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Morning Beauty Routines, for Every Schedule
Whether you have one minute or 30, here’s how to get ready.
If your mornings are unpredictable, chances are your beauty routine is too. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look beautiful in next to no time at all. Follow this guide to look pulled together in as little as a minute.
If You Want to Spend One Minute...
...on Your Face
Cleansing cloths — which remove dirt and makeup while gently exfoliating — are superquick and nix the need for a washcloth. And if you use cloths containing moisturizers, you can cut your morning skin-care routine to one step.
...on Your Makeup
Mascara, mascara, mascara! If you have time for only one thing, this little tube is it. Choose a formula that curls and lengthens and you can skip the clunky curler.
...on Your Body
Wash with a mild bar or body wash. For exfoliation, use a pouf. And if your shower is outfitted with stick-on slippage stoppers, rub your feet against them while showering. The sandpaperlike texture will get rid of rough, callused skin.
...on Your Hair
If your style has gone flat overnight, freshen up your look with a styling cream, which won’t leave your hair gunky the way second-day hair spray can.
If You Want to Spend Five Minutes...
...on Your Face
After cleansing, apply a hydrating face mask; leave it on for three minutes, then rinse off. Next, apply moisturizer. Look for a formula that replenishes the nutrients naturally found in your skin, such as vitamins A and E.
...on Your Makeup
Apply a gel-based blush (which is a better moisturizer than a powder-based blush), blend it in with your fingertips, then top with a powder bronzer. The combination creates a natural-looking, healthy flush. Add color (and softness) to your lips with an emollient lip balm in a berry or burgundy hue.
...on Your Body
Hair-removal time. Replace your double-blade razor with a triple-blade razor — it will cut down on nicks and, because it moves more smoothly over your legs, time spent shaving. And don’t forget your underarms. If you’re prone to razor burn, coarse winter fabrics, like wool, will only inflame the problem. Apply a deodorant that contains moisturizing and softening ingredients.
...on Your Hair
When using a conditioner, don’t worry about those “leave on for one minute” directions. Winter air or summer sun can suck the moisture right out of your hair, so letting conditioner soak in while you are, say, shaving your legs can be a good thing.
If You Want to Spend 30 Minutes...
...on Your Face
Chill a water-filled plastic eye mask in the fridge for five minutes (you can find them at most drugstores). Before washing your face, put the mask over your eyes and rest for 20 minutes. The cool temperature will help reduce puffiness below your eyes, wake up your face and invigorate your senses.
...on Your Makeup
Pull out the tweezers and get ready to pluck: A nicely groomed set of brows polishes your look more than you know. In natural light, follow your natural shape, getting rid of stray hairs and removing any extra layer of hairs under your arches. Set the shape with brow gel or hand cream. Then sweep your eyelids with a powder shadow from lash line to crease.
...on Your Body
While treating yourself to a full manicure — base coat, two coats of polish and top coat — place your feet next to a heater or radiator. When your nails are done, slather on foot cream, slip into a pair of cotton socks and let the hydration soften and soothe your soles.
...on Your Hair
Blow-drying can actually be good for your hair — if you first use a creamy hair mask or deep-conditioning treatment. When applying, focus on the middle and ends of your hear and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then blast it with a dryer. The heat will help the emollient penetrate.
For an Extra Pampering Treatment...
...for Your Face
Smooth on this facial mask which you can whip up right in your own kitchen: Combine 1 Tbsp. dry oatmeal with 2 Tbsp. of your favorite moisturizer. Then mix the oatmeal paste with a few drops of lavender essential oil and 2 Tbsp. petroleum jelly. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding eyes. Place tea-soaked cotton over eyelids, and relax for five minutes. Remove mask with a warm, damp cloth, and pat your face dry with a towel.
...with Your Makeup
Let yourself shine — at least when it comes to your looks. Makeup for the body and shimmer sprays give your shoulders, décolletage and legs a touch of glamour. Note: We’re not talking big chunks of glitter here, but a subtle, sexy glimmer.
...for Your Body
Light a candle, run the tub and take a milk bath. Milk contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and soothes dry, itchy skin. Just mix a capful or two of a milk-bath liquid or powder with bathwater. The scent: divine!
...for Your Hair
Before you shampoo and condition, give yourself a head massage with essential oils found at any health-food store. Looking to relax? Try jasmine or ylang-ylang. For energy, opt for mint or citrus. Massage for a few moments, then shampoo.
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This helps me a lot because my mornings are always unpredictable. Thanks.
Some of these tips I've been living for a little bit, but the others are a great eye opener too!