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8 Steps to Look Great When You’re Running Late

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter.

It’s Monday morning and you have slept through your first five alarms. You now have twenty minutes to get ready and get to class. Sure, you could just roll out of bed and go to class in your sweatpants, but that really hot guy sits two rows in front of you and what if today is the day he asks to borrow a pen!? Don’t panic. Here are eight steps to get you out the door looking like you have your life together.

1. Hair

Throw your hair in a bun or ponytail or slap on a beanie. Thank god that the “bed head look” is in style, and you can never go wrong with a classic knit beanie.

2. Base

If you usually wear concealer or a foundation, use it. This will even out your skin tone, making you look like you actually woke up with your alarm.

3. Blush

Brush on a little blush to complete your look and add vibrancy to your face.

4. Eyebrows

Fill them in lightly or shape them up like you normally would. Eyebrows frame your face and complete even a minimal makeup look.

Photo courtesy of haepersbazaar.com

5. Eye highlight

Dab a bit of concealer or highlighter in the corner of your inner eyelid and blend to the outside. This will make you look more fresh and awake.

Photo courtest of sortra.com

6. Mascara

Somehow, eyeliner KNOWS when you are running late. You WILL smudge it or mess it up. Nobody has time for that. Put on some mascara to open up your eyes.

Photo courtesy of wefollowpics.com

7. Outfit

While you are rushing through this minimal make up routine, think about what you’re going to wear, that way you can throw it on as soon as you are done. Something simple and quick, like a sun dress or a t-shirt and jeans are an effortless look.

8. Breakfast

The most important meal of the day. Grab and go! (This is why granola bars were invented)

Also, don’t forget your textbooks! 

Katie, a Senior at VCU, is majoring in International Studies focused in European studies and is minoring in both Spanish and Writing. She credits all success and sanity to dry shampoo, The Arctic Monkeys, and chocolate. Her favorite things include argumentative essays, pitbull puppies (or really any puppy), and spring. Katie hopes to one day get paid to travel the world and write.
Keziah is a writer for Her Campus. She is majoring in Fashion Design with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. HCXO!