I Want Beauty Products That Work Smarter, Not Harder—16 That Are Making the Cut

I hate to admit this, but my beauty collection is currently in complete disarray. As a beauty editor, I test so many beauty products, and I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing, which means I have more products than I know what to do with. To keep myself in line, I'm making smarter product swaps my priority right now. 

When I think about swapping out my beauty products for smarter alternatives, I have a few things in mind. The absolute biggest thing is sustainability—if a product has a more Earth-friendly swap, I'm going to make it. I'm also looking into cutting down the clutter in my routine, which means opting for mess-free versions of products and culling down my collection to products that make my life easier. 

Luckily, the beauty industry keeps coming up with smarter and smarter products. There are so many high-tech and ultra-intuitive products out there now that it's never been easier to streamline your beauty routine. Keep reading for the switches I'm making to make my day easier. 

Swap #1: Reusable or Refillable Products

As more and more beauty brands become savvy to making sustainable changes, it's never been easier to shop for sustainable beauty. This year, I'm committing to incorporating reusable and refillable products in my routine, whether it's in the form of eye masks I can keep using again and again or products that I only have to buy full packaging for once. 

Swap #2: Mess-Free Products

There is nothing I hate more than products that make a mess. I'm talking about sand-like body scrubs, gooey hair gels, and treatments that end up being more annoying than helpful. There are so many products out there that have been formulated to essentially help you eliminate annoying messes completely but still get all the benefits of products you can't live without, like teeth whiteners and acne spot treatments. 

Swap #3: Products That Make Your Life Easier

Hopefully, every product on this list helps make your life easier, but there are a few products that I'm truly eyeing to make my zen levels higher and help me hit snooze for longer. Think ventilated detangling brushes that decrease hair-dry time, sleep masks that stay on and help your makeup soak in, and, of course, no-brainers like a hair towel for the easiest post-shower styling and a blush that adjusts itself to your skin tone. 

Swap #4: Multitasking Products

Why would you use three separate products when you could just use one? I'm trying to cut down the steps in my beauty routine by opting for products that have multiple benefits. That means SPFs that double as active serums, mascaras with conditioners, high-tech foundations with skin-friendly ingredients, and a cult-favorite hair dryer that pays for itself on good-hair days. 

Next, I Tested 5 Different Lipsticks Against My Morning Coffee—Here's How They Held Up

Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.