3 Beauty Timesavers We Can’t Live Without

I’m a single mom with too many freelance assignments and dishes that won’t wash themselves. I have no time. And I’m sure you don’t either. And yet … I have beauty needs that are both demanding and urgent. And I’m sure you do, too (that’s why you’re here!). This is precisely why I’m obsessed with time-saving, multi-tasking products. Why choose a blush or a powder that only does one thing, when you can indulge in a product that works in multiple way, thus shortening your primping time? These three hardworking, time-saving products do pretty much everything but caulk my tub.

2 ways: Lips + Cheeks

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral | $25

This cream-based color is like Miami in a compact! The deep coral-pink leaves a sheer, natural-looking stain on both lips and cheeks. I dab it on with my middle finger for a romantic flush, but you can build the shade for a more intense look, too.

3 ways: Face + Body + Hair

Indie Lee Moisturizing Oil in Lavender Chamomile | $36

This all-purpose, beatifying dry oil lives on my nightstand. The lavender and chamomile-spiked jojoba oil blend (which mimics skin’s actual sebum) manages to hydrate your face, body, and dry, damaged hair, without leaving a greasy finish. Try massaging it into your face, hands, elbows, and ends of hair before bed: so luxurious. [shop it here]

4 ways: Skin + Lashes + Hair + Lips

Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder | $35

Translucent powder seems pretty one-note, but it’s actually a queen multitasker. Lightweight and silky, you can use the loose powder to smudge smokey eyes; tone down heavy blush or bronzer; thicken sparse lashes (just dab on between mascara coats); mattify too-shiny lips; or even freshen up three-day-old blowout as a dry shampoo.

Tia Williams has been a beauty editor for 15 years, at publications like Elle, Glamour, Lucky, and Essence.com. Back in 2005, Tia created one of the first beauty blogs, Shake Your Beauty, where she wove her love of products through hilarious vignettes from her life as a beauty expert and mom living in Brooklyn. She’s also written several books, including the best-selling novel The Accidental Diva and supermodel Iman’s The Beauty of Color. Follow Tia on Twitter @shakeyourbeauty.