Tired women need low-effort beauty products, and we found the best ones
In service of tired women everywhere and our lazy girlfriend
There comes a point in adulthood when you realise life is less like an episode of Friends, where you hang out with loved ones, sipping coffee and laughing through the follies of life, and more like The Umbrella Academy. Sure, there is comedy, but in these episodes, there’s a mix of drama and action, and there’s a sci-fi twist, too (is my uterus sentient and trying to kill me?).
In a world where schedules are tighter than skinny jeans after the festive season, finding low-maintenance, multi-tasking beauty products that swoop in and do their job, giving you the results of a high-maintenance routine, feels like a gift from Aphrodite.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill potions that demand a long ritual, though we do have an appreciation for the art of dolling yourself up and getting creative with colours. Honestly, who doesn’t love a high-coverage foundation with the perfect contour that chisels cheekbones where there appeared none? But on days when you’re taking the heat as captain of your ship, steering through work meetings, family dramas and those ‘oh-my-gosh-I-completely-forgot’ moments, you need low-maintenance beauty products as shortcuts that reassure you that you don’t look as exhausted as you feel.
In service of tired women everywhere and our lazy girlfriends, we unearthed low-maintenance beauty products to help you unlock that elusive balance between the bare minimum and turning heads.
Get that high-maintenance look with these low-maintenance beauty products
Quick Stickies by Kohl Kreatives, ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 (Available on the Kult app)
Kohl Kreatives is an incredible beauty brand that specialises in tools to support people with motor disabilities. Their Quick Stickies collection include adhesive makeup stencils that you just need to fill in to achieve pro looks with minimal effort. They have packs for eye makeup, contour and more, covering both fun and quirky designs, as well as the basics.
LA Girl Luxe Shine Nails, ₹625
Think of these as your personal glam squad—no salon appointments; just peel, stick and presto! These nails redefine convenience without compromising style. With a range of designs, from chic classics to disco-ready metallics, they’re the ultimate hack for a salon-worthy manicure in minutes.
Dr Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen, ₹499
When you know, you only have 10 minutes to get ready, or you’ll be running out of the house in the morning, waving down a rickshaw to take you to the train station while trying not to let your dabba fall out of the bag, a multi-step skincare routine isn’t on your mind. In this product by Dr Sheth’s, you get sunscreen with good sun protection abilities, a moisturiser (unless you have very dry skin) and vitamin C as well – the three ingredients of a great morning skincare routine – in one tube. It’s a one-and-done product that combines all the steps into one; just ensure you’re using an adequate amount to reap the benefits of all three.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++, ₹1,370
This one’s a guardian angel for your skin in the relentless battle against the sun’s UV rays. Sleek and pocket-sized, there are now plenty of sunscreen sticks in the Indian market for us to choose one that suits our skin type. We love this one by Beauty of Joseon with calming mugwort and plenty of sun protection. And the best part? Simply swipe it on. No messy spills or sticky hands.
Gush Stacked in Your Favour Multi-Purpose Face Palette, ₹1,550
This is like a Swiss Army knife for your makeup routine. A compact treasure housing everything you need to create your makeup look – blush, contour and highlighter – in convenient and travel-friendly packaging you can pop into your handbag. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a versatile, put-together look, saving you time, space and the hassle of rummaging through a makeup jungle.
Milani Supercharged Cheek + Lip Multistick, ₹1,450
Ah, one stick to do it all. Add a pop of colour whenever you fancy with this multitasking magician that effortlessly glides onto your cheeks, lips and eyelids, leaving a trail of radiant hues in its wake. The formula is creamy and buildable, with a dewy finish, so people with very oily skin may want to swatch it at a store before purchasing it.
Kérastase Chroma Absolu Masque Vert Neutralisant (available at leading salons)
The expert-loved secret weapon for taming those brassy tones in your hair, while giving it the TLC it deserves, is this. For the days when the thought of going to the salon and sitting in that chair till your bum gets numb gives you chills, this hair colour corrector will come in handy. Be careful, as the green pigment mask can stain your hands and clothes, so wear some gloves when you first start using this until you fine-tune the required amount for your hair.
Ardell’s Magnetic Lashes, ₹1,156
Of all the low-maintenance beauty products we’ve found, this one is a Tweak favourite. A hassle-free way to get those fluttery, voluminous lashes without the gluey mess or the fear of them peeling off mid-conversation. These lashes are a stroke of genius, designed with tiny magnets along the lash band. Simply sandwich your natural lashes between the top and bottom magnetic strips, and they snap into place like puzzle pieces. There’s a learning curve with these, so just be patient.
Dyson Airwrap™ multi-styler, ₹49,900
What can we say about this futuristic wizardry tool that hasn’t been said before? The innovative gadget is definitely an investment, given the high-tech Coanda effect using air, rather than extreme heat, to style your hair. Once you get a hang of all the attachments, it will become your best beauty buddy. It’s not exactly a quick-to-use tool, it requires time, but comparatively less than traditional hair tools with the same luxe result and less heat damage to your hair. Depending on your hair type, you may need to go in with some hair spray afterwards to keep those curls in place for a longer time.
Milk Shake Leave-In Conditioner, ₹1,400
A leave-in spray that conditions your hair, prevents hair colour from fading, adds shine and has UV filters for sun protection? What’s not to love? This is like a tall glass of nourishment for your locks, offering a refreshing dose of hydration without the rinse. A leave-in conditioner spray is an effortless way to give your mane a daily dose of love and care, ensuring it stays silky, smooth and fabulous, without weighing it down.
Disguise Cosmetics Glow Multi-stick, ₹600
If you love metallics, then you will absolutely love the shades in this range by Disguise Cosmetics. As a multi-stick, you can use it as eyeshadow, eyeliner, highlighter and even a glitter topper on your lips for the days you want to shine like a diamond. Offering a creamy, blendable formula that effortlessly glides onto your skin, it’s like a sunrise captured in a stick, delivering a dewy sheen that’s perfect for that natural, lit-from-within look.
BBlunt Refresh Dry Shampoo, ₹349 – ₹649
Whether you’re conquering errands or heading out for the night, dry shampoo is a game-changer for those moments when your hair feels a bit lacklustre or needs a break from washing. Would a list of low-maintenance beauty products even be complete if we don’t mention this one? This BBlunt formula is like a cheerleader for your locks that makes you feel like you just stepped out of a salon blowout. It’s not just about banishing oily roots; it’s also about adding that oomph to your whole look.
