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Between holding a baby in one arm and trying to look... alive... with the other, these days I'm only interested in beauty products that work fast and don't require too much fuss. I hate the fuss!

This month (and every month, really) I've been aggressively testing anything that promises to add glow, hide fatigue, and make me look a little more put together.

As Mamamia's beauty editor, my desk/bathroom/bag/car is forever bursting with new launches, yelling at me for attention. And while I like to give everything a fair shot, there are a certain few products that I've found myself coming back to because they're just that good.

Some are bougie splurges worth the higher price tag. Others are hardworking chemist MVPs worth every cent of your attention. All of them are a wee bit brilliant.

Watch: This $5 concealer blew us away. Post continues below.

So here I am: a glorified lab rat offering up the low-effort, high-reward beauty finds making me look instantly refreshed right now.

Hold on tight.

DAILY SKINCARE Bouncy Illuminator with SPF15 , $20.99.

This makes skin look instantly better the moment you apply it. Just try it, I dare ya.

Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, it smooths dry patches (of which I have many, thank you very much), adds radiance, and sits beautifully under makeup. It's the moisturiser you wear when you don't want to wear anything, but still want to look healthy, alive, and like you actually drink water. (It's a given, but obviously layer proper sunscreen over the top, yeah?)

Hot Minute 2-in-1 Dual Hair Wand, $24.95.

If a product even hints at a two-in-one function, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm trying it. And this newbie is ridiculously good.

It's a handy lightsaber-esque stick with hair oil on one side and dry shampoo on the other. I received it last week and have already used it approximately 400 times on my commute to work. It's brilliant — and doubles as a toy for the baby.

Light as anything to toss into your bag, the dry shampoo gives your roots serious volume and grit, while the oil smooths down pesky flyaways. Here's my hair after running into work in the rain with a screaming toddler:

Not bad, eh?

Make Up For Ever Artist Colour Pencil 'Anywhere Caffeine', $30.74.

You guys, the rumours are true: this millennial has officially DITCHED liquid liner. Say hello to my new go-to: a multi-purpose pencil you can use on eyes, lips, cheeks, brows — wherever. Again, multi-purpose is my love language.

Sydney makeup artist Alison Maissin said it was THE product she uses instead of liquid liner these days, so obviously I had to get on board. I just run it along my lash line and smudge it out with a finger. Zero fuss. No swearing. Lots of lovely definition.

ESTETIKA MINEE Small Makeup Bag, $79.

I finally replaced my crusty old makeup bag (ew!), and this newbie is the cat's knuckles.

It opens completely flat so you can actually see all your products at once, and the soft fabric wipes clean easily after spills. It's the perfect size to toss in my bag every day — plus, it comes with a detachable gold chain if you want to wear it as a cute little handbag. OBSESSED.

Jo Malone Sea Salt & Bergamot Cologne, $125 for 30ml.

Fresh! Light! Fancy! One sniff and this became my new signature scent.

I'm already a massive fan of the original Wood Sage & Sea Salt, and as someone with a partner who spends a lot of time at sea... this just speaks to me. I feel like an expensive woman who wears lots of linen and gold jewellery, sips spritzes, and casually frequents New England. Can't explain it.

Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, $156.

There's nothing that gets my skin cells excited quite like a new retinol, and this newbie is both gentle and effective.

It feels like the " sandwich method" built right into a single bottle. If you know a thing or two about retinol, you probably know the ingredient has a reputation for being harsh, but this formula is packed with barrier-soothing ingredients that allow even sensitive skin types to tolerate it without the usual flaking or redness. (As always, just start slowly!).

I've only been using it for a week, so it's still early days, but my skin is already noticeably smoother and glowier. I'm expecting good things!

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush in 'Pinky Glow', $60.

I love a cream blush, but this stick formula takes the (ice cream) cake.

The rosy shade is fresh, flattering, and doesn't feel sticky (because wind + lip gloss/blush = a personal nightmare I shan't ever want to deal with). Swept across cheeks and nose, it makes me look instantly healthier. Stick formulas for president!

Amika Superfruit Hair Oil, $53.

I've tested hundreds of hair oils, and this is my new favourite.

It smooths frizz, adds shine, and softens ends without feeling greasy — perfect for making dry hair look glossy and expensive. Plus, it smells incredible. So good, in fact, that I use the accompanying Hair & Body Mist during the day to cover the lingering scent of dry shampoo. Get on it!

So, there you have it! Some lovely new shiny products that I really like putting on my face/hair/elbows — and I hope you like them, too!

How was that? Did you like it? Want more? Don't care? Amazing! You can follow Erin Docherty on Instagram here.

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Feature image: Supplied.