Last week, I felt in one constant state of tired. I know I mentioned late last week, but holiday mode was not leaving my side. I was forgetting meetings, falling asleep before my usual bed-time (10pm), and struggled to wake up for my alarm more than I’d like to admit. While I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I usually care what I look like more when I attend events after work across the week than I do during the workday, I still try to look pulled together.
When I’m feeling this way, I lean on a certain assortment of trusted products to help me look pulled together in little time and without any hassle. All of the below are tried and true to assist with my 20 minute ‘get-ready-for-work’ routine, And, without further ado…
There are five products that I use every morning, without fail:
Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing & Makeup Remover
I know I’ve spoken of my love for this product in the past, but that’s because I love it. I regularly rotate between three face washes (similar to my mixture of shampoo brands), but this one is my favorite. While it’s incredibly affordable, it really does wash off all of my makeup in the evenings, but also wakes my face up in the mornings. It’s not as wonderful as an energizing face mask, but it’s a quick way to wake those pores up and get the day started on a positive note.
Pure & True INFUSE Organic Beauty Moisturizer
I tried this product back in October, and it’s been a staple in my routine ever since. The ingredients allow the product to feel light & airy, while the multi-vitamins work wonders on my skin. In our dry Denver Winters, I sometime feel the need for something more intense, such as using Acure Moroccan Argan Oil, but this moisturizer is my absolute recommendation for everyday.
Arbonne “It’s A Long Story” Mascara
I have never been very loyal to makeup brands. I change eye shadows like I change my casual tops, I rarely use the same cover-up twice (though always have one handy), and I typically have multiple mascara brands at the ready. Or, I should say I did frequently change mascara brands, until I found Arbonne’s “It’s a Long Story” Mascara. It is water-resistant, which I don’t love, but the lengthening impact is unmatched by any other mascara I’ve tried. The effect is natural, yet ultra-dramatic at the same time. The winning combination!
Chantecaille Bronzer Compact (St. Barth’s)
I’ve spoken many times about my love for Chantecaille (see here, here, here, and here), and this product is just as wonderful. The texture is smooth enough to leave your skin soft, but the color impact highlights your cheekbones in the perfect way. I definitely recommend testing this product first (I got it at Niemans), because I got a slightly darker color than I had expected (St. Barths.) I rarely use this for everyday, but it wakes up my face and makes me look awake and alert across the full day.
Elizabeth & James Nirvana (Black)
While waking up my face is a big part of looking pulled together, I’ve found that waking up my other senses is equally as important. I blast happy music and wear my favorite scent, which is currently Mary-Kate & Ashley’s Nirvana Black. It’s sophisticated and feminine, with a slight masculine side. The mixture is violet, sandalwood, and vanilla, which is absolutely perfect for this time of year.
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What are your favorite products to use every morning?
Do you have any tricks that make you look and feel immediately awake?
Create a great life!
