Fashion

You Won't Need A Mirror To Apply This Makeup

by Miki Hayes

It can be pretty fun watching videos of beauty gurus attempting to nail their cat eyeliner without a mirror and wondering if you could do it yourself. But sometimes the #NoMirrorMakeup challenge is its own daily struggle. After all, on the mornings you only leave yourself five minutes to get ready, there just simply isn't enough time to sit down for a full beat. But if you're still not into the idea of skipping steps in your makeup routine, products that you can use without needing a mirror may solve some of your morning routine woes.

Think about it. Instead of posting up in front of your vanity, letting precious minutes slip away as you attempt to make sure your full-coverage foundation is fully blended and perfectly matches your neck, you could be effortlessly rubbing in your fool-proof base as you glide from one morning task to another. And while applying your full face without once checking a mirror sounds pretty scary, there are products that can enhance your features that are basically mistake-proof. So if you find yourself in a time crunch but still don't want to sacrifice your eyeliner for timed precision, here are eight products that you can easily apply as you brew your morning cup of joe— no mirror necessary.

1. BB Cream

Try: Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream Natural Tint, $65, Amarte Skincare

A BB cream like this one offers sheer coverage and easy application. Simply use your fingers to blend it into your skin without worrying about harsh lines or a caky appearance. Plus, if you're really crunched for time, BB creams offer other benefits such as moisture and SPF so you can even skip those steps if you need to.

2. Powder Foundation

Try: Laura Geller Baked Balance-N-Brighten, $33, Laura Geller

Powder foundations are another great, base option for mirrorless days, as they blend almost effortlessly into the skin. Take any powder or Kabuki brush and use buffing motions to sweep the powder over your skin. It will even out your skin tone without you having to worry about having harsh, unblended edges.

3. Lip & Cheek Stain

Try: Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain, $25, Jane Iredale

You can still wear brights without needing a mirror. Try a self-adjusting, multitasking product like this stain that can be swept on lips, dabbed on cheeks, and will transform to a flattering shade that compliments your personal undertones.

4. Lip, Cheek, & Eye Multistick

Try: Bite Beauty Multistick, $24, Sephora

For a light wash of monochromatic color on your lips, cheeks, and eyes, just use your fingers to dab on a multitasking product like this one. Besides knowing that all of your makeup will match perfectly because you can use the same color, it will also blend effortlessly enough to keep you from needing a mirror during application.

5. Mascara & Brow Set

Try: e.l.f. Lash and Brow Mascara, $2, Target

Even with a mirror it's easy to get mascara all over your eyelids. Instead of worrying about brushing flecks of black on your lids, or accidentally combing a tinted brow gel onto your forehead, opt for clear formulas that will still allow you to add a sheen to your lashes and set your brows in place without the potential mess.

6. Brow Gel

Try: Benefit Gimme Brow, $24, Benefit Cosmetics

As nice as it would be to precisely pencil in your brows without a mirror, it's just too risky. So you don't have to leave your brows bare though, try a fiber-gel with a small brush to add color and thickness without worrying about coloring outside the lines.

7. Eyeliner and Eyeshadow

Try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick, $29, Nordstrom

Eyeliner and eyeshadow can be especially tricky without a mirror, but a shadow stick will help you achieve both. For shadow, simply draw a few lines over your lid, and use your finger to blend. And remember, the lighter the color you use, the more forgiving it will be when it comes to showing any harsh or unblended areas. As for eyeliner, lightly drag the shadow stick across your lash line. The rounded tip means the line won't be as precise as with a traditional pencil, but the shadow stick will also give a softer effect. If you're still worried your line is too harsh though, run back over it with a finger to create a smudged-liner look.

8. Blush & Bronzer

Try: Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey, $32, Becca Cosmetics

If missing a mirror means you can't be entirely sure of the placement of your cheek color, opt for a neutral-toned blush or a rosy-toned bronzer. Either will be able to do double-duty as a blush and bronzer to define and sculpt your cheeks. Just use a fluffy brush and blend the color onto and right underneath your cheeks. Especially with a more toned-down color, you won't have to worry as much about patchiness, as they tend to be more forgiving.

Because even when you don't have enough time to look in the mirror, there are still products that will help you get ready.

Images: nikolapeskova/Pixabay; Courtesy of Brands