Get Organized
Divide your makeup into two bags: one bag for the essentials and one bag that’s strictly for “fun makeup” or trying out trends. Your bag of essentials should include only the products that you wear on a day-to-day basis (foundation, your favorite lipstick, mascara, an eyeliner). By eliminating your makeup bag of neon eye shadows, hot pink lipstick, or other products that you don’t normally wear at 7:30 in the morning, you’ll gain back the time you’d waste rummaging through your cluttered bag. Put your brushes in a cup — it’s not only more sanitary, but you also won’t have to rifle through your makeup bag, looking for your blush brush.
Put the Nail Polish Away
We’re currently living in a world where you can actually talk to your phone, where you can buy a plane ticket to the moon, and where you don’t have to wait for your nail polish to dry to get a super amazing manicure. When you have a major event, it’s important to look your best head to toe, but what happens when you realize your nails are a mess of chipped polish? Sally Hansen Nail Effects come in over 40 different colors and prints and make it so easy to have instantly fabulous nails! These nail polish strips last for about 10 days and only take 10 minutes to apply — perfect if you’re running late. Try the leopard print “Kitty, Kitty” if you’re rushing to a girls’ night out, or try something a little simpler, like “Red-y for Trouble,” if you’re heading to a job interview or class presentation.
Do Double-Time
Stock your bathroom with products that do double — or even triple — duty. Philosophy products can be used as body wash and shampoo. When your shower isn’t so cluttered, you’ll be able to move faster. When it comes to your makeup, looking for three-in-one products for your eyes, lips, and cheeks, like The Multiple by Nars, which comes in over a dozen colors. It’s sheer enough to wear on your eyes, cheeks, and lips and super easy to apply.
Don’t Wash Your Hair (Kind Of)
Dry shampoo: Dry shampoo is one of the easiest ways to save time when you’re getting ready. If you need a shampoo, but don’t have time for a shower, spritz a bit of a dry shampoo (like Tresemme Fresh Star Dry Shampoo) on your roots. In seconds, your hair is clean and fresh again!
The Easiest Up-Do
If you’re not into dry shampoo, but still don’t have time to take a shower, learn how to perfect quick (but still totally chic) up-dos. The top bun is still a major trend. Lauren Conrad’s beauty site, The Beauty Department, has a great tutorial for how to do a super easy top knot. It doesn’t even require a brush! This ‘do is so stylish, no one will know you were running out the door.
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Make Your Moisturizer Do More
The first step of any makeup look is always moisturizing. Why not make your moisturizer do a bit more for you? Look for tinted moisturizers. They’ll even out your skin tone and calm redness, so you can spend less time fussing with concealer and foundation.
Little Changes, Big Differences
When you’re rushing to an important event or a night out, it’s important to know what little (and quick!) changes make a big impact. Red gloss (lipstick is too tricky to apply when you’re rushing out the door) is always a great option. It instantly brightens up your face, so with just one swoop of a gloss wand, you look better and brighter.
Stay Fuss Free
Avoid things that require a lot of cleanup or attention. Mascara on your low lashes smudges easily, so avoid it when it’s already 7:45 and you have to be in class at 8. Liquid liner looks pretty, but it also requires a bit more time — save it for another day when you’re not so rushed. Instead, go for a quick eye look that’s still pretty. Cream eye shadows are way easier to apply than powder, so, when you’re rushing, go for a cream formula.
Say “Bye Bye” to Brushes
Minimize the time it takes to look for the right brush by filling your makeup bag with products that have a built-in brush, like Yves Saint Lauren Radiant Touch, a concealer that’s a makeup artist favorite, or Trish McEvoy Flawless Concealer Pen.
Not Your Average Towel
If you do have time for a shower, cut your drying time in half with a superabsorbent towel, like the Aquis Hair Turban. For $12, this product expedites the air-drying process. From there, your hair will be easier to blow out, or will take way less time to air dry.
Just because you hit the snooze one (okay, four) too many times, doesn’t mean you have to roll into class looking messy. Try out these tips for a speedier getting ready routine and you’ll even have time to do a Starbucks run before class!