7:00 a.m.: Alarm goes off, hit snooze button, repeat until about
7:30
7:30: Lurch up in a panic because I'm already running late,
jump into shower
7:45: Attempt to blow dry hair into
some sort of presentable style, get round brush stuck in
tangles
8:00: Finally free round brush from hair, finish drying
8:10: Start applying makeup, really running late now, in my haste
accidentally jab myself in the eye with mascara wand
8:12: Remove eye makeup that was ruined by watering eyes (dang
mascara wand), start over
8:20: Unbelievably behind now, finally finish makeup, try to decide
what to wear
8:35: Run out the door (likely wearing two different shoes,
oops)
Clearly something has got to change. I would love to be able to get ready in the morning quicker (and in turn be able to sleep in a little later). Fortunately for me, and you, I've found these tips to shorten my morning routine. Check them out, each will guarantee at least a few more worry-free presses of the snooze button:
Tip 1:
Skip the Shampoo
The ultimate way to save time on styling your hair -- don't
wash it. If you have greasy and or flat roots, spritz them with dry
shampoo (try
Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, $24). Part and spritz until
your whole root area is coated and then brush the dry shampoo
through your strands for even distribution. -- Taylor Babaian, Los
Angeles-based hair and makeup artist
Tip 2:
Don't Skip Blush
If you have time to apply only one makeup item, choose blush. It
"instantly enlivens the complexion and a great blush literally
makes you look alive," says Petra Strand, creator and founder
of Pixi cosmetics.
Tip 3:
Pre-Dry Your Hair
To cut down on blow drying time, follow these steps courtesy of
Patrick Jagaille, hairstylist from the Serge Normant Los Angeles
Salon:
Step 1: Squeeze excess water out of your hair after
showering.
Step 2: Apply the styling products you normally use.
Step 3: Part your hair the way you want to wear it then comb
through your strands.
Step 4: Let hair air dry while you do your makeup, drink coffee,
dress the kids, etc.
Step 5: Now blow dry -- it should take about half the time.
Tip 4:
Opt for Multi-Use Products
Save a step by using foundation that contains sunscreen or other
skin-benefiting ingredients (try
Shiseido The Makeup Lifting Foundation SPF 16, $42.50). Apply
it with your fingers (make sure they're clean) to blend it in
quickly. Bonus tip: "If you can't blend [foundation or
concealer] into your skin quickly, it's not the right
color," Babaian says.
Tip 5: Choose the Right Tools
Blow dryer:
"If you need speed, you should have a professional dryer. It
doesn't matter what brand it is or the size," Jagaille
says. He also recommends using the nozzle to focus the heat and
power of the dryer.
Flat iron and curling iron:
"More money spent will save time," says Babaian about the
importance of buying professional-grade irons. She claims that
higher end tools are better made and get hotter, which equals less
time spent styling.
Get six more time-saving tips here! Happy snoozing!
- The ultimate multi-tasking beauty product? This.
- Although these are pretty dang good too.
- And for when you have a few extra minutes to spare, these tips will bring your look to a whole new level.
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