Is lack of time and sleep slowly taking a toll on your complexion? We asked Manhattan-based celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass about the most common skin-woe scenarios. She offered a (fast!) three-product routine for each one that will make skin look perfectly gorgeous, pronto.
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Sleep Deprivation
1. Luminizer: Mix a few drops of luminizer with your foundation or tinted moisturizer. Not only does that even out skin tone, but it also creates a healthy, radiant flush. Bass is a fan of Armani Fluid Sheer. “It adds the perfect amount of glow.” $62; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
2. Concealer: A good concealer to mask persistent dark circles and hide breakouts or redness that occur from lack of beauty rest is a must. Laura Geller Beauty Crease-less Concealer comes in a pen dispenser for precise, invisible coverage. $22; ulta.com
3. Bronzer: A little tan goes a long way for looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Use a bronzing powder that has a touch of shimmer to it, not glitter, which is overkill. Apply it where the sun would naturally hit— cheekbones, nose, forehead and chin—to cast a golden glow. The two gorgeous shades in each compact of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer are mixed by hand, so no two are alike. Instant radiance au natural! $50; hourglasscosmetics.com
Breakouts that Keep Coming Back
1. Oil-free moisturizer: Even spots that have a tendency towards breakouts need moisture. This is especially true before applying makeup. An oil-free option will help prevent excess greasiness but will create a smooth canvas for makeup. Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15 doubles as a luxurious primer with an ultra-light texture that melts into skin to smooth lines. $64; us.caudalie.com
2. Light foundation: Resist the urge to pile on heavy foundation, which can often exacerbate the problem and actually make skin look worse. A barely-there foundation gives a more natural finish. One of our favorites is EVE LOM’s Sheer Radiance Oil-Free Foundation SPF 20. More than a cover-up, it’s packed with Berry Flux Vita, an antioxidant derived from raspberry stems. Rice powder gives it a silky, matte finish. $50; Barneys
3. Concealer: Apply concealer directly on breakouts with a small brush, making sure to blend around the edges for a natural finish. A concealer brush makes application much more precise and natural looking than a finger does. Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Brush is designed for perfection in even the tiniest areas, like corners of eyes, small scars or blemishes. $26; lauramercier.com
Short on Time
1. Make-up removing wipes: Keep a package on hand so that no matter how late it is, there’s no excuse for not washing up before going to sleep. MAC Makeup Removing Wipes feel silky on skin, swiping away thick mascara with ease. $29 for 100; maccosmetics.com
2. Moisturizing facial spray: Refresh throughout the day to keep complexions hydrated and provide a much needed pick-me-up. AmorePacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System is what kept Bass going during hectic days as a new mom. The Asian botanicals really soothe and it smells beautiful and fresh. $35; sephora.com
3. BB cream: This is a must for the no-time wonder women, since they’re typically three-for-one products. A good one will nourish the skin, provide coverage and impart a healthy glow. Dr. Jart+ Bounce BB Crème is a moisturizer, sunscreen and treatment serum all in one that also boosts skin’s elasticity. And unlike most BB creams, it comes in a compact with a super-soft puff for easy application on the go. $48; sephora.com