOKED and ran out to splurge on the full-sized option as soon as my mini ran out. It seriously takes your lashes from so-so to va-va-VOOM!
I highly recommend this product if you don’t have a ton of time to curl your lashes, patiently layer your mascara or otherwise perfect your eyes every morning.
I used to be intimidated by brows. Adding too many brow strokes can be a fine “line” to cross (see what I did there? No? Okay.). It was tricky for me to find the right colour that didn’t look too orange or too dark, until I found this FABULOUS product. The tip is quite fine, which makes the strokes look very realistic and natural. It is SO user-friendly.
I am very particular when it comes to fragrances (as I’m sure we all are). I could spend hours and countless coffee beans sniffing through perfumes to find my perfect match. And to make it even more of a complex process, they always seem to smell different when on your skin (thanks a lot, science).
But this one instantly caught my nose’s attention – it’s warm and delightful. Perhaps the thing I love the most about it, though, is the ease of use.
The travel size makes it a great product to have ready in my purse for when I’m running out the door. Simply spritz the product on your wrists, and you’re good to go!
You can probably gather this from my previous sentiments, but I am not the type of person who can wing liner easily. That is, until this fabulous product was recommended to me. It seriously makes applying liner SO easy. The product itself lasts a long time on my eyes, which is perfect for long days.
I am a lip balm QUEEN! I have one or five in my desk, my car, my bedside table, my purse. In fact, they are my favourite gift to receive.
Lip balms are absolutely essential during cold weather and dry-air seasons to avoid chapped lips. This one in particular has a divine smell, which makes me think of the Holidays.
This stuff smells fantastic and the roll-on applicator makes life so much easier. It gives a refreshing sensation and has helped me get rid of many headaches.
A classic. This is definitely a staple of mine.
The smell of this stuff is great, and it’s super quick to spritz my hair. It also makes me feel much more professional and accomplished when doing my ‘do, as I’m taking the extra step to protect my hair.
Dry shampoo – a necessity of every busy gal out there. Much like lip gloss, I like to have some of this available for my convenience in many places. I have fine hair, and sometimes I skip a shampoo. This product refreshes my hair without feeling too waxy, plus the coconut scent makes me forget that it’s winter in Alberta and on a beach somewhere.
To all you running-out-the-door-busy, de-caffeinated, or scatterbrained gals out there trying to conquer your beauty routines: I’ve got your back!
Maia is a classic Central Albertan gal who KNOWS her way around Bower Place . . . she grew up exploring it! If she’s not scouting the best of The Great Indoors, she’s probably strapping on her hiking pack to escape to the mountains or grabbing her cowboy boots (she’ll never say “no” to a rodeo). She has a love of free-spirited 70s vibes including eclectic accessories, bright colours, and fun patterns.