LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'The 5 most efficient beauty products in my routine.'

Having been in the beauty game for two decades you'd assume I really, really love products. And I do. I'm still enamoured by shiny bottles and juicy textures and I'm sure I always will be. 

I really miss the period of my life when I had an hour to get ready to go out. Doing my hair and makeup was the best part of the night. 

But these days, I just don't have time for lots of products all at once. I still love skincare, makeup and hair stuff with equal measure, but I use fewer of each in my routine.

Watch: What I DO end up doing all day. Post continues below.

That's why I like my products to work hard. 

Some nights I'm so exhausted, all the energy I can muster is to slap on one cream. The reason I chopped my hair shorter was because it was permanently in a ponytail unless I had enough time to style it properly (which was once in a blue moon). And makeup that requires mastery to apply? Forget about it. 

This week Erin Docherty wrote about a multitasking product she's fallen in love with that makes her look well-groomed in seconds. Of course, I bought it immediately.

It inspired me to sift through my products and find the best time-saving, minimal-effort MVPs I rely on when time is tight (or, let's face it, I'm just feeling lazy). 

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, $57.50.

Image: Adore Beauty. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray.

I know this product is pricey, but it has won so many awards and I agree with all of them. 

You spray it on damp hair before heat styling (which sounds like a lot of effort, I know), but then the humidity and frizz-fighting goodness lasts for the next three washes. Three! Worth it. 

Avocado Zinc SPF50 Natural Lip And Cheek Tint, $35.

Image: Avocado Zinc. Avocado Zinc SPF50 Natural Lip And Cheek Tint.

You know those scenes in Hollywood movies where the crush is suddenly and unexpectedly ringing the main character's bell, and she frantically tries to look put together in two seconds before answering the door? That's what this product is perfect for. 

A multi-use, creamy balm for cheeks and lips that is so pretty and easy to use, you barely need a mirror to whack it on. I have both the 'Coral' and 'Nude' shades. 

Natio Marine Mineral Overnight Repair Sleep Mask, $19.95.

Image: Myer. Natio Marine Mineral Overnight Repair Sleep Mask.

Some nights, I just can't find the energy to do my whole skincare routine because I am too tired. 

When that happens, settle for the bare minimum of cleansing with micellar water, then whacking on a one-step overnight sleep mask. This one is awesome because it feels nourishing enough, and I always wake up plump and moisturised (and without guilt). 

Noosa Bronze Gradual Tanning Lotion, $39.95.

Image: Noosa Bronze. Noosa Bronze Gradual Tanning Lotion.

I'll do 'proper tan' maybe once or twice a year these days — the foam and guide colour and sticky feeling and dirty sheets are just way too hard. 

Instead, I use this gradual tan about once a week. It looks like a body moisturiser (it's not tinted) and feels like a body moisturiser (it's lovely and hydrating), but when I wake up, I have a nice subtle glow. 

Revlon Illuminance Serum Tint, $38.95.

Image: Myer. Revlon Illuminance Serum Tint.

When I'm rushing or running around, I don't want a full-on base that requires precision blending because I know the end result will look dodgy. 

This tinted serum gives really decent coverage, but is so easy to apply, it's almost like rubbing in day cream. The glow is good, and the result is even skin in under a minute. 

Want to read about the $13 product that Erin uses to look more put together in seconds? Click here.

Have you tried any of these products before? What are your favourites? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.