Let's face it. There are going to be days that a shower just isn't in the cards. Whether you're a brand new mama pinned under a blissed-out babe or juggling three virtual students and a full-time job under one roof, getting an extended amount of alone time under running water is a tall order. Honestly, sometimes even the basic end-of-the-day face wash is too exhausting.
That said, it doesn't mean you have to spend the day feeling funky and gross (or go to bed with makeup on)! It also doesn't mean you have to steal your little one's baby wipes. You're a grown-up and you deserve to be treated as such—though there's nothing wrong with baby wipes, to be sure. It's just that there are plenty of incredible time-saving and portable products on the market that were made to pamper you—not that adorable baby bottom.
We've rounded up some of the best time-saving and convenient products—from dry shampoos to PH-balanced wipes—that bring on the clean without the shower. Feeling fresh is just a few clicks away!
Goodwipes down there wipes
Yes, it's technically self-cleaning and all that, but let's be real. Our lady bits deserve some loving attention even on the off days. The individually wrapped and lightly rosewater scented wipes from Goodwipes are PH balanced and infused with gentle ingredients like aloe, vitamin e, chamomile and lavender to soothe and moisturize. Even if all you've got is 30 seconds, you've got time to feel a little fresher.
Bioderma micellar water
There's a reason this French pharmacy staple is a cult favorite among the skin care obsessed. More cleansing than plain old water but gentler than a toner or make-up remover, Bioderma's micellar water for sensitive skin is great for everything from taking off stubborn mascara or just freshening up at home or on-the-go.
Batiste clean & classic original dry shampoo
The beauty of this magic in a bottle is that it works no matter what kind of hair you have—fine or thick, light or dark, straight or curly. Pointed to as the "world's number one dry shampoo," the aluminum-free formula goes on clean and easy and for some, can buy up to a week between washings. And at less than $7 a pop, you can't really beat it.
Primally Pure Everything Spray
I'm always a fan of a good multi-tasker—especially when it comes to beauty products. The Everything Spray from Primally Pure is a toner, refresher, deodorant stand-in and can even help to prevent ingrown hairs after shaving. Even if you don't have time for a full skincare routine, a few spritzes have you covered.
Ursa Major essential face wipes
When my family embarked on a four-day camping trip this summer, these were a total lifesaver. I'm a religious face-washer with a fairly involved skincare routine, but I'm also not someone who loves traipsing in the dark among the creatures of the night to wash my face in a mosquito-laden bathhouse. Not only did these provide a gentle yet effective cleanse, but they also kept the rest of my body feeling fresh. The fact they're individually wrapped makes them great for travel or stashing in your bag for whatever needs arise.
Lush silky underwear dusting powder
Forget what you know about baby powder. This talc-free dusting powder from everyone's favorite bath bomb purveyor brings sexy back even when a shower isn't in the cards. It's got a light floral scent and comes in handy especially on hot and sweaty days to keep you feeling fresh and dry.
Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese blotting papers
Dewy's cool. Greasy, not so much. The classic blotting papers from Tatcha remove oil without disturbing any make-up you might be rocking and also feel very fancy—a nice added perk in my book. They are made from natural abaca leaf with tiny gold flakes which are as effective as they are beautiful.
eos shea better shaving cream
This one's a game-changer. Designed to work wet or dry (yes, you read that right!) the Shea Better moisturizing shave cream is more like a lotion than your typical shaving cream. You might not have the time to luxuriate in the bath or even power shower, but if a shave is unavoidable, no worries!
https://amzn.to/3cx7I1l
Whether you're too tired to wash your face while upright or just looking for a convenient and fresh-smelling mid-day pick-me-up, the luxurious facial cleansing wipes from Pacifica are a popular favorite. They're made with gentle and nourishing ingredients like coconut water, aloe vera, papaya extract, and calendula that are effective without being irritating.
Aveda shampure dry shampoo
With their botanical and earthy scents, Aveda products make me instantly feel refreshed and relaxed—and their dry shampoo is no exception. The powder mist formula is a great alternative to aerosols, distributing little cloud-like puffs right where you need it. (Note that some reviewers point to a bit of a learning curve when it comes to applying, however!) It is on the pricey side, but a single bottle lasts forever.
meejee sonic silicone facial cleansing massager
If all you've got time for is a face wash, you might as well make it the best you can manage. Designed to get your face next-level clean, the colorful, vibrating meejee massages, cleanses and purifies skin all the way down into your pores. The tiny silicone bristles help to lather up your favorite face wash while the massaging basin on the back side help to work in serums, oils and moisturizers.
We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You've got this.
