How to look your best...even when you have no time!
/Everyone has bad days. Unexpected things come up, you oversleep, or you forget that you need to be somewhere in a hour and you’re sitting on your couch, unshowered, and in your pajamas. We’ve all been there!
Because I’m almost always running late, I have figured out a few ways to make myself look put-together…even though I’m really not. Using these tips, I can usually make myself look pretty good in about 30 minutes! A little bit of thought, when you’re not in a hurry, can save you an hour on a rushed day!
Fast Shower - This is not the time to shave anything…and DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT WASHING YOUR HAIR! I’m talking 2 minutes in and out. This makes a huge difference for me and my mood. After a shower, I just automatically feel more prepared for what is ahead! I also think everyone looks more awake after standing under warm water…even if it’s just for a few minutes. My sister actually calls showers “liquid sleep” because of the difference they make! I also take this few minutes to think ahead to what I’m going to wear. Multi-tasking at its finest!
A “holy grail” outfit - This is something that you can put on quickly and always feel good in. Choose something that is appropriate for many occasions, and doesn’t ever need any ironing! If you have to, you can throw it in the dryer while you do your hair and makeup, but you’re not going to have time to iron and you definitely don’t want to look wrinkled! For me, its all black. (Duh.) In the winter, my go-to is leather leggings and a black tunic. In summer, it’s black cigarette pants and a black tank. I tend to think of an all-black outfit as a blank canvas. If I’m headed to something casual, I throw on flats or even tennis shoes and accessorize with a scarf or simple necklace. If I’m going somewhere that calls for a more professional look, then heeled-booties or pumps are my shoe of choice. A statement necklace or some flashy earrings will automatically take your plain look up a notch or two!
Makeup where it counts! Think “bang for your buck” here! What do you need to do to look fresh faced and awake? My musts are foundation, undereye concealer, light eyeshadow, contour/blush, brows, mascara and lips. That may sound like a lot to some, but it’s actually pretty fast and simple if you have the right products in your makeup bag! You’re only as good as your tools! I’ve linked fast face favorites for you! I always use Estee Lauder Double Wear liquid foundation, Maybelline concealer, Elf blush/bronzer duo, NYX brow pencil or pomade, Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara and Jordana Lip liner (I’ve worn this shade almost everyday for probably 10 years) with gloss or chapstick over.
Hair A little bit of prior practice will really save you here! When you have a little extra time, try some styles that you could pull off quickly and with dirty hair. Because when you are in a hurry, you will have super dirty hair. That’s just the way it is. If you have long hair, messy buns and high ponytails are very in style! To give your pony a more polished look, wrap your ponytail holder with a piece of your hair and secure with a bobby pin underneath. To upgrade your messy bun, secure any loose, floppy or otherwise crazy pieces with bobby pins to make the style look more intentional. Use hairspray to keep your fly-aways tamed. With shorter hair, spray in dry shampoo, tease the crown really well, then pull the sides back into a half pony, or twist/braid them back and pin them. Or…you can always opt for a hat! I love hats and the style-statement that they make! Not to mention that they hide the yucky part of your hair, while still showing off the pretty and clean (looking) part!
Rely on your “daily polish”. These are the little things that you can do to make a big difference in looking more “put together” everyday! That way, when you’re rushed, you don't have to worry about these details!
Keep your brows in check. Keep regular waxing appointments if that’s your thing or tweeze the strays at night after you wash your face. This also applies to chin/neck hairs. Let’s just be honest, we all have a few.
Keep a neat manicure. Whether you go to a salon or do it yourself at home, well shaped nails and good-looking cuticles always look nice!
Keep your shoes in good shape. Polish them or wipe them down before you put them back in your closet so they will be ready to go when you’re rushed.
Carry a nice handbag. It doesn’t have to be designer or break the bank, but a nice leather bag always makes a woman look put-together.
Wear a few signature pieces of jewelry. These are things that are simple, understated, and you rarely take them off. I always wear diamond studs in the second piercing in my ears, a tiny gold cross necklace and my wedding set. Even if I forget to put on any other jewelry, I’ve always got these pieces on!
What do you guys think? Pretty easy stuff, huh? I can’t tell you how many times doing these few things has really saved me! Unfortunately, now if you see me in all black, you’ll know I've probably been running late!
Comment below some of the things that help you save time when you’re in a hurry!
