Five Beauty Shortcuts

Hurry! You’re late…

Maybe you were dreaming of Tom Cruise that continued, thrillingly, through the trilling of your alarm clock. Or perhaps your kids begged you to make homemade pancakes (which left you with three minutes to get the flour out of your hair, and no time for concealer). When your day feels like a mad dash instead of a walk in the park, these tweaks to your beauty routines can help you at least appear to have your life under control despite of hurriedness.

Instead of: A time-consuming shower

Speedy solution: Splash cold water or spray a hydrating mist on your face to energize your skin. Store the mist in the fridge, or quickly run it under the tap; it will feel more invigorating as it hits your skin. Cold water instantly tones and tightens your skin. Try The Body Shop Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz for that ultra fresh look.

Minutes saved: 10

Instead of: Multistep skin prep

Speedy solution: Jump right to moisturizing. Skip cleanser and toner, and give yourself more even-toned, hydrated and protected skin by slathering on a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Go over any discolored areas a second time. You can also add another layer to cheekbones to help contour the face when it’s puffy from sleep. Try CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers Tinted Moisture SPF 15.

Minutes saved: 5

Instead of: Elaborate eye makeup

Speedy solution: Stick with three express moves. Tame brows, apply highlighter and slick on black mascara. Smooth unruly brows using brow gel or a pencil-and-comb combo such. Add a pop of white or bone shimmer shadow just below the browbone to draw attention upward and give your face a more awake, lifted look. Finish by applying black mascara from the base to the tips of lashes to give them maximum length.

Minutes saved: 10

Instead of: Blush, lipstick and shadow

Speedy solution: Choose one triple-duty product. A creamy blush that also works on lips and lids is ideal. Whatever you do, don’t skip blush; makeup artists say it’s the most underrated beauty product for waking up the face. Just smile and use the heat of your fingers to dab color on the rounds of your cheeks and across your lips. Use the same shade to brighten lids. Try E.L.F. All Over Color Stick in Persimmon.

Minutes saved: 5

Instead of: A styling marathon

Speedy solution: Stash your blow-dryer and brush, and try some quick “detailing.” Pull your slept-on hair back into the Tonytail, a faux-hair ponytail holder that creates the illusion your strands have been expertly wrapped around the base of the pony. Or give a cropped style instant polish by smoothing out bangs and short layers with one of the new purse-size flattening irons. Experts say that it’s easier to control than a full-size version and it costs less. Try Slik Stik Mini.

Minutes saved: 20-plus

Source: www.sheknows.com