With all this talk of BB creams, CC creams, primers, tinted moisturizers, and liquid foundations, the initial stages of makeup application can be somewhat overwhelming. The difference between each of the aforementioned categories can range from “actually different” to “ummm…something about SPF?” to “good marketing.” Makeup is fun— obviously!—but trial and error can be a bitch, so when a something lands on your vanity that cuts steps required to make you look photo-shoot-ready in half, well, you better stock up.

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways… Ok, Elizabeth Barret Browning made those lines sound a bit more poetic, but seriously, this love letter could go on for pages (don’t worry, we'll keep it snappy). A long-running staple of Emily’s medicine cabinet, the über-sheer, slightly tinted mousse uses RejuvenOx (scary as it may sound, it’s actually a non-hazardous, colorless, odorless material used to help stimulate your skin’s natural oxygen absorption) to keep your skin breathable (hence then name) and moisturized. The I-don’t-know-how-she-does-it glow can be attributed to mica (remember that flakey iridescent mineral science teachers had in elementary school?), which illuminates your complexion without imparting a teen-queen sparkle or pearlescent effect. Though primers are inherently meant to prime for foundation, we prefer to let this satin finish multi-tasker fly solo. Available in three shades— light, medium, and deep—it may not be a steal at $48.00, but if time is money and all that, then the price is perfectly reasonable for the paraben-free product from the admirably eco-friendly line.

So, tomorrow morning (or the morning after you’ve thrown down on your new favorite primer), when that pretty mug of yours has the even tone characteristic of tinted moisturizer and a smooth-as-a-freshly- Clarisonic-ed surface, enjoy those few extra minutes Sunday Riley’s aptly titled Effortless primer will gift you. Maybe do some of those sit-ups you’ve been meaning to do since New Years.

Photos by Elizabeth Brockway.