You know what it’s like: your alarm goes off earlier than you’d like and you slip one arm out from under the warm covers to hit snooze. Unless you’re one of those lucky ducks who actually has your life—well, mornings, at least—together. I’m personally of the belief that if you’ve got your mornings together, it must feel like you’ve got your life together, because for this night owl, mornings are a STRUGGLE! (It’s hard to put that books down, sometimes! 😉) So, if you’re like me, your alarm goes off earlier than you’d like, and you reach out to hit snooze. Eventually, the pup can no longer be plied with tummy rubs and, unfortunately, the snooze button doesn’t actually stop time and the clock keeps ticking. On those rough mornings, it’s nice to have a go-to arsenal of products to help you feel prepared for the day. They’re the products that you know work for you. You know how they work and you know they’ll do their job when you’re trying to make your hair look presentable, drink a cup of coffee, put a little makeup on your face, pack to leave for the day, and get dressed all at the same time. It’s like that’s an unreasonable request. Bonus points if these products make you feel like a million bucks once you reach your final destination. (Because after a rushed morning you typically don’t that way on your way OUT the door!) Here is my arsenal.
Note – Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1 // ItCosmetics CC Cream. If you follow anyone who talks about beauty on YouTube or in the blogging world, I’m sure you’ve heard of this CC Cream. It’s one product that’s talked about pretty consistently and has been for a few years. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say anything negative about it. If they have, those thoughts have been drowned out by all the praise. It’s been on my radar awhile, but I never felt the need to deviate from my tried and true foundation. During the summer that foundation felt a little heavy for all the time I spent in the barn hanging out with my friend’s horses, but I still wanted something to even out my skin tone. It was time to try this CC Cream! This is perfect for anyone who: 1) wants a decent amount of coverage without a product that feels heavy on the skin (I can’t feel it!); and 2) is hydrating. It feels hydrating when you apply it; something I can definitely tell after I’ve been using a different product for awhile instead. In January I ran out of this product and my go-to foundation at the same time and decided I only wanted to repurchase one right away. This is the one I went with. I haven’t felt a need to pick up the other foundation yet.
2 // Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette. If you don’t like scents, you’re not going to like this palette. If you don’t mind scented products and you like chocolate, meet your new BFF! I’m not always a fan of scented products, but I can get on board with chocolate! It’s a nice pick-me-up when I’m still struggling to wake up after I’ve crawled out of bed. I love that this palette has pinky tones; I’ve always felt like they suit me well. But there’s a nice array of shades and I can pull off a wide variety of looks with all that’s in it. I love that there are pops of color, but I can also go with a completely natural look. There are shadows that I can use for my brows and one that I can use as a highlight. If I could only have one palette this would be it. I thought I lost it a few months ago and was ready to head out and repurchase it right away. I can’t think of any other palette that I’d prioritize repurchasing. I just love this one so much. (And, luckily, I found it!) If you like a neutral palette with pops of color that actually work, this palette is for you!
3 // Urban Decay Liquid Lipsticks. I love switching up lip colors, but I hardly ever wear lipsticks because I hate it when it gets on stuff. I just want to be able to drink a glass of water or cup of coffee without leaving lip prints behind. And Mina is adorable without my lipstick all over the top of her fluffy head. Enter liquid lipsticks. I stayed away from the trend for a while because my lips are always on the dryer side, so when I first tried one of Urban Decay’s liquid lipsticks I was pleasantly surprised. These are for anyone who wants a lip color that doesn’t transfer, but doesn’t dry out the lips. I heard a lot of reports that the formula is inconsistent, and while there are some I don’t like as much as others (I don’t like the feel of Backtalk after it dries and the few times I’ve worn Rapture it’s become a little patchy), I’ve loved every other shade that I’ve tried. I also love the staying power. Below I have a photo pre-greasy pizza for lunch, and another one post-greasy pizza. The color I’m wearing is Trap Queen and I love it! Other favorites are ZZ, Amulet, and Studded.
4 // Sleek Highlighting Palette in Solstice. This is my #1 highlighter and it’s super affordable. This is my go-to product when I use a highlighter and if I use a different one it’s always because I make an intentional effort to do so. If you like a highlighter that packs a punch, is glitter-free, has different options, and is easy to use, this is for you. I don’t use the cream highlight (Ecliptic, top left), but I use the rest. Below Ecliptic is Hemisphere, which is great as a highlight for your Cupid’s Bow, especially when wearing a bold lip. Next to Ecliptic and Hemisphere is Subsolar (top) and Equinox. Sometimes I’ll use one at a time, but most often I combine the two. I wore this combo to a MAC counter one day and the MUA thought I was wearing Soft & Gentle, so if you’re looking for a dupe you should look at this palette!
5 // Replica Perfume in Beach Walk. I have a handful of perfumes, but most of them are smaller sizes because I really don’t wear perfume that often. Sometimes they irritate my skin; most of the time I just forget to put it on and I haven’t found a perfume enough that I actually remember it in the morning. Until Replica’s Beach Walk, that is. I love anything beach-related and not only does this perfume smell great when you apply it, it’s one that gets better and better throughout the day. I love this so much that I’d actually spend the money on a full-size bottle: something I never do. I just love this product that much!
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Okay I totally need that Too Faced palette in my life – so pretty!
I’m a huge fan of It Cosmetics! Love their stuff.
That highlighting palette looks gorgeous! I have the CC+ cream but it almost felt oily; maybe I just need to give it another try.
I am with you on the Urban Decay Vice lipsticks! And wouldn’t it be nice if the snooze button actually did make the clock stop for a few minutes?!
I tried that CC cream because I heard amazing things about it, but I’ve learned that makeup of any kind on my bare skin doesn’t work for me. I do love the way it looks though!
I love Urban Decay!! I use just about everything by them and have always had a great experience. I have yet to try anything by It Cosmetics though. But I’ve heard great things and really want to add that CC cream to my collection.
I am a fan of UD products and the IT! Cosmetics CC cream is traveling with me on vacation. I love it for hot weather.
I love CC creams for some quick coverage, and I also always have a roller ball perfume in my bag.
OH GIRL you know how I feel about both the It Cosmetics CC cream AND UD’s Vice lippies…SO GOOD!
Yessss, the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream and that Sleek Solstice palette are two of my all time faves! I don’t travel without them.
Cool beans!!!! I love this post. I have heard about Two Faced from friends, but hadn’t seen the colors. Looks beautiful! I love the shimmer for lid space. Will have to check it out. Also, I’ just purchased It eye color and like it as well. Great staying power too. Great post! Thanks for posting.
Some good brands! My go to are a lot of Dior products
Xx
Kali
http://www.lovelaughexplore.com
Great products! I will have to check out the Urban Decay’s liquid lipsticks. One of my go to beauty product is tinted moisturizer. Gives me a little cover without being heavy.
The Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette looks so pretty! I’ve been wanting to buy it for so long! 😀
The CC cream is one of my go-to’s when I’m in a rush too — it’s SO good!
I truly love CC Cream orand BB Cream and prefer that before a foundation.
I’ve wanted to try the IT Cosmetics CC cream for a while. Definitely picking it up. I think It’ll be perfect for the humid Houston summers.
These all look so pretty, inspires me to dabble in makeup a little more
Nice brands! My perfect go-to products are from ItCosmetics and Dior!