Now more than ever, we look for shortcuts in our everyday routine. But we still want to put our best face forward, especially on a video call. Thankfully, many multipurpose beauty products work just as hard as we do. They save time and money, as well as free up space on your vanity and in your makeup bag. “[You] also [lessen the chance] of makeup products expiring before [you’ve] had an opportunity to use a product,” says makeup artist Shawntay Fisher, whose celebrity clientele includes Ava DuVernay, Jasmine Guy, Tamela Mann and Robin Roberts. Whether it’s an eyeshadow that can double as highlighter, or a moisturizing body cream to use on your face and hair, these genius multitaskers will help you look more put-together with less effort.
Skin protectant + sealant
CeraVe Healing Ointment
Rich in three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this balm promises to soothe dry, chafed skin — and delivers. But when used as the final step in your skin care routine at night, it seals in products such as serums. “I … first used it only for dry patches. After seeing noticeable improvement, I started using it on my whole face,” one reviewer with combination skin wrote. “My skin was completely changed. It is never dry nor greasy, and I get compliments from strangers.” Good to know: A pea-sized amount goes a long way, but as with any new skin care product, do a patch test on the back of the ear before applying it to your entire face since petrolatum is an active ingredient. Ulta.com, $9.99.
Makeup remover + cleanser + toner
IT Cosmetics Miracle Water 3-in-1 Micellar Cleanser
Looking for a product that hydrates, removes makeup, brightens and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles? Consider this 3-in-1 essence, cleanser and tonic with peptides, light-reflecting pigments and a cocktail of seven fermented ingredients to help your favorite creams and serums perform better. “It helped minimize my pores and gave my skin a boost of moisture. My foundation applied more smoothly,” one reviewer wrote. Itcosmetics.com, $38.
Sunscreen + makeup setting spray
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
Sunscreen should be an essential part of your morning routine, then reapplied every two hours, which isn’t convenient when you’re running errands and already sporting a full face of makeup. Plus, touching our faces is a pandemic no-go. This fine mist delivers broad-spectrum coverage (SPF50), and it’s colorless so it won’t disturb your foundation. It also contains silicone powder to reduce shine and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. KateSomerville.com, $38.
Eye shadow + liner + shimmer
Mally Beauty Evercolor Shadow Stick Extra
This retractable stick is a primer, shadow, smudgy liner and brush all in one. Swipe it all over your lids for color that lasts for 12-plus hours. Pro-tip: Highlight the arch of your brows for an instant lift. You can even dab a little near your tear ducts to draw attention from under-eye shadows, particularly if you pick up the champagne, autumn shimmer or sand drift shades. Mally.com, $25.
Body butter + hair treatment
Mary Louise Cosmetics Body Butters
Available in five scents, including lavender and mango, these butters feature a blend of shea butter, vitamin E, jojoba oil and other natural ingredients that nourish and hydrate. This butter also doubles as an overnight hair treatment — just rinse it out in the morning. In a hurry? Apply the butter to the ends on dry hair for an extra dose of hydration or use it as a 10-minute hair mask. Marylouise.com, $18.
Lash plumper + brow definer + edge tamer
Maybelline New York Clear Great Lash
Clear mascara separates and defines your lashes without the drama, especially if you’re going for that no-makeup makeup look. This clear formula will also tame flyaways and keep your edges in place. Vivica A. Fox told The Strategist in 2018 that Maybelline’s clear mascara was her favorite for setting her brows. Walmart.com, $4.77.
Lip tint + highlighter + blush + contour
NARS the Multiple
This cream-to-powder stick’s creamy, buildable formula is perfect for highlighting the cheekbones, cupid’s bow and the bridge of your nose. In addition to being used as a highlighter, it can be used on the eyelids, lips, apples of the cheeks and décolletage. Depending on your complexion, the richest shade (called G-Spot) can be used to contour. The iconic multitasker is also packed with vitamin E and acai oil — powerful antioxidants. Ulta.com, $39.
Cuticle cream + face mask + hair hydrator
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Each tube contains sweet almond oil (an emollient), as well as viola tricolor, calendula and chamomile extracts. According to InStyle, Rihanna likes this as a cuticle cream prior to getting a mani. But this drugstore staple does more than relieve dry, cracked hands and feet. Double down on the hydration and leave it on your face for 10 minutes. (Remember that patch test.) Want to master the dewy makeup look? Wear a light layer under your foundation. You can also gently work it through your curls for added shine and moisture. Target.com, $18.99.
