Makeup products for multitaskers

We understand that makeup might fall to the bottom of the list on busy mornings. The key, according to makeup artist Grace Lee (who has made up famous faces, including Eva Longoria), is to create a streamlined routine using minimal products for maximum impact. Here are five ways to do it....

Upgrade from a simple tinted moisturizer to a BB cream. If you haven’t heard of these, let us be the first to tell you: Beauty Benefit creams are the hottest items at the beauty counter these days — and for good reason. These master multi-taskers offer a moisturizer, primer, light foundation coverage and shine control all in one for couldn’t-be easier makeup application in the morning.

We like: Smashbox Camera-Ready 5-in-1 Beauty Balm, $50
Where to Buy? sephora.com

Cover-up is a must to camouflage dark under-eye circles. Plus, a thin layer arund your lips can also sharpen your lipstick line, so you don't need lipliner to keep colour in place. Apply using a lipliner brush or the tip of your finger.

We like: Shiseido Natural Finish Cream Concealer, $30
Where to Buy? thebay.com

Curling mascara allows you to skip the step of using an actual curler without losing the effect of peepers that look more defined and awake.

We like: Maybelline the Falsies Flared By Volum' Express, $9

A sweep of cream blush across your cheekbones adds sheer, lively colour with a subtle dewy finish, which means you don’t need an additional highlighter. Plus, unlike a stain or dark-pigmented powder, this texture is easy to work with: You can easily add more or remove excess with a tissue.

We like: Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Crush
Where to Buy? sephora.ca

Bold lip colour is your speedy friend: "I'll do a bright lip and look pretty much done without having to do much on my eyes," says Lee. A lipstick-balm hybrid even moisturizes as it provides a pop of semi-sheer colour that you can intensify with more layers. Bonus: In a pinch, a shade of pink, coral or red can double as blush. Just rub a dab into the apples of your cheeks and you're off.

We like: Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart, $10