Morning beauty shortcuts

Apr 01, 2011 7:44 AM by Kori Ellis

Posted in Beauty & Style / Beauty 365

Simplify Your Routine

With these time-saving beauty shortcuts, you can shave minutes off your morning routine and still look fabulous.

Get organized

Organize your bathroom so that you don't waste time in the morning looking for your products and tools. Have a makeup box or basket on your counter that includes all your workday cosmetics, so that you don't have to go on the hunt for your favorite eyeliner or lipgloss. Keep eyeliners and lipliners sharpened and have plenty of makeup sponges and applicators available.

Skip the foundation

You don't always need to wear a full face of makeup. If you need to even out your skin, apply a little tinted moisturizer to hydrate your skin and add some sheer color at the same time. And if your moisturizer contains SPF, then you won't have to apply sunscreen.

Grab the Visine

When you wake up late, you eyes can look tired and red. A few eye drops in the morning will brighten your tired eyes instantly. Even if you are really tired, you don't have to look like you are. Apply a little white eye shadow near your tear ducts on the inner corners of your eyes to make your eyes look bigger and brighter.

Buy multi-purpose products

To shave minutes off your morning beauty routine, use multi-purpose products. Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner is a must, but also look for makeup that can do double or triple duty. Products such as E.L.F. All Over Color Stick and Benefit Benetint can be used on cheeks, lips and even eyes.

Use dry shampoo

Don't fret if you don't have time to wash and blowdry your hair every single day. Use a sprinkle of dry shampoo on your roots to absorb oil and dirt while adding a fresh clean scent.

Air dry your hair

If you insist on washing your hair, you can still dry it quickly. Blot out any extra water with a fluffy towel (don't rub vigorously -- it causes split ends). Then allow your hair to air dry while you are applying your makeup. When your hair is almost dry, finish it off with your blow dryer on high heat with a diffuser.

Put your hair up

For a quick, easy hairstyle, pull your hair up into a messy bun. The messy look is "in" and much easier to pull together than a highly coiffed or pin-straight style. Check out this tutorial for a 2-minute messy updo.

Prevent puffy eyes

You don't have time in the morning to try to deflate and soothe puffy eyes, so try to prevent them in the first place. Skip salty foods at dinner and drink plenty of water in the evenings. Keep your head elevated on two pillows and try to sleep on your back. This should help alleviate fluid retention in your face, which causes puffy, swollen eyes.

Brush your teeth in the shower

Keep a toothbrush and paste in shower caddy. You can brush your teeth and freshen your breath while your conditioner is working on your hair. The water is running anyway, so it's a great time to do two things at once.

Shave your legs at night

Take a relaxing bath and shave your legs at night before going to bed. Use a moisturizing body wash or even hair conditioner to shave your legs. When you get out of the tub, you won't even need to apply lotion.