1. Keep your skincare collection to a minimum. Applying a variety of products doesn’t ensure healthy skin. In fact, using too many products isn’t just a waste of time — and a strain on your budget. Dermatologist Amy Wechsler, M.D., tells RealAge that using multiple formulas is one of the most common skincare concerns she sees. Dr. Wechsler has just four skincare must-haves: a gentle daily cleanser, one moisturizer with SPF for daytime, one moisturizer for nighttime and an exfoliant for three to four times a week.
2. Use a creamy cleanser. At nighttime a creamy cleanser — taken off with a tissue or a splash of water — is the ultimate multitasker. These creamier cleansers contain a hint of oil, which doesn’t just help to hydrate the skin but also has the ability to “dissolve everything in one pass—dirt, sunscreen, even waterproof eye makeup and long-wearing lipstick,” according to Noella Gabriel, director of product and treatment development at the skincare company Elemis, tells Real Simple. Got super oily skin? The magazine suggests using a gel cleanser in the a.m.
3. Use a tinted moisturizer. Foundation and powder can look heavy and, of course, take time to apply and blend, so opt for a tinted moisturizer instead. Tinted moisturizer provides natural-looking coverage. Plus, it’s easy to apply — especially if you’re pressed for time — and gives you extra moisture during the cooler temps of fall.
4. Take stock of what you got. Take a look at your skincare kit — or closet — to see what you have. Discard any products that have expired. And plan to give away anything that’s still good and hasn’t been opened. If you aren’t sure if a product has expired, check out our expiration guide, and watch out for a change in the item’s smell, consistency or color.
5. Get organized. Assess your daily routine. When applying your skincare formulas, is there a system that works best for you? Does keeping your cleanser in the shower ensure you’ll wash your face? Think of the ways you’re more likely to stick to your skincare routine and try to make it easy on yourself. This might mean laying out all your products the night before so they’re easily accessible in the a.m. Or creating a drawer in your dresser with your makeup must-haves and devoting a mug to your beauty brushes. This way, you aren’t wasting precious minutes trying to find everything you need.
6. Skip toner. Unless your skin is super oily — and even extra oily skin types tend to dry out a bit during the cooler months — you can leave toner out of your routine. For the most part, cleansing should get rid of any dirt, dead cells and grime left over from the day.
7. Get a low-maintenance and natural cut. Blow-drying can become a big time-waster. So when it’s time for your next hair appointment, ask your stylist to give you a cut that embraces your hair’s natural texture and doesn’t require daily styling. If you still love blow-drying your tresses, try to keep it to once a week. This also helps to prevent hair breakage and damage.
8. Use a multitasking color crayon. Is the only color crayon you’re aware of the one in the Crayola box? Well, makeup crayons are great if you’re low on time — and space. They provide color to your lips, eyes and cheeks, brightening your overall complexion. Can’t find a beauty crayon? Then, look for any 3-in-1 product that works on the eyes, lips and cheeks. You’ll find tons of makeup palettes and triple-duty beauty formulas on the market.
9. Keep eyes simple. There’s no need to spend many minutes on perfecting your eye makeup. You can create alluring — and refreshed — eyes with just three easy steps. According to SheKnows, apply brow gel to polish up the brows, add white or bone shimmer eye shadow below the browbone and then swipe some black mascara on your lashes.
10. Get back to basics. Tons of lotions and potions won’t create a healthy complexion if healthy habits are missing from your overall routine. So get back to the basics of a healthy lifestyle, which will undoubtedly show on your skin. Check out our article on 10 skin-healthy habits you might be forgetting.
11. Consider your priorities. What does your skin need most? Hydration? Oil control? Soothing relief? At the basic level, everyone requires a daily dose of sun protection (according to dermatologist Doris Day, M.D., in Marie Claire, “Even if you're just going to walk across the street to catch a bus or train, that incidental sun exposure is accumulative and does damage your complexion.”) but aside from that, every skin type is different. So consider your skin’s specific needs and use products that accommodate them — no more, no less.
12. Use cleansing face wipes. Sometimes, you’re just too crunched for time or too exhausted to wash your face. That’s where facial wipes come in. For instance, Olay Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths are alcohol-free and help to remove makeup, dirt and even waterproof mascara. Keep a stash in your purse for on-the-go cleansing after the gym or while travelling.
13. Avoid all-over hair color. Stick with your natural hair color but add highlights, New York City hairstylist Rita Hazan tells Real Simple. She says that you’ll need less touch-ups and have healthier hair.
14. Repurpose and reuse. Instead of going out and buying the latest makeup must-haves, consider repurposing your current products. Los Angeles makeup artist Brett Freedman gives Real Simple several options, “… For example, add a little shimmery powder to your foundation for a glow, or use your lipstick as a cheek stain.” You can also layer different eye shadows to create new hues or mix two nail polishes to create a custom color.
15. See a dermatologist. When you’re in the midst of a routine makeover or even a slight tweak, it may help to see a dermatologist for some skincare wisdom. A dermatologist can help you set skincare priorities and prescribe treatments that can potentially help your skin more than over-the-counter products. For instance, retinoids, only available by prescription, are incredibly effective and are often the only anti-agers needed.

If you’re running out of space, time or money — or all three — there are plenty of ways to pare down your skincare routine. Overall, remember to consider your skin’s needs and your own schedule. Create a routine that’s in line with your life and your own priorities. As a bonus, in many cases, streamlining your skincare routine can also improve your skin.

See also:

The Minimalist’s Makeup Routine

Tips for Making Beauty Resolutions Stick

Double-Duty Products To Ease Your Routine