Multi-Tasking with Beauty, Articles, Fashion & Beauty

We all have our beauty rituals—regardless of how simple or extensive they may be—that we perform daily. Lately, we’ve become hooked on products that serve more than one purpose; whether it’s because they can be used in another way than was originally intended, or simply because they reduce the number of items in our makeup case or that we need apply to our face, we give our thumbs up to these beauty multi-taskers.

Cheery glow

Just a touch of colour to the lips and cheeks is often all you need to create that oh-so-pretty flushed look. Blush and lipstick are the obvious tools for the job, but we love the often more natural effect of lip and cheek stains—not to mention that they cut the need for two products down to one! A gel formula allows for a blotch-free application and layering, for just the amount of colour you need.

Sephora Lush Flush Wine Lip and Cheek Stain, $12 at Sephora

All primed up

Although it may not seem like an essential item at first, once you’ve tried any kind of primer, you’ll be hooked. It preps your skin, making makeup application smoother, and often giving it staying power for a flawless result that lasts for hours. This newcomer from Benefit not only to preps the eyelid for shadow, but it is also meant to be used on the under eye are beneath concealer! It hydrates the skin and infuses it with vitamins C and E to help fight the signs of aging. Plus, it keeps your concealer from creasing and your shadow from slipping!

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray, $30. Available at Sephora in February, and at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, Murale and select Holt Renfrew locations in March.

Clearly tamed

Blond-haired ladies may be more familiar with clear mascara, as it often looks more natural on them than black, or even brown. Rather than depend on the waterproof kind that tends to dry out lashes, we like to go clear when working out, or hitting the pool or beach in summer. What’s more, it can also be used to tame unruly brows and keep them in place. Sweet! We always make sure to have this little tube on hand.

Cover Girl Professional Natural Lash Mascara, $5.99 in pharmacies and at well.ca

Magic oil

This sublime oil from Nuxe is a classic that we think should be in every gal’s beauty cabinet. It can be used in a myriad of ways, from mixing it in with your regular day lotion for extra moisturizing power, to applying it to tips of your strands for added shine and moisture. Want your foundation to go on super smooth? Just mix in a few drops of this magic elixir. You can also use it as an intensive hair mask, rub it into dry, brittle nails, or even pour a few drops of it into the tub for an unforgettable bath experience. Need we say more?

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil, $25 for 50ml at The Bay and certain pharmacies.