Every time I hit the snooze button on my alarm, I know I'm gonna regret it half an hour later when I simply don't have enough time to do my hair. Although a few more minutes in bed may seem like a great idea at the time, they inevitably have a negative knock-on effect and leave us rushing out the door still attempting to apply mascara and pull up our tights. I'm not a morning person and I never have been, always struggling to get my backside out of bed and on with my day; however, I've managed to perfect the art of getting ready in minimal time thanks to time saving tricks and multi-tasking. Here are ten ways I save time in the morning while not scrimping on my beauty regime - and you never know, they could help you get a few more minutes in bed too.
1. Sleep-In Rollers
My hair seems to always take the longest amount of time, especially since I've invested in hair extensions which simply don't enable quick styling. However, if you prepare the night before by washing and semi-drying hair then you can save serious time the following morning. Sleep-in rollers are a fab invention, helping to create great curls and waves (as well as volume at the root) while you sleep; rollers help you to awake with hair that just needs a bit of pinning, hairspray or combing into place - rather than a full-on styling session that will leave you with mismatched shoes.
2. Overnight Treatments
There's nothing worse than waking up looking like death and attempting to pile on the slap to cover a bad nights kip. Overnight treatments, masques and creams can help inject goodness into your skin while you sleep, leaving you with fresh and plumped skin the morning after. I'm a huge fan of MeruMaya, Philosophy and Origins before I slip under the duvet, as they help my complexion to look radiant and wide awake - minimising the need for piles of makeup and an hour in-front of the mirror in an attempt to correct imperfections and sallow skin.
3. Double-Up In The Shower
While your conditioner is doing its thing, make the most of the dead time in the shower and get to work on other elements of your routine. I always brush my teeth in the shower to make sure I can step out and get on with getting dressed, as well as using the time my treatments are getting to work to buff my limbs or shave my bits n bobs. If you stop standing under the running water wondering how you're going to get through the day ahead, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can get in and out of the bathroom.
4. Plait It Up
One of my current favourite time-saving hair styles is a side plait. Messily taking three sections and wrapping them around eachother, pulling out the bulk to create volume and movement, and pinning a few sections around the side is a super quick way to create on-trend hair that looks super complex. You can even rough-dry hair and style it while still damp, creating ace waves that will look beachy cool when you release the plait later in the day. It takes two ticks and always makes a statement.
5. Spray & Go
Vaseline Spray & Go moisturisers have completely revolutionised my routine, enabling me to moisturise my limbs every morning without battling with getting tights on over the top. A quick spritz leaves a super lightweight cream on the surface of skin, which can be massaged in within seconds to leave limbs protected against the winter elements. It saves time but doesn't compromoise on the important elements of your routine.
6. Skincare & Makeup In One
Opting for multi-functional products that offer skincare and makeup benefits in one formula will save time while looking after your skin. BB Creams are a great way of injecting moisture and offering radiance, while simultaneously protecting from UV rays and providing great coverage. There's no need to layer up with three different serums, moisturisers and creams if you're using fabulous makeup products that do all the hard work for you - Clarins, Dr Jart and Benefit have some great bases that will tick off many boxes every single day.
7. Power Lips
If you're struggling to put together an outfit or don't have time to perfect that slick of liner, a powerful and bold lip is all you need to ensure you look 'done'. A bright red or berry shade of lipstick can help create effortless glamour and bring together an outfit, even when you're only wearing a t-shirt dress. Keep the rest of your look minimal for maximum impact... Plus you can apply this finishing touch on the bus to save even more time!
8. Working Spray
If yesterday's hair is looking a little lacklustre, a working spray is a great way to reignite a style or add effortless volume. My personal favourite is from Show Beauty, offering a great alternative to heavy sprays and helping to boost my style with ease. A short burst all over the hair helps to boost curls and shapes that were created the day before, as well as helping to add a touch of lift to the root. It takes two ticks and really makes a big difference without weighing hair down.
9. Accessorise
Like a great lipstick, a bold accessory or statement necklace can instantly update an outfit and make it look like you spent three hours getting ready. If in doubt, chuck on the plainest thing you've got and pick out the blingiest pieces of swag to accessorise with... Making something shiny and fancy the focal point of your outfit will ensure people forget about your messy barnet or chipped nail varnish.
10. Chuck It In Your Bag
Rather than rushing your routine or attempting to finish off your lipstick while tying your laces, chuck everything you haven't managed to apply or accessorise with into your bag - and do it on the go. I can't tell you how many times I've applied mascara on the train, added bracelets and sorted out my rings. There's often dead time while you're on public transport, so make the most of it and stop panicking... As long as you get off the other end looking perfect, nobody will never know you overslept.
Do you always struggle in the mornings? Do you have any top tips for saving time but still ensuring you look fabulous? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
1. Sleep-In Rollers
My hair seems to always take the longest amount of time, especially since I've invested in hair extensions which simply don't enable quick styling. However, if you prepare the night before by washing and semi-drying hair then you can save serious time the following morning. Sleep-in rollers are a fab invention, helping to create great curls and waves (as well as volume at the root) while you sleep; rollers help you to awake with hair that just needs a bit of pinning, hairspray or combing into place - rather than a full-on styling session that will leave you with mismatched shoes.
2. Overnight Treatments
There's nothing worse than waking up looking like death and attempting to pile on the slap to cover a bad nights kip. Overnight treatments, masques and creams can help inject goodness into your skin while you sleep, leaving you with fresh and plumped skin the morning after. I'm a huge fan of MeruMaya, Philosophy and Origins before I slip under the duvet, as they help my complexion to look radiant and wide awake - minimising the need for piles of makeup and an hour in-front of the mirror in an attempt to correct imperfections and sallow skin.
3. Double-Up In The Shower
While your conditioner is doing its thing, make the most of the dead time in the shower and get to work on other elements of your routine. I always brush my teeth in the shower to make sure I can step out and get on with getting dressed, as well as using the time my treatments are getting to work to buff my limbs or shave my bits n bobs. If you stop standing under the running water wondering how you're going to get through the day ahead, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can get in and out of the bathroom.
4. Plait It Up
One of my current favourite time-saving hair styles is a side plait. Messily taking three sections and wrapping them around eachother, pulling out the bulk to create volume and movement, and pinning a few sections around the side is a super quick way to create on-trend hair that looks super complex. You can even rough-dry hair and style it while still damp, creating ace waves that will look beachy cool when you release the plait later in the day. It takes two ticks and always makes a statement.
5. Spray & Go
Vaseline Spray & Go moisturisers have completely revolutionised my routine, enabling me to moisturise my limbs every morning without battling with getting tights on over the top. A quick spritz leaves a super lightweight cream on the surface of skin, which can be massaged in within seconds to leave limbs protected against the winter elements. It saves time but doesn't compromoise on the important elements of your routine.
6. Skincare & Makeup In One
Opting for multi-functional products that offer skincare and makeup benefits in one formula will save time while looking after your skin. BB Creams are a great way of injecting moisture and offering radiance, while simultaneously protecting from UV rays and providing great coverage. There's no need to layer up with three different serums, moisturisers and creams if you're using fabulous makeup products that do all the hard work for you - Clarins, Dr Jart and Benefit have some great bases that will tick off many boxes every single day.
7. Power Lips
If you're struggling to put together an outfit or don't have time to perfect that slick of liner, a powerful and bold lip is all you need to ensure you look 'done'. A bright red or berry shade of lipstick can help create effortless glamour and bring together an outfit, even when you're only wearing a t-shirt dress. Keep the rest of your look minimal for maximum impact... Plus you can apply this finishing touch on the bus to save even more time!
8. Working Spray
If yesterday's hair is looking a little lacklustre, a working spray is a great way to reignite a style or add effortless volume. My personal favourite is from Show Beauty, offering a great alternative to heavy sprays and helping to boost my style with ease. A short burst all over the hair helps to boost curls and shapes that were created the day before, as well as helping to add a touch of lift to the root. It takes two ticks and really makes a big difference without weighing hair down.
9. Accessorise
Like a great lipstick, a bold accessory or statement necklace can instantly update an outfit and make it look like you spent three hours getting ready. If in doubt, chuck on the plainest thing you've got and pick out the blingiest pieces of swag to accessorise with... Making something shiny and fancy the focal point of your outfit will ensure people forget about your messy barnet or chipped nail varnish.
10. Chuck It In Your Bag
Rather than rushing your routine or attempting to finish off your lipstick while tying your laces, chuck everything you haven't managed to apply or accessorise with into your bag - and do it on the go. I can't tell you how many times I've applied mascara on the train, added bracelets and sorted out my rings. There's often dead time while you're on public transport, so make the most of it and stop panicking... As long as you get off the other end looking perfect, nobody will never know you overslept.
Do you always struggle in the mornings? Do you have any top tips for saving time but still ensuring you look fabulous? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.