Time is a precious thing. If I can, I spend my extra minutes catching up on reading or tv shows. There are times when I’m going about my day and I could use a little extra self-care. For me, that’s feeling my best through a solid skincare and beauty routine.

With kids constantly drooling on me and grabbing at my nose ring, I don’t want a ton of makeup on. I like just enough to look like I’ve not been house bound the past year. Minimal is best for my lifestyle. Three beauty brands have really captured my attention the past few months because they’re easy to use and good for my skin.

Merit Beauty

I have at least one of everything in the Merit line. When I put it on, I don’t feel like I have makeup on. Even the lipsticks are so soft and natural. A while ago I posted a YouTube video about my first Merit experience. You can watch it here.

Most days, I swipe on the Complexion Stick under my eyes and around my nose to cover up dark spots and redness. Then I’ll follow with the Bronze Balm (shade Quince) and Flush Balm (shade Beverly Hills is my current fav) for color on my cheeks. If I’m going out I’ll use the Day Glow Highlight Balm, but it’s not an everyday necessity for me. The Brow 1980 isn’t my favorite brow product but I like it enough to keep using it. Last, mascara and lip oil/lipstick. I could wear the Signature Lipstick every single day. It’s lightweight and fades to a nice tint throughout the day.

When I’m doing my skincare routine, I also use Great Skin serum as a base before putting on the Complexion Stick.

@tessamccallstacy Featuring @merit @Summer Fridays and @officialiliabeauty ✨🤍 #grwm #getreadywithme #ReasonForBooking #makeuptutorial #minimalistmakeup #naturalbeauty #nomakeupmakeup #CODSquadUp #selfcare #skincare ♬ Free Fallin' (Live at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA – December 2007) – John Mayer

Summer Fridays

Skin care has become so important to me. My skin has changed drastically since I started my routine. Summer Fridays gives the best of both beauty and skincare with their Skin Tint. The days when I want a little bit of coverage all over my face, but still want to look natural and glowy, skin tint is the way to go. I keep their Lip Butter Balm in my purse 24/7. Top it off with the Blush Balm Stick and the Merit mascara and I’m ready.

@tessamccallstacy My children needed my attention more than TikTok did. Sorry for the rushed ending 😂 #summerfridays #grwm #naturalmakeup #grwmmakeup #beautyroutine #sahm #momlife #nomakeupmakeup #beautyreview #makeup #skincare #GenshinImpact33 ♬ Hip Hop with impressive piano sound(793766) – Dusty Sky

Ilia Beauty

There are so many products I love in Ilia and a ton more on my wish list. Their skin tint is great too. My only issue is it has more of a fragrance than the Summer Fridays skin tint, but the plus is that it has SPF, which is amazing.

What I currently love from Ilia is the Tinted Lip Balm, Multi-Stick in Whisper, Soft Focus Finishing Powder, and Liquid Powder Eye Tint in Fresco. What I would love to try is the foundation and concealer, as well as the skincare line and makeup brushes. I love a quality makeup brush.

@tessamccallstacy A full face of @ILIA Beauty today 😍🤍 #iliabeauty #ilia #naturalmakeup #grwm #grwmmakeup #sahm #TheRealPussinBoots #nomakeupmakeup #minimalist #skincare ♬ Ain't No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Since using these products, my beauty routine has completely changed for the better. It goes to show you don’t need to spend an hour doing makeup. It takes me 5-10 minutes to put on my makeup now.

If you’re into cruelty-free, vegan products that not only look good, but are great for your skin, I highly recommend these brands. I’m in no way affiliated with them or receive commissions, I honestly love them so much that I want to share with everyone. The beauty standards in society today tell people that they need to cover every inch of their face to look a certain way. Brands like Merit and Ilia exist to enhance natural beauty, which is what it should be about.

So, in case you need to be reminded – you are beautiful just the way you are.