Create a Streamlined AM Skincare Routine With Multitasking Products

While you may feel the need to juggle multiple tasks at once on stressful mornings, it’s best to leave the multitasking to your beauty products. Studies reveal that the human brain lacks the architecture to perform two or more tasks simultaneously. Which means that preparing breakfast while answering emails and attempting winged eyeliner all at the same time isn’t doing you any favours. The right beauty product, on the other hand, can carry out a variety of functions with ease. 

Consider this your complete guide to multi-use products along with tips and tricks to save you precious time in the morning. 

Multi-purpose skincare products: Face and body

Self-tan the night before

If self-tan is an essential part of your beauty routine, use one that does the job as you sleep. Add a few drops of Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face to your night cream to make it work double-duty. 

Same goes for the body — mix drops of the Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body into your body lotion before going to bed and wake up to radiant, evenly tanned skin. 

Read next: How to Apply Self Tan to Your Face Like an Expert

Curate an edited shower routine

Choose products that check many boxes. The Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate does the job of cleansing, toning and waking you up at the same time. The oils in it activate when it comes in contact with hot water, enveloping you in the soothing, invigorating scent of rosemary, mint and geranium.

Use a serum with multiple benefits

You may not have the time to layer five different skincare products before dashing out the door, but you could use one that targets all your concerns. 

Clarins Training Manager Charlotte McHale recommends the Double Serum. “The ingredients are oil-soluble as well as water-soluble, which makes it great for all skin types. And it deals with all the different causes of premature ageing.”

Choose a day cream with SPF

Seal the serum with a sunscreen that also doubles as a day cream. “Go for UV PLUS Multi-protection SPF 50 Moisturising Fluid because it’s got moisturisation properties,” McHale says of the lightweight gel-cream that’s enriched with mango leaf extract. “But it also offers SPF and pollution-protection.”

Multitasking products and techniques: Make-up and hair

Prep your brows

If your eyebrows are lighter than you’d like them to be, consider tinting them in advance (either professionally or using at-home kits). This will save you having to fill and tint your brows in the morning. 

Choose a foundation with skincare properties

Want a light base? Choose an SOS Primer that suits you — its colour correcting properties target specific skin concerns like redness, dark circles or unevenness in the skin. In addition, it also contains hydrating organic sea lily extract and the Clarins anti-pollution complex that protects the skin from environmental damage.

Have a make-up uniform

You don’t want to be scrambling through product-packed shelves when you’re in a hurry. Instead, have a makeup bag ready with three or four fail-proof essentials that you can rely on to get you ready.

Use fewer brushes 

Create a capsule collection of two or three brushes that multitask. For instance, the Multi-Use Foundation Brush works with liquid, cream or powder products and would be great for foundation, blush and powder.

Keep a versatile eye palette handy

There are endless possibilities for makeup looks with an eyeshadow palette like the Ombre 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette. Apply a wash of the light or medium shade across the eyelids for a quick everyday look. For eyeliner, paint on the darkest shade in the palette with a wet angled brush.

Double up your lipstick as blush

A hint of lipstick warmed between the fingers looks beautiful when applied on the cheeks. Choose one with a creamy finish like the Joli Rouge lipstick. Then, swipe the same shade on your lips — you won’t have to worry about any colours clashing.

Drop a lip oil in your handbag

McHale also swears by the Lip Comfort Oils for on-the-go applications. They are packed with nourishing ingredients and come in five different shades to choose from. “That’s your balm and lip colour in one,” she points out.

Prep your hair the night before

If giving yourself beachy waves in the morning is what takes up most of your time, braid your hair the night before. All you need to do in the morning is unravel the braids, comb through with your fingers, apply some serum from mid-lengths to ends and some dry shampoo to the roots, and you’re good to go.

Want to slip in a quick meditation routine to calm you down before you start your day? Read all about it here: Easy Rituals To Embrace For A Morning Meditation Routine.