We’re all excited for the end of the semester – let’s be honest, we started our countdowns to the end of classes by the second week of the semester. But to get to the finish line, there are bound to be some late nights. Whether you’re up until midnight studying, or 3 AM finishing that final paper, chances are you aren’t getting a full eight hours during finals week. You need every last minute of sleep that you can get, so follow our top tricks to get ready quickly, and look good doing it!
The Sock Bun: My trusty friend the sock bun has saved me more mornings than I can count. This up-do makes it look like you spent hours pinning your hair up, but really it takes just minutes! Follow this tutorial, and meet your new best friend.
Highlighter and Moisturizer: After a long night of finals prep, skin tends to look dull, so use this trick for a quick glow! Mixing your highlighter and moisturizer is a great way to get a glowing complexion without your regular precision.
Dry Shampoo: You barely have time to eat breakfast before your next final, never mind shampooing, conditioning and blowing out your hair! Invest in a quality dry shampoo to make your locks last until after that exam.
BB Cream: You just rolled out of bed and don’t have time for a five-step skin care routine – BB cream to the rescue! BB cream is a skin care/makeup hybrid that hydrates like a moisturizer, protects with SPF, and covers like a light foundation. Apply a layer of BB Cream, a quick swipe of mascara, and you’re good to go!
Braids: Braids are a great way to avoid the time you spend styling you hair during your regular morning routine. This classic looks intricate but is actually easy, which is right up our alley. Check out this tutorial for five twists on the classic braid.
Accessorize: Whether it’s pearls, a vest, your glasses, or even a baseball cap, accessories are a great way to hide the fact that you’re running on three hours of sleep. Sometimes, that finishing touch makes you feel totally put together – which is a valuable feeling during the chaos of finals week!
Garnier Cleansing Water: One of our HC writers just told us about this new product, and we’re hooked! Garnier cleansing water is an all-in-one cleanser that gently cleanses, removes makeup, and refreshes your skin without rinsing or harsh rubbing. Even if you don’t have time to put makeup on the morning after a night of studying, take it off before you go to bed and you’ll wake up looking ten times fresher.
French Twist: This quick trick takes a little bit of practice, but don’t be intimidated! If you have bobby pins and a little bit of patience, learning how to do a French twist will give you a professional up-do that you can pull together in under 5 minutes. You’ll look great for that final presentation!
BONUS Clif Bars: Though it may not be part of your makeup routine, make sure to eat something before running out of your apartment. Clif Bars are a good substitute if you don’t have time to sit down and eat breakfast before heading to your exam. The Cool Mint Chocolate and Peanut Toffee Buzz flavors have 50 mg of caffeine from green tea extract, which is sure to give you the boost you need to ace that test.
What tricks do you use to get ready when you’re short on time?