Simplifying my makeup routine has definitely been on my mind lately. I had grown very comfortable with my makeup free days and occasionally opting for a Zoom version which I shared here. However, as the months went on those Zoom meetings became fewer, it was only on the occasional shoot day that I went full in on my makeup routine. Those of you who are also insta friends know that one of my favorite on-camera looks is a bold red lip. I have always loved makeup. I remember anxiously waiting for the day when I would be deemed old enough to wear it. When that day came I was never without my pressed powder compact, smiling broadly into the mirror while a mocha flour patted version of myself smiled back. In my single mom days when designer duds weren’t really a reality, I would splurge on a high-end luxurious lipstick as a treat instead. To be honest I wish my love of makeup had really been a love of skincare back then but as I have grown older I have managed to marry both.

Over the past year, I’ve leaned into skincare much more heavily, one of the positive things that has come out of over a year of quarantine. Not only did I enjoy trying new skin-soothing products, but I literally became more confident and comfortable in my own skin. But now we are all starting to peek back out into the world that extends beyond our living rooms and even attend events as more and more of us become vaccinated. And while mask-wearing is still very much a thing there are instances where they are removed (in a socially distanced manner of course) so I have been looking for ways to not only simplify my routine but create a new normal that matches my less is more approach. The less part of that equation is that I really want to see my skin the way I have been accustomed to, not cover it up the way that I used to.

With all that in mind, I have been trying more multi-use and simpler products. I have narrowed down what I think are the best of the bunch. So here are a few of my new favorite things: 

Jones Road Beauty

Even if you aren’t familiar with Jones Road I would be willing to bet that you are quite familiar with its founder Bobbi Brown. While Bobbi Brown Cosmetics still exists it is no longer owned by the real Bobbi Brown. She has a new line-Jones Road, which is lauded as clean no-makeup makeup. One of the things that I loved immediately when I visited the site was that you actually see skin! The photos aren’t airbrushed perfection, they’re real!  And exactly the clean fresh look that I was hoping for. 

Miracle Balm-the first product I tried was their miracle balm. You can use it in a myriad of ways-all over as a highlight, on lips, and or eyes. But no matter how I used it the result was the same. My own skin but better. Dewy, hydrated, fresh-faced skin. I use this without foundation most days but I have used it as a highlight on shoot days and it just adds a youthful glow.

The Face Pencil (Also known as the everything stick) – once I tried the miracle balm I wanted to find something that would allow me to ditch the foundation completely but still let me cover discoloration or a blemish if I wanted to. The idea of a full face of makeup was becoming increasingly less appealing so this sounded like a great alternative. I love that it adds a little coverage where you need it and that it blends seamlessly, but you can use so little that you aren’t wiping off a full face of makeup at the end of the day.

Trinny London

Lip2 Cheek-this was sent to me as a gift from the brand. I had never heard of Trinny London before receiving the gift, but I loved the concept of multi-use products (again the simpler the better for me right now)! I also loved that you didn’t need to use a fancy brush to apply it. You could just dab and go. It’s true to its name and with a quick swipe on the lip and a dab on the cheek it does make your complexion come alive. I love the pigment, hydration, and staying power of this product.

I don’t have to tell you much about this next product. If you have been wearing makeup for the last 30+ years as I have you are well aware of this brand but if you have been following along on Instagram you know I recently went to Pittsburgh for a photoshoot with one of my favorite brands. I am always fascinated by the products real makeup artists have in their arsenal. So I was very pleasantly surprised to see an old friend. Hello Clinique!

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm-the premise behind our photoshoot was all about skin so it was only fitting that any makeup used for the lifestyle shoots be natural and moisturizing. She shared which shade she’d selected for me and I immediately added it (and another one) to cart.

I love that they are easy, portable and there is no mirror required! They go on seamlessly like your favorite lip balm but add the perfect amount of natural-looking pigment to your lips. I would wear these with a completely bare face just to give a little lift to my look. It’s like your favorite chapstick but so much better!

Lancome– another fan favorite here that needs no introduction. I have loved Lancome (particularly for eyes) for as long as I can remember. Mascara is one of my favorite things and pre-pandemic I wanted the fullest look possible. The more the better was my motto when it came to lashes. I wanted them thick, long, and didn’t care if they didn’t look real. I wasn’t alone either as one of my favorites was actually called They’re Real because with a few swipes they didn’t look it. But I think by now it’s clear that I am leaning into a cleaner, more natural look.

Hypnose Doll Lashes– might sound overdone but I have actually found it to be much more natural-looking than my standby Better Than Sex (I still love that one but I don’t reach for it as often) Doll Lashes is more about giving a more individual long lash look. It lengthens and lifts but in a more realistic looking way. Think doll-eyed as wide-eyed and lifted, not heavy or clumpy.

When I asked for other recommendations Illia was often mentioned. I haven’t tried it yet but my daughter is a fan. Here is what she loves.

The Multistick– Ilia’s multistick gives a soft wash of color to your cheeks and lips (and some shades can even be used on your eyes to warm them up). The sticks are soft and blendable enough to compliment an everyday (or no makeup) makeup look but give enough color for a noticeable flush. My daughter uses this product daily to enhance her lips and cheeks.

I’d love to hear what simple or multi-use makeup products you are loving right now. Feel free to share below. 

Until Next Post, 

Xo Tonya Parker