9 Ways to Cut Your Morning Beauty Routine in Half
If every morning seems like a Manic Monday, then you'll love these clever, minute-shaving beauty tips. Learn the secrets to spending less time getting gorgeous straight from pros!
1. Multi-task with blush
After sweeping blush on your cheeks, brush a tad into the creases of your eyes, says makeup artist Maggie Kerr. "A small bit of color harmonizes your overall look and wakes up your eyes as well." She recommends pinks and peaches, which gives nearly everyone a healthy appearance. Try Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Glisten ($26, amazon.com).
2. Stock up on the proper tools
To add color around your eyes, consider using a fluffy ponytail brush like MAC #217 ($21, amazon.com). "Not only does it gently pop color into your crease, but it also blends your eye shadows to prevent raccoon eyes," says Kerr. She calls on this multi-tasking tool to buff out concealer under the eyes - that's three brushes for the price of one.
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3. Use concealer in a pinch
Covering up any discoloration on your skin will help polish your look. "Use concealer in the spots where we all need it most: under the eyes, at the outside corners of the eyes, around the nostrils of the nose, and on any spots you may have on the face," says Kerr. She recommends Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer ($66, amazon.com) for providing full coverage without becoming "cake-y" or leaving creases.
4. Make bronzer a must-have
"Bronzer is the quickest way to add a glowing, healthy sheen to your look," says Kerr. Want more from your makeup? Repurpose it as blush and/or eye shadow, and use it to contour your cheekbones. To mimic a natural tan, choose a bronzer with a golden undertone, rather than the orange hue that is commonly found in products, she says. Try e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder ($9, amazon.com).
5. Invest in a double-duty tinted lip balm
Tinted lip balms are fantastic: They moisturize and add a hint of color to the lips. "Dab a bit of the sheer, creamy color onto the apples of your cheeks as well," says Kerr. She recommends Korres Lip Butter ($11, amazon.com) available in seven lush pigments
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6. Show off your pearly whites
A winning smile is the best form of makeup, says Kerr. She likes Go Smile ($33, amazon.com) for on-the-go teeth whitening touchup ampoules that you can stash in your purse and use after coffee, lunch, or before meeting friends after work.
7. Never underestimate the power of dry shampoo
Style and beauty expert, Brittney Levine, doesn't recommend washing your hair every day unless you want to strip hair of its moisture. That's why she's a big advocate of dry shampoo. "I like to spray my hair the night before if I know I'm not going to be washing it the next morning," she says. "This way, the product can really set in." Try Walk of Shame Dry Shampoo ($18, oasisdayspanyc.com).
8. Don't fuss (too much) with your hair
Instead of styling your hair every morning, try a chic braid or bun every second or third day, says Jen Atkin, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy celebrity stylist. On the days when you suds up, use a frizz control shampoo and conditioner to give strands a smooth finish. This makes it easier to wash and go. Try Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner ($6 each, amazon.com).
Related: Is Your Makeup Aging You?
9. Dry only the front of your hair
To speed-dry hair, skip the back and focus on the hair in the front, especially the fringe area. This way, you won't have to hassle with styling a whole head of hair but you can still look great. "Use a round brush to blow dry up and away from your face or use a flat brush to quickly tame bangs," says Atkin. For ladies with fringe, she recommends Sonia Kashuk Hair Brush ($16, target.com).
What are your time-saving beauty tips? Let me know in the comments below!
- By Kim Peiffer
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