Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not a morning person. Like at all. In fact, I’m the opposite: a serial alarm-snoozer. My usual being a 5x alarm snooze, but on a Monday morning (my least favourite time of the week) I’ll push it to 8 snoozes. The cost of my precious extra Zs? I’ve shaved a cool 20-minutes from prep time. Eek!
So, out of necessity, I’ve had to turn to my Tik Tok FYP for beauty hacks that w to cheat my way into looking fresher than I feel. These beauty trends are so simple and effective, they’ve become a mainstay in my regular morning regime too.
5 Time-Saving Beauty Hacks
1. Skin Flooding
True to sound, this trend is all about boosting hydration and quenching skin’s thirst. The twist? Between each layer of product, you’ll be applying a light splash of water or gentle mist. While skin is still damp, follow closely with humectant-rich serums and creams (think ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides and ceramides). Damp skin allows ingredients to penetrate deeper in the epidermis layer of skin, and maximises their efficacy. Finish with a liberal slathering of barrier repair cream to seal in all your hard moisture-work.
Why I love it: Every makeup artist I’ve ever spoken to has said the same thing, ‘the key to a flawless finish lies in a good base’. And skin flooding ensures a pretty good one! My typically dry skin laps up all the moisture and I’m left looking dewy and firm for hours. On makeup-free days, I like to re-spritz in the afternoon to keep things looking fresh.
The Best Products For Skin Flooding
Avène Thermal Spring Water 300ml, $28.99 at Adore Beauty
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, $40 at Jurlique
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum, $28 at The Ordinary
2. Underpainting
There’s nothing more daunting than the prospects of putting on a full face at 7am. I like to cheat a full face using celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips‘ famed ‘underpainting’ technique. The base-makeup strategy centres around applying contour, highlighter, blush and concealer before your foundation to give you a lit-from-within finish. The TikTok version? Instead of finishing with foundation, buff product into the skin and leave as is. The results are very comparable to a full face with enhanced breathability and dewiness.
Why I love it: I don’t love wearing foundation everyday, but the allure of sculpted cheekbones and bright under eyes is constant. I find this replicates a full face on me really well. I love how it evens complexion and adds a sun-kissed glow to the skin. I tend to gravitate towards cream products (they blend so seamlessly) and like to enlist a purse-friendly face palette for on-the-go touch ups.
The Best Products For Underpainting
Make Up For Ever HD Skin All-in-one Palette, $145 at Adore Beauty
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, $76 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
3. Blush Draping
Unlike traditional blush placement (centred on the apples of the cheek), blush draping emphasises the cheekbone and temple. With similar placement to highlighter, start at the outer half of your cheek and drag pigment upwards and along the temple. This will give the illusion of a lifted cheekbone. Finish by blending above the brow or into the eye socket for high impact.
Why I love it: This will take you from drab to fab in a matter of seconds. I love the lifting effect (it’s second to none) and the flush of colour is key to a youthful, glowy look. It’s a great way to instantly elevate any makeup look.
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The Best Products For Blush Draping
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Blush in Ecstasy, $72 at Armani Beauty
Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush in Creamy Peach, $53 at Sephora
4. Soap Brows
A universally flattering brow. Mimicking the effect of a brow lamination, soap brows are defined by brow’s brushed up, fluffy appearance. Aptly named, the technique involves brushing a soap-dosed spoolie through your brows, laying the hairs up and outwards. It works surprisingly well and has longer term hold then traditional brow products. Thanks to its viral take-off (and longstanding relevancy), cult-favourite beauty brands Benefit and Ardell have jumped on the bandwagon offering a gel or wax formula to recreate the look. One swipe and go!
Why I love it: Any product that can be applied while on my commute AND lasts all day, is a winner! I’ve found Benefit Cosmetics’ new Precisely, My Brow Wax ticks all the boxes in terms of staying-power and hold, while also given a natural, non-sticky finish.
The Best Soap Brows Products
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Wax, $48 at Sephora
Ardell Brow Glue, $16.99 at Adore Beauty
5. Undone Waves
Not your typical messy ‘do, dirty undone waves is a hybrid between the modern wet-look trend and 70s-esque bohemian tresses. Effortless, undone and chic. Gossip Girl‘s Serena Van Der Woodsen is a great reference point for the style. To achieve the low-maintenance look, enlist a curling tong or waver to shape front framing pieces and work a dry shampoo, texture spray or mousse into the roots for boosted volume (the more volume the better!). Finish with a dry-hairspray for a soft-matte finish, steer clear of any glossy oils.
Why I love it: For obvious reasons…this one has made its way into my regular rotation. It’s a lazy girl’s saviour for third-day hair and feels much more elevated than a typical dishevelled ponytail and less-maintenance than the ever-trendy high-gloss slicked back bun.
The Best Products For Undone Waves
Fekkai Full Blown Volume Dry Texturizing Spray Weightless Amplifier, $35 at Sephora
Sachajuan Dry Shampoo Mousse, $50 at Adore Beauty
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
