15 Beauty Products Under $15 That Can Help You Save Energy in the Morning

Article updated on May 25, 2020.

If you live with a chronic health condition, you know that energy is precious. Everyday tasks healthy people might take for granted can be incredibly taxing for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Getting ready in the morning can be especially tough, as showering, styling your hair and doing makeup can use up so much energy that you’re left exhausted for the rest of the day.

On the days when you want to freshen up but don’t have many spoons, having a few easy, go-to styling tools can help you feel ready for the day without adding tiresome steps to your routine.

We asked our Mighty community for help identifying beauty products that help save energy in the morning, not spend it. Of course, we’d also like to help you save money, so the products we’re featuring below all cost less than $15.

1. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar water is made of tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules suspended in water. It cleanses skin without leaving behind a layer of oil or drying out the skin. “It takes off makeup and washes my face, all in one!” Hannah Ritchie said.

Buy Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water (2-pack) at Amazon.

2. Shea Moisture 100% Pure Argan Oil

Argan oil moisturizes hair and skin and helps tame frizz and curls. “I embraced my natural curls and just run pure argan oil through my hair, scrunch and let it air dry. It saves me a lot of energy,” Caroline Meadowlark said.

Buy Shea Moisture 100% Pure Argan Oil at Amazon.

3. Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo

For the days when showering is out of the question but you still want to clean your hair, dry shampoo is your friend. “Most days I don’t have enough energy to wash my hair so this dry shampoo is a blessing!” Michelle Brianna Deveney said.

Buy Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo at Amazon.

4. Goody Ouchless Ponytailers

“Since most days I’m not able to fix my hair, it goes up in a ponytail,” Suzanne Dollase Malhenzie explained. Hair ties that are soft, not too tight and don’t have a painful metal piece are ideal.

Buy Goody Ouchless Ponytailers at Amazon.

5. Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant

Antiperspirants and deodorants that spray on can be gentler and quicker to use than the traditional roll-on kind. “Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is great because it doesn’t trigger my mast cell activation,” Crystal Hall recommended.

Buy Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant at Amazon.

6. Max Factor Facefinity Compact

If you want to wear makeup but intricate makeup techniques are tough on your hands and arms, you may want to keep your routine simple. “Usually I don’t wear makeup, but in the off chance I do I choose Max Factor Facefinity Compact because I can just quickly put it on and go,” explained Emma Victoria Olphert.

Buy Max Factor Facefinity Compact at Amazon.

7. Jerdon 6″ Table Top Mirror

With a mirror on your nightstand (along with your favorite everyday products) you can get ready for the day without leaving your bed. There are plenty of inexpensive handheld options; a mirror on a stand, like the one featured above, allows you to prop it up on the nightstand or set it on your bed.

Buy Jerdon 6” Table Top Mirror at Amazon.

8. NYX Cosmetics BB Cream

BB cream is an all-in-one product: it moisturizes, evens skin tone, and contains antioxidants and SPF. “Who can afford MAC when your insurance sucks. [NYX] is quality, they’re animal-friendly and if I fall asleep with their BB cream on, I don’t wake up with a breakout,” Nikki Leisegang Stamper recommended.

Buy NYX Cosmetics BB Cream at Amazon.

9. Scrubzz Rinse-Free Bath Sponges

Some days, a shower just isn’t in the cards. But cleansing wipes can help you feel fresh and clean without spending your energy soaping up in the shower or bath. These sponges lather up with a little water and can be dried off with a towel — no rinsing required.

Buy Scrubzz Rinse-Free Bath Sponges at Amazon.

10. Clearasil Daily Hydra-Blast Oil-Free Pads

Lathering up a face wash with water can be tiring at the end of the day. Cleansing pads specifically designed for your face are a simpler alternative. “Clearasil exfoliating pads are a lifesaver for keeping my face clean and skin looking fresh and are perfect when you can’t get up to wash your face properly,” recommended Amie Addison.

Buy Clearasil Daily Clear Hydra-Blast Oil-Free Pads at Amazon.

11. Smith’s Rosebud Salve

If your illness often leaves you dehydrated and your lips parched, swiping on some lip balm is an easy, quick fix. “I’m obsessed with Smith’s Rosebud Salve. It has saved my life when it comes to dry, cracked lips!” Ritchie said.

Buy Smith’s Rosebud Salve at Amazon.

12. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Oil absorbing papers quickly blot away oil, leaving your face looking fresher and cleaner without having to wash it or redo any makeup you have on. If you want a quick refresh, they can be useful to keep on hand.

Buy Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets at Amazon.

13. John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam

Holding your arms up to dry your hair can be exhausting. That’s where products specifically designed for air-drying come in. A styling product like this John Frieda air-dry foam can help give your hair some definition without the use of heat tools.

Buy John Freida Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam at Amazon.

14. Hands-Free Hair Dryer Holder

If you do want to dry your hair with a blow dryer, consider mounting the dryer to the wall. It’ll leave your hands free and save you the energy it takes to hold up the dryer.

Buy JUMBL Hands-Free Hair Dryer Holder at Amazon.

15. Cardinal Health Shower Chair

On the days where you have to shower, a shower chair can be a huge energy-saver. There are a variety of options — different heights, sizes, with and without backs, arm rests and of course, prices — to pick from.

Buy Cardinal Health Shower Chair Without Back at BuyMedical.

Have an energy-saving beauty product you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.