Staff tested: Beauty multi-taskers
Updated: Nov. 18, 2014
Multi-purpose beauty products are as popular as ever, for good reason: Who doesn’t want to cut out clutter and get on with our busy days? We tested nine
Lush African Paradise Body Conditioner ($40, 225 g)
This goopy concoction makes getting ready quicker: When you’re in the shower, you smooth this all over. It smells amazing-like an island holiday. You then rinse it off using just your hands, not a shower puff, because you want to leave some on your skin’s surface. Post-shower, lightly pat yourself dry and voilà : There’s no need for the extra step of applying body lotion.
-Bonnie Munday, Editor-in-Chief
L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream ($17, 30 mL)
This BB cream aims to hydrate skin, even out complexion and neutralize redness. I applied it after an intense cardio workout and was happy with the results. The redness on my cheeks was visibly reduced and the product left a nice, matte finish. I was a little heavy-handed with it-I’ll use the cream sparingly next time.
-Joana Lourenço, Associate Editor
Garnier Skin Renew 5 Sec Blur Instant Smoother ($20, 30 mL)
I wouldn’t say this product made my lines and pores vanish, but it certainly made applying my makeup a lot nicer. I used a dime-size amount after moisturizer, and found that brushing on my makeup was noticeably smoother and easier. I could feel a difference on my skin. This makes a great primer.
-Jessica Harding, Associate Web Editor
CoverGirl + Olay The De-Puffer Eye Concealer ($15, 10 mL)
Anything that helps streamline my busy mornings and get me out the door fast is worth trying. This under-eye concealer combined with a de-puffer was great for reducing puffiness and banishing darkness under my eyes. The metal applicator tip is cooling on skin and the ingredients immediately made my skin tingle and feel tighter. So many benefits in so little time! I love it.
-Jennifer Walker, Deputy Editor
Philosophy Fresh Cream Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath ($21, 480 mL)
I’m not often keen on dessert-like “gourmand” scents, but one whiff of this had me ready to indulge. Soft floral notes-heliotrope and almond blossom-temper the sweetness of vanilla milk and tonka. I loved it as a shower gel or bubble bath: The rich lather left my skin soft with a hint of lingering scent. As shampoo, it wasn’t moisturizing enough for my bleach-blonde hair-I’ll savour it for bath and body instead.
-Jennifer Masseau, Associate Editor, Beauty & Fashion
Weleda One-Step Cleanser & Toner ($25, 100 mL)
I love that this product can get rid of residual makeup that my cleansing oil didn’t remove, but is still gentle enough to use as an all-over toner. I put a few drops on a cotton pad and wiped my whole face. It left my combination skin feeling soft and refreshed. A definite re-buy!
-Stephanie Han, Art Director
Aveda Beautifying Composition ($29, 50 mL)
Once I got past the idea of using the same product on both hair and face, this oil was really convenient! Apply a few drops to skin after a shower to seal in moisture; comb a little through your hair and leave overnight. And there are lots of other uses, from softening tough skin on feet to removing makeup. My hair and skin definitely feel silkier.
-Ruth Hanley, Copy Chief
Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer ($17, 30 mL)
I’m hooked on primers-they really do give skin a smooth finish for foundation-and
I like that this is fragrance-free. With its pearly pink tone, this serum aims to give
a brighter skin tone pre-makeup. It goes on a bit opaque, perhaps due to its instant-brightening promise, but once you really smooth it in, you’re good to go. Tips: You need only a pea-size amount; and for best results, as with any primer, wait a few minutes before adding your foundation.
-Rhonda Rovan, Editor-at-Large, Beauty & Fashion
Avon Elements Refining Scrub & Mask ($8, 100 mL)
The package recommends applying the product as a scrub or mask, but to save time I combined the instructions for a two-in-one facial. I massaged a small amount into my skin to get the benefits of a scrub, and then let it dry for about five minutes to get the benefit of the mask. After rinsing my face with warm water, I really felt that my skin looked more radiant. The scrubbing texture was gentle and the mask wasn’t drying, so this is perfect to use a couple of times a week.
-Melissa Greer, Content Producer
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