Beauty

7 Easy ways to speed up your morning beauty routine

Hit the snooze button too many times?

Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. There are a few things that come in handy when you only have a few minutes to pull yourself together; like good organization and a great texturizing spray.

STYLE YOUR HAIR OVERNIGHT

Styling your hair is probably an aspect of your morning beauty routine that takes the longest. On those days when I wash my hair, I let it air-dry until it’s about 70-80% dry and then I blow dry it using a big round brush. Right before I go to sleep I put it in a loose bun and secure it with a big clip. This way, when I let my hair down in the morning, it’s already styled. If you try this, I also recommend using a little volumizing powder. On those days when I don’t wash my hair, I use dry shampoo before going to sleep- this prevents my scalp from producing excess oil and the shampoo absorbs well, without leaving any powdery residue. In the morning, I just use a ton of my favorite texturizing spray and use my hands to sort of tease my hair a little bit and create that *oh-I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-but-my-hair-is-looking-fiiiinnee* look. At least that’s what I’d like to think my hair looks like.

STICK TO PRESSED FORMULAS

If you like to wear black A LOT, like me, you’re probably sick and tired of people coming up to you with that stupid grin on their faces, asking “ohh hey… so… um… who died?” And if you’re in hurry, you’re better off sticking to pressed formulas when it comes to makeup- especially powder! Loose powders, as much as I love them, can sometimes get messy. Being in a  hurry+black clothing+loose powders can equal a disaster. When you need to be at work like 10 minutes ago, the last thing you need is having to change your outfit ( and now that I’m thinking about it…. you could probably do your makeup before getting dressed, but I always do it the other way around).

GO FOR PRODUCTS THAT TARGET MULTIPLE NEEDS

I love using BB Creams, Tinted Moisturizers, Lip & Cheek tints and other multitasking products, whenever I’m in a rush. The only thing that I wouldn’t do is depend on makeup containing SPF- they’re often unstable and I always, always wear sunscreen under my makeup. Rain or shine.

how-to-take-a-flatlay

LIPSTICK AND MASCARA

Don’t have 15 minutes to blend that eyeshadow? Stick with your base, lipstick, and mascara. Go for bolder colors like bright reds- they usually look beautiful with just mascara and make you look completely put-together.

CREAM EYESHADOW

….and if you insist on wearing eyeshadow, stick to cream formulas: they’re much easier to use and are great to apply on-the-go.

long-lasting-lipstick-application

TWO SETS OF MAKEUP

I always make sure that I have a few essentials in my bag like tissues, lipstick, powder, concealer, etc. This way if forget to set my foundation with powder, I can always do so once I get to work. Keeping two sets of makeup- one in your usual spot and a small stash in your bag will also help you stay organized… speaking of which…

KEEP YOUR MAKEUP IN ONE PLACE

Guys, this is my biggest struggle right here. Because I take pictures of my products so often and love featuring “motds” on my Instagram, it means that I leave my makeup all over the place. I can’t tell you how many times I’d start doing my makeup in the morning, and then spend about 15 minutes looking for my eyebrow brush or my favorite concealer. This is definitely something that I’m working on at the moment.

How about your morning beauty routine, do you keep it simple?

49 Comments

  • Reply
    Kay (shoesandglitter)
    February 26, 2016 at 7:40 am

    Great tips, darling! I always take far too much time with my makeup routine… But I find that if I just skip the eyeshadow part, the whole thing is a lot quicker. :) <3 Like you said, a bright lippie is enough to make the whole look lovely and complete! x

    Kay
    http://shoesandglitter.com

  • Reply
    Kiss & Make-up
    February 26, 2016 at 8:15 am

    That last tip is probably the best one! No one has time to go looking for stuff by going through a bazillion different boxes and drawers.

  • Reply
    Jess | The Indigo Hours
    February 26, 2016 at 8:43 am

    I used to have “grab bag” with a full face in for those days I was running late… Now I mostly work afternoons so getting ready in the morning isn’t such a rush!

    Jess xo | The Indigo Hours

  • Reply
    Jayd Alice
    February 26, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Fab tips! I like curling my hair the night before so that it’s ready to go in the morning and so I wake up with lovely loose curls! x

    http://www.alwaysalice.co.uk

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 28, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Love that idea! Styling your hair definitely can be the most time-consuming aspect of your beauty routine ;)

  • Reply
    Rosie von Waldherr
    February 26, 2016 at 9:16 am

    I always decide what makeup I want in the morning, but I never tried styling my hair overnight…I did try doing the whole overnight-bun-thing, but my hair got that “line” where the hair was being held… =X Maybe I was doing it wrong xD

    xoRosie
    Rosie’s Life

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 28, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      I definitely recommend securing it very loosely so that you don’t have to worry about any dents forming!

  • Reply
    Alexandra L
    February 26, 2016 at 9:26 am

    I should really do my haire the night before !
    Alexandra
    http://littlefrenchblog.blogspot.fr

  • Reply
    Nati
    February 26, 2016 at 9:26 am

    Those are really cool tips! I never style my hair in the morning, it takes too much time ☺
    Nati xx
    http://www.simplyartdicted.com

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Hisle
    February 26, 2016 at 9:29 am

    I have what I like to call the “oh shit” routine. It’s basically the lipstick and mascara routine, but I do add Nars Sin (because it doesn’t need a ton of blending on my skin) and a little bronzer to warm me up. Since I use bronzer everyday anyway, I’ve gotten so used to it that it only takes a few seconds! Lipstick gets applied at work, or, more likely, the traffic light. I love the two sets of makeup tip though! I kept a spare mascara in my desk for a while… I should start doing that again because somehow that is the thing I forget most often.

    aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 28, 2016 at 5:48 pm

      Haha :) Practice definitely makes perfect, I wish I wash as quick with my eyeliner as I am with lining my lips haha : )

  • Reply
    Rachel
    February 26, 2016 at 9:51 am

    Lipstick and mascara is my usual when I have no time. A bright red or a hot pink usually do the trick!

    Rachel | http://www.currentlyrachel.com

  • Reply
    Rebecca Fletcher
    February 26, 2016 at 10:09 am

    I am the snooze buttons biggest fan! Haha. So these are some good tips :)

    http://www.beautylifebecca.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Samileen
    February 26, 2016 at 10:18 am

    One hundred percent agree with you on keeping makeup in one place, it’s such a torture running around looking for all your basic stuff. Really good tips!

    Sam || Beautydetour

  • Reply
    Emerald
    February 26, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Such a useful post! Love it!

    emerald | Life By Emerald

  • Reply
    Cassidy
    February 26, 2016 at 11:58 am

    Cream eye shadow is da’ bomb! I love the Maybelline color tattoo in “bad to the bronze.” It makes eyeshadow a breeze. Thanks for the tips, Paula!

    Cass
    http://www.lifewithcass.com

  • Reply
    Joanna Joy
    February 26, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    These are great tips. I’m definitely going to use the hair one. Thanks for sharing.

    astylishlovestory.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Hannah McDonnell
    February 26, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    I always love your posts about morning routines. I have really been into forming a morning routine lately. Love it!

    glamlifeliving.com

    Hannah
    Glam Life Living

  • Reply
    Laura Marie
    February 26, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    Some great tips here! The suggestion of whippings of mascara and a nude eyeshadow base, teamed with a bold lip is a fast easy look which creates a statement rapidly.

    You could also opt for mascara, eyeliner and a lip-balm.

    Great post!

    Laura xo

    http://www.shehearts.net

  • Reply
    Melanie@Toots + Dill
    February 26, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    I agree that keeping my make-up in one place in one of those 90’s style kaboodles has really helped me out!! =)

  • Reply
    Diana Youn
    February 26, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    I found it so helpful to keep your everyday makeup products in one place – it helps you save so much time! Also, love lipstick and mascara tip – these two beauty products really do help to achieve a complete look very quickly.

    Diana | thechicdiary.com/blog

  • Reply
    A Little Dose of Makeup
    February 26, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    These are great tips! I love loose powder but in the morning it’s quicker and less messy to use pressed powder.

    xx, A Little Dose of Makeup

  • Reply
    Cherie
    February 26, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    I always ‘style’ my hair the night before, haha meaning two plaits on either side of my head and I just take them out in the morning and its usually looks okay! :)
    http://cherieedle.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/shaggy.html

  • Reply
    Samantha Frances
    February 26, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    I love this! I definitely want to try out some cream eyeshadows for a quick makeup look to do before uni! Such a helpful post! xxx
    http://www.samanthafrances.co.uk

  • Reply
    Caked To The Nines
    February 26, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    Yes to all of this! I’m so slow when it comes to getting ready in the morning so I need all the extra help I can get haha!

    xx
    Nida | Caked To The Nines

  • Reply
    Hannah
    February 27, 2016 at 6:45 am

    I definitely needed the hairstyling tips, thanks! I love Tinted Moisturizers and BB creams for that reason, they are not as high maintenance as foundation and I usually don’t use primer (anyway, BB cream already has built-in primer) and a cream blush and highlighter works wonders for a glowy pick me up. A bold lip is my signature style too!

    Hannah
    http://floraful.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    February 27, 2016 at 6:47 am

    I’m the opposite, I always keep all of my makeup in one place but then when it comes to taking photos and instagram pics I feel like I spend half the time carting it all around for photos!

    http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

  • Reply
    Ambar Syed
    February 27, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Lovely tips – I love how simple mascara and a bright lip look! :)
    – Ambar x
    http://www.herlittleloves.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Sam
    February 27, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Super helpfull! I always get late haha, but not anymore! I really gonna use these tips right now!

    http://www.beauty-blush.com

  • Reply
    Another Ranting Reader
    February 27, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    I do basically the same makeup everyday, and change it up a bit on the weekends. I usually go for base, eyeliner, mascara, blush and sometimes a little bit of eyeliner. All of these tips definitely help and make morning routines much easier.

    Jemima x
    anotherrantingreader.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply
    Aleksandra
    February 28, 2016 at 5:08 am

    I actually struggle to do any of my make up on work days – I alwys promise muself to get up 15 min early to put anything on but then 75% of time the snooze button wins and I end up looking like a very unappealing zombie.

  • Reply
    MARGARITACHI.CO
    February 28, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Super helpful tips as always Paula. I am all about multi use products at the moment – saves so much time!

    Margarita Chi | MARGARITACHI.CO

  • Reply
    Kayleigh
    February 29, 2016 at 6:52 am

    There’s some great tips in here! Thank you.

    Kayleigh
    http://hazelnutmusings.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply
    Katie
    February 29, 2016 at 10:09 am

    I’ve been styling my hair overnight for the last 2 years and can’t rave about how easy it makes my morning routine!
    xx lacoconoire.com

  • Reply
    Shayah Isabella
    March 1, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    I’m all about styling/prepping my hair the night before – it helps so much since I spend more time on my makeup. Another one of your tips that I always follow is keeping my makeup in one place. I have a little shower caddy where all of my every-day/most-used makeup is housed – I purchased it from Target (when it was still in Canada) and it’s been a life saver. It’s large, sturdy, has a handle and fits all my daily junk – I’d literally be lost without it. Loved this post, Xx

    Rosy Cheeks | http://www.rosycheeks.org

  • Reply
    Kierra Lee
    March 13, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    My morning routine is fairly simple too! Another suggestion would be to start your routine with whatever you can leave the house without. If I know my hair is a mess I start with that first since I know I will absolutely not leave without my hair looking crazy. As for makeup I sometimes can do a full face and other times I just throw on mascara and lipstick and call it a day!
    Xx
    http://www.inthegreyonline.com

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