First, start as you normally do with a great moisturizer. During these brutally cold months, I like something emollient like Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, or F.A.B's Ultra Repair Cream, both excellent this time of year. Both products get fully absorbed into the skin without leaving any heavy or greasy feeling behind.
Next, invest in a great foundation. There are many on the market and with newer and newer technology in pigments, you need less foundation and sometimes as in this case, you won't need a powder to set. Chanel's Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Makeup does just that. A small amount goes a long way, provides great medium coverage, even under the eyes and sets to a dry powder finish. And a the packaging is very "Chanel", meaning it's so small, discreet, and slim, it can fit into the smallest of pockets.
In the vein of dual uses for a product, I also suggest a blush that can double as a lip color. Now there is a lot of debate on this since most of the time blushes tend to be drier in formula and wearing them on the lips are not exactly comfortable. I recommend properly priming the lips with balm which you probably already have anyway. RMS Beauty makes a great product called Lip2Cheek. They come in great shades (shown above is Modest), and for all you organic lovers, this product is CERTIFIED Organic. Coconut oil (a beloved of mine), is the main ingredient and it's super easy to apply with fingers and leaves the most beautiful flushed cheeks. And as the product states, it's also for lips. It's pigmented enough but not so much so that it's intimidating to use. Layer to your liking.
For eyes, I chose a waterproof, all-in-one eye shadow, primer, liner, and blending brush. Eyeko's Me & My Shadow Liner (shown above in Taupe) is a fantastic on the go product. Currently it's sold out on Sephoras website, but when it becomes available, can I suggest you pick one up pronto? This is a product you can keep in the desk drawer at work for after hours or throw into your bag at the last moment. It goes on like a dream, stays blendable for a few moments and the brush at the opposite end is firm but soft enough to blend out harsh lines. I want one in each shade.
Another dual sided product is MAC's Veluxe Brow Liner. This is just a favorite of mine, but of course many brands carry a dual sided liner with a spoolie on one side. But whatever you do, make sure there is a brow pencil or powder in your go back. The brows really do frame your face and they can make or break your look.
These are just a few products I love and I'd love to know what yours are. Get ready, get set, Go!