Low Effort, High Impact—the Busy-Editor Guide to Chic, Multitasking Beauty Products

Clinique's Chubby Sticks were some of the first beauty products I ever played with as a blooming teen, but the newly released Color Balms have been an essential in my rushed glam routine ever since arriving on my doorstep. The tawny mauve shade Amp'd Up Apple has been my personal favorite for achieving a believable flush that doubles as rosy contour—its cool undertones offering chiseled warmth to my winter-pale skin. After applying to my cheekbones, I dab a bit onto my lips and across my eyelids for a cohesive, flushed look. Voilà!

“I can't even begin to count the ways I've used this product. Lip liner! Eyeliner! Faux freckles! Even contour (if I'm in a pinch). The warm, rosy-brown color is so versatile, and I've gone through at least three in my lifetime. In fact, I'm in the process of whittling down my fourth pencil into a tiny stub right now. It makes sense why so many makeup artists keep it in their kits.” — Kaitlyn McLintock, beauty editor

This multitasking complexion stick from Merit is something I think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy would own today. Chic and minimal, this hybrid formula offers medium, buildable coverage that subtly evens texture and tone while allowing your natural glow to peek through. It doubles as both concealer and foundation, covering dark circles and redness without feeling heavy or starchy, and it blends like a dream—meaning I can blend with my fingers when I'm in a serious rush or go at it with a brush when I have a bit more time. I keep one in my gym bag, one in an always-packed travel kit, and another on my makeup display. It's that serious.

“I kid you not—I would attend 50% fewer events if the slicked-back bun didn’t exist. It saves me every single time my hair is flat, oily, or dull. I lightly mist with water, smooth on the impossibly lightweight yet ultra-hydrating OI Oil from Davines for shine, twist into a bun, then lock it in with the flexible-hold hair spray. Clean. Chic. Secretly nourishing.” — Emma Hughes, associate social media editor

“When I say that this color stick has replaced my entire makeup routine, I mean it. I scribble it on my cheeks for a quick flush, dab it on my lids for some monochromatic color, trace it along the sides of my nose as a contour, and swipe it across my lips for a soft, rosy-brown pout. Truly a hero product in every sense of the word!” — Jamie Schneider, senior beauty editor

I don't know about you, but I worry about my skin in the sun near constantly. Though I am diligent about my daily sunscreen, I like knowing that my products are doing more for my skin than just making me look more presentable, which is why I frequently reach for the Suntouchable All Set for Sun Setting Spray from e.l.f. Cosmetics. In addition to being a lightweight, clear setting spray that preserves my makeup, doesn't make my skin look greasy, and sprays in a fine mist, it also offers SPF 45 for an extra layer of protection. It's a must in my book.

“Okay, I'll admit it—I'm generally not one to gravitate toward warm, sweet gourmands as my fragrance of choice, but there are some sugary, addictive blends that have made it into my perfume lineup. It's a gourmand blend of spun sugar, sweet vanilla, and delicate musk accented with bergamot and jasmine for a cozy and airy finish I can't get enough of. I like to spritz this one as I'm heading out the door or tuck it away in my Pilates bag to freshen up after a session.” — Maya Thomas, associate beauty editor

“Whenever I'm short on time, I swipe this blush onto my cheekbones (sometimes even on my eyes and nose) straight from the bullet. The terra-cotta color is so flattering. For me, it works like a blush and bronzer in one, making my otherwise dull skin look naturally flushed and sun-kissed. Often, I don't even reach for a makeup brush or Beautyblender; I blend it with my fingers before running out the door.” — McLintock

“Every beauty editor needs a long-lasting lip combo in their survival kit. I personally can't stop raving about the new lip stains from Summer Fridays. They truly last for hours—no reapplication required. I line and fill with the lightest shade, Slipper, then layer Rosette along my Cupid’s bow and lower lip for added depth. A swipe of the Berry Lip Sleeping Mask from Laneige on top seals everything in with glossy perfection.” — Hughes

For a beauty editor, I far prefer a quick skincare routine over something long, multilayered, and involving 10 steps. Because I'm also often in a rush, I unconsciously gravitate toward skincare products that perform two functions at once—for example, this priming moisturizer from Merit, which not only nourishes the skin but offers longer wear for your makeup. The formula absorbs quickly, which is a plus for rushed routines, and it effectively hydrates my sensitive skin without irritating it. I'm currently on my second bottle—it's that good.

“This French pharmacist-formulated balm has been such a godsend this winter. I’ll typically spot-treat it overnight on patches of extra-dry skin (namely the sides of my nose—so flaky this time of year!), but I’ve also applied a thicker layer as a deep moisturizing treatment, on my cuticles to prevent pesky frays, and on my lips to heal the dreaded winter chap. It also makes a great, shimmer-free highlighter on no-makeup days!” — Schneider

“When I'm on the go, I like to keep my makeup very minimal and effortless, so I always keep Westman Atelier's Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in my bag. Lately, I've been loving the shade Bichette: a stunning red berry with an orange undertone that gives my skin a sun-kissed glow and flush of color in a single step. While I do love swiping this onto my cheeks, I've also found that patting it onto my lips offers the perfect base for my berry-toned lip combos.” — Thomas

While you could argue that a hair dryer isn't a multitasking product, I beg to differ when it concerns this model from Laifen. When I'm getting ready in rush—which is nearly every time I do my hair—I rely on a high-speed hair dryer like this model to get the job done efficiently. Because of its fast-drying mechanisms, I can also effortlessly diffuse or coiff my hair with the styling attachments included, which would take much longer with a traditional hair dryer. As they say, time is money—and this is a worthy investment of both.