Whether you’re getting back into the swing of things or you’re guilty of hitting snooze a few too many times (or both!), a quick morning routine that gets you out the door faster is always a good thing. But fast doesn’t have to mean cutting corners and skipping steps, especially when it comes to skincare. We all have tried and true nighttime routines, but morning maintenance is just as important! Try these quick and easy tips to get your face prepped and ready for the day.

Tip 1: Cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. Just add a bit of your favorite cleanser to a wet Pure Complexion Facial Sponge and gently massage your face. Save extra time and do this step in the shower if you prefer AM showers.

Tip 2: Moisturize while your skin is still a bit damp. The result is extra-soft skin that will stay hydrated throughout the day. Apply it with our Skin Perfecting Brush for the smoothest results and let it sink in while you pour yourself a cup of coffee.

Tip 3: Get a (super easy!) 5-minute makeup look with our Starter Set. The concealer brush hides any pimples, imperfections or under eye discoloration. The blush brush adds the perfect amount of color to your cheeks. The eye shading brush makes it easy to apply a neutral shadow. The angled eyeliner brush makes defining your lash line easy. And the lash and brow groomer tames those eyebrows to keep them in place all day!

Tip 4: If you want to go bolder with eye makeup, try brushes that work double duty. Our Eye Enhancing Duo is perfect to blend, shade, smudge and line your eyes, quickly.

Tip 5: To get out the door faster, prepare as much as possible the night before. We’ve got tons of tips to get the most out of your morning routine.

Feel and look fabulous with EcoTools

We all want to look and feel our best as often as possible, so choosing the right products and tools for your beauty kit is the first step. As well as ensuring your make up application is on point, EcoTools brushes are guaranteed to help you do your bit for the environment – made from 100% recycled products, caring for the environment never looked so good.

If you are unsure of which brushes you need, start with the basics. Using the correct tools to apply the base is the key to a flawless finish – and ensuring the makeup chosen is the right one for you, of course. 

The Face
Try using EcoTools Concealer Brush to help cover up any blemishes before applying your foundation which can be applied using EcoTools Foundation Brush. Using a brush creates a quick and easy application, leaving your skin smooth and flawless. It also eliminates waste.

After applying your foundation, set it with a powder using EcoTools Powder Brush. Dab or gently sweep the brush over your face, ensuring you don’t create a thick layer, or a ‘caked’ look.

Lips and Eyes
Even if you aren’t an experienced make up artist, applying lipstick or eye shadow still works best with a brush.

At least have one eye shadow brush on hand, such as EcoTools Shading Brush, to create a smooth, blended look. When you become more skilled in the art of eye shadow application, then you can start playing with more brushes. This brush is perfect for applying shadow to lid or crease and blending up towards the brow bone to enhance your eye area.

There is nothing wrong with applying lipstick straight to the lip, however, for a more precise line, try using a lip brush such as EcoTools Detailed Lip Brush. Simply swipe the brush over the lipstick or gloss and smooth over lips. Easy peasy!
 
The finishes
You simply cannot apply a blush or bronzer without a brush so try EcoTools Blush Brush or Bamboo Bronzer Brush. The soft bristles will ensure your cheeks will not be irritated while leaving your make up looking even, natural and flawless.

If you decide to go all na-tur-al with your make up brushes, then why stop there?! EcoTools also have a range of bath and shower tools and products that will leave you feel fresh and fab.

Why not try the Bamboo Foot Brush and Pumice to help scrub away the nasty skin that has you hiding your feet. Or try the Bamboo Moisture Glove or Bath Sponge to scrub away the days germs while relaxing in the bathtub soaking in EcoTools Sustainable Softness Body Lotion and yep, you guessed it – an all natural product that sooths dry skin and provides long-lasting moisture. Ahh, heaven!

Make the right tool for you, right for the planet too!

A familiar phrase is beginning to creep into our everyday lives: Back to School. Whether you’re preparing to get the kids ready for a new school year, or getting yourself out of vacation mode and back to routine, this time of year can be overwhelming. So before you even think about letting fatigue and stress take over, equip yourself with these tips and tricks to help you tackle every hour of the busy weeks ahead.

 

MORNING

Let’s face it, most weekday mornings are anything but peaceful. With lunches to pack, outfits to pick out and mouths to feed, your beauty routine can easily become less of a priority. But with these time-saving tips, an efficient and beautiful a.m. routine is easier than hitting the snooze button:

• Prep the night before. Sharpen makeup pencils, tweeze eyebrows and clean any dingy makeup brushes before your head hits the pillow.

• Store makeup brushes in a small jar on your vanity, allowing for easy access and quick cleanup. Fill the jar with coffee beans or glass rocks for an extra dose of pretty!

• Keep everyday makeup products in one bag, and weekend products in another. This way you’ll avoid the frustration of digging around for the products you need.

• Blow dry your hair last. It will air-dry while you get everything else ready, cutting your time in half.

 

DAYTIME

Stress can build throughout the day, especially when you’ve already had a hectic morning. Between meetings, carpools and errands, it can be hard to find time for a little mid-day serenity. Here are some ways to whisk away stress in a flash:

• Go for a walk. No matter the time of day, getting your blood flowing is a great way to clear your head and even boost productivity.

• Keep essential oils on-hand. Lavender, rose, bergamot and chamomile are known for their balancing, stress-relieving effects. Add a drop or two to your lotion and the calming smells will be with you all day long.

 

NIGHTTIME

Sleep troubles are most common during stressful or anxious times. But turning off our racing minds should begin to happen long before we lay down. Adopting these bedtime rituals might just help you have the best sleep of your life, every night:

• Avoid looking at your cell phone/tablet screen or other bright lights before bed.

• Take a warm bath. Because our internal body temperatures naturally dip at night and throughout our sleep cycle, a warm bath could help speed up the natural relaxation process.

• Practice deep breathing exercises. This is especially helpful if you become frustrated while trying to fall asleep.

• Wear an accessory like the Bamboo Sleep Mask. Don’t let a great night’s sleep or afternoon nap be interrupted by Mother Nature.

With these helpful tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be more than prepared to overcome those day-to-day stresses so you can be your most beautiful self. 

 

We’re all suckers for the latest beauty trends. But just like your go-to makeup routine, there are some methods of makeup storage that will always be tried and true. The biggest factor is often the weather, which poses unique challenges for keeping your makeup, and ultimately you, fresh and beautiful. Keep your products at their peak by remembering these four phrases of makeup storage.

 

THE FRIDGE IS YOUR FRIEND

Storing some of your products in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life and keep them performing like they’re meant to. Chilling your eye creams and serums can help counteract oxidation which causes the ingredients to break down. The coldness can also help reduce inflammation and puffiness on those early mornings. Nail polish is another product to keep cold, as the low temperatures keep it from separating and help it apply smoothly. Your fragrances deserve some fridge time, too, because warm temps could turn them into completely different scents over time.

 

THE SUN IS NOT YOUR FRIEND

While being in the sun boosts mood and promotes vitamin D production in you, it’s not so great for your cosmetics. Those rays peeking in can cause your makeup to deteriorate at a faster rate, so remember to always keep your makeup bag stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. In addition to deterioration, sunlight can cause your eyeshadows and blush to change color over time. Also, try not to store your makeup bag in the bathroom, because the humidity from the shower can change the consistency of your products. No one likes a cakey bronzer!

 

MAKEUP HERE, BRUSHES THERE

When your favourite brushes (like the Fresh & Flawless 5pc Set) meet your favourite cosmetics, beautiful things happen. But when you’re not applying, always store your makeup brushes separate from your actual makeup. This will help prevent additional bacteria from building up, and can help your brushes last longer. Plus, we’ve all had cosmetic spillage in our makeup bags, so keeping your brushes separate means less things to clean. Last but not least, your brushes are much more likely to keep their shape and structure when in their own case.

 

SECURE YOUR ON-THE-GO STASH.

Chances are, there’s a lipstick or powder compact buried somewhere in your handbag right now. Taking your makeup out of the house is a reality of life, which is why your at-home habits should also be practiced when you’re on-the-go. Our handbag must-haves? Travel-sized versions of your favorite concealer, lipstick or stain, mascara and powder compact. Keep them all together with a mini mirror in the pouch that conveniently comes with the travel-sized Mini Essentials Set. Storing them this way will also help prevent a bigger mess if one of your products happens to melt or break, because unfortunately we’ve all had that happen.