Simplify Your Beauty Routine With These Multi-Tasking Makeup Products
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
As a textbook Virgo, here are some very ‘on-brand’ things I’m good at: planning social outings, following recipes meticulously, making lists (obviously), deciphering flat packs, and multitasking.
However, the latter to me isn’t just a skill; it’s a lifestyle.
From my personal life to my beauty regimen, I’m all about working smarter, not harder. If there’s a faster/easier/better way to do something, I’ll find it.
So, when the opportunity arose to yap about multi-tasking beauty products on our very own podcast, Beauty IQ Uncensored, I jumped at it. And in true Virgo style, I took the responsibility very seriously.
(If you want to catch the full episode, tune in below!)
While I'm lucky as a beauty editor to try lots of cool new and exciting products, my favourites are often those that can be used in a multitude of ways.
I'm talking about the kind of products you'd grab when you have just three minutes to pack and can only take the essentials.
The overachieving, non-negotiable items you find yourself reaching for time and time again.
I've rounded up a few of my top picks below for you.
These products also happen to tick another box commonly associated with my celestial sign (though not always true for me), frugality.
elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
Our first skin shape-shifter is elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
As its name suggests, this is a glowy complexion product that gives your skin an ethereal, lit-from-within radiance.
It's a multitasking marvel that can be worn alone, over, or under makeup, depending on the look and finish you’re after.
I mostly use it as a light coverage foundation and love its skin-like finish. It also layers beautifully under makeup as a luminous primer, or over the top to highlight your features.
Fast facts:
- Skincare-makeup hybrid for glowing, dewy skin.
- Often referred to as a rival of a popular high-end complexion product.
- Features finely milled pearls that reflect light for a subtle, ‘halo’-like glow.
- Available in eight shades to cater to different skin tones; suitable for all skin types.
- Enriched with hydrating, skin-loving ingredients including squalane and hyaluronic acid.
elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter reviews:
“I purchased this as my favourite illuminating primer was just getting too expensive and hard to find. When looking online this was suggested as a dupe and I'm so glad I tried it!
The applicator is not too bad to use but I definitely would have preferred a pump. however, it keeps my hands clean. It provides the perfect amount of coverage and gives my skin a natural glow. It blends beautifully with concealer and other cream products” - Lauren.
“This skin glow is amazing, has the right amount of pigment and keeps your skin looking fresh all day!” - Zj.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD SKIN ALL-IN-ONE PALETTE.
This one is definitely on the bougier end of the scale, but it doesn’t get more multi-use than the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD SKIN ALL-IN-ONE PALETTE - Shade H1
This clever complexion compact contains everything you need for a full routine, with 12 shades in total including three foundations, four concealers/correctors, two blushes, two contours and one highlighter.
The cool thing about it is that it’s completely customisable to whatever look you’re after, whether it's a full glam or a minimal makeup look.
It’s also the perfect mess-free design for travel, with a click closure that keeps the compact secure.
If you’re like me and find yourself gravitating more toward the sculpting shades, there’s also the aptly titled MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Sculpting Palette.
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for an exciting new third palette coming to Adore v soon…
Fast facts:
- Multi-use cream palette.
- Blendable and buildable texture.
- Lightweight feel with a naturally radiant finish.
- Shade H1 is best for light to medium skin tones; H2 for tan to deep.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD SKIN ALL-IN-ONE PALETTE reviews:
“So convenient to pop in your bag for the day. Covers your face lovely and doesn't feel heavy and stays put. A little transfer but not as much as any other makeup. Perfect colours and the pinkish are great for your lips!!” - Alli.
“This palette is a game-changer! Its versatile range of shades ensures a flawless and cohesive look. The texture is silky, blending seamlessly for a natural finish. The compact design is ideal for travel, making it a go-to palette for those who crave convenience without compromising quality. A must-have for anyone wanting a comprehensive and high-quality makeup solution!” - Shannon Nicole.
AB LAB HA Plump Lip & Cheek Multistick.
Did you know Adore Beauty has our very own beauty brand? AB LAB, for those unacquainted.
The AB LAB by Adore Beauty HA Plump Lip & Cheek Multistick is designed for fast but flawless application.
It comes in a handy stick format for an instant pop of colour on your cheeks or a subtle tint on your lips.
It's enriched with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and native botanicals that nourish while delivering a healthy flush of colour from one of its four complementary shades.
Fast facts:
- Creamy texture with a wet-to-dry formula.
- Buildable colour with a natural, satin finish.
- Made in Australia; vegan and cruelty-free ingredients.
- Available in four shades:
- Slipper: Berry pink.
- Bellini: Coral pink.
- Spice: Rich, warm red.
- Bitten: Deep red/burgundy.
Want to learn more about our in-house brand AB LAB? Tune in below for the full tea!
AB LAB HA Plump Lip & Cheek Multistick reviews:
“I can honestly say that it blended out like a dream, leaving my skin with a natural, velvet finish that would be suitable for all skin types. It provides a decent wash of colour but I wouldn’t be intimidated by its cream formula as it is a very forgiving product and can build easily if you are after more intensity on the cheek.” - Megan, Adore Beauty’s Content Manager.
“Love a cream-based blush and lip combo. This is easy to use and convenient to carry with!” - Isabella.
Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint.
This has been a mainstay in my makeup kit for years now, but it wasn’t until recording the aforementioned episode of Beauty IQ Uncensored that I learned the origins of this beauty Hall of Famer.
Thanks, Mel for this fun (beauty) fact. Feel free to skip ahead if you’re already familiar...
Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint was created in the 1970s originally as a nipple tint for exotic dancers.
They’d use the rosy stain to make their nipples look “more attractive and noticeable” to those in the audience.
While I can’t personally attest to this use (do I smell another road test?), it goes to show just how versatile this little pot of pigment is.
I love using Benetint on my lips, lids and cheeks, to add a swash of colour to an otherwise bare face.
I also take it to the beach, festivals and camping, when "less is more" is the name of the game.
It’s one of those complexion chameleons that seems to look good on all skins, regardless of their tone.
Fast facts:
- Light, rosy-scented tint for lips, cheeks and lids.
- Kiss-proof and waterproof formula for long-lasting colour.
- Buildable colour allows for a natural finish or a full glam look.
- Can be applied with a brush or blended with fingers for application on the go.
Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint reviews:
“Really love this lip tint and have been using it for years now. Provides a lovely, rosy tint that can be deepened by application. It is also very long-lasting. I can put this on, let dry, and apply a colourless lip balm over the top, and it's set for the rest of the day.” - Sam.
“Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint is in cute, compact packaging. It has a subtle rose scent and a watery texture. It provided a natural flush to my lips and cheeks, perfect for a quick touch-up. The price is reasonable for its versatility and ease of use.” - Abby.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil.
You’d swear I’m making a commission on the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil by how often I talk about it.
I'm not, for the record–that said, if our friends at MUFE happen to be reading this and want to send me a top-up I certainly won’t say no.
It’s my tool of choice when it comes to creating a natural-looking dusting of freckles across my nose.
It’s also a staple in my five-minute minimal makeup routine (which you can watch below).
It has a gorgeous shade range of skin-complementary tones.
My go-to is Endless Cacao, but I also love its warmer cousins Caffeine and Walnut. I’ve got my eye on Free Burgundy, just quietly too.
Fast facts:
- Multi-tasking pencil for lips, eyes, cheeks and brows.
- Can also be used to subtly contour and sculpt the face.
- A Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lopez favourite! ‘Nuff said.
- Highly pigmented, blendable, creamy formula with a matte finish.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil reviews:
“These are beautiful pencils, I use them on my lips and also as eyeliner. Wore this for the first time to a wedding and it allowed me to achieve a really seamless monochromatic look. I bought the colour Anywhere Caffeine and it's a warm-toned nude which suits my neutral leaning warm complexion. I really want to buy more colours as these pencils are super soft and so versatile. Definitely recommend.” - Mon.
“Got this after seeing Hailey Bieber using it and I have to say, it lives up to the hype! So versatile and a great creamy formula. I'm running out of it so quickly because I love it so much!” - Eva.
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer.
Benefit Hoola Matte is a cult-favourite that needs no introduction.
We always talk about her, we love her, and for good reason.
A staple in pro makeup artist kits, Benefit Hoola can be used as a bronzer, contour, or eyeshadow, with different shades and sizes available that cater to various needs.
It applies evenly and offers buildable coverage, allowing you to achieve as much or as little colour as your look calls for.
Plus, its non-drying formula won’t emphasise skin dryness or pores like some bronzers do.
Fast facts:
- Matte finish creates a naturally bronzed look.
- Can be used as bronzer, contour, or eyeshadow.
- Three shades for different skin tones:
- Original Benefit Hoola: Fair to medium skin tones;
- Benefit Hoola Caramel: Medium to deep tones;
- Benefit Hoola Lite: Very fair to fair skin tones.
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer reviews:
“I have been a lover of this bronzer since I was in high school. It's one of the most neutral flattering matte shades of bronzer I've ever tried. Useful for adding warmth to the complexion and for a little contouring as it's not too warm. Highly recommend.” - Tilly.
“This is my all-time favourite bronzer that gives me a natural sunkissed glow without making me look orange.” - Mel.
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