Beauty Tips

I Imposed a 15-Minute Mirror Rule on Myself for One Week. Here's What I Learned

Trust me, this story is not going where you think it's going

by Katie McCarthy | COMMENT

PHOTO 4/8

Day 4: Less Mirror Time Doesn't Make Me Lower-Maintenance I've realized that 15 minutes is sufficient time to put on a little makeup and do a little something with my hair. Unless I try to do it all while I'm watching "Transparent" — then, I'm screwed. Check out my oily roots and try not to gag.

Something I also realized is that de-prioritizing beauty isn't just about spending 15 minutes or less in front of the mirror. I'll readily admit that I've put plenty of time and money into my appearance that doesn't get factored into my daily routine.

In the past six months, I've gotten IPL photofacials for the sun damage on my face and driven to Canada twice to get my pale blond brows microbladed. I get balayage highlights about every five or six months, but I'm at the salon for four to five hours every time.

After I snapped this photo, I went to get my eyelash extensions touched up, which takes about an hour every three to four weeks. And don't even get me started on how much time I spend masking every week.

In other words, spending less than 15 minutes at your vanity table every day doesn't exclude you from the High-Maintenance Club.

Image courtesy of Katie McCarthy

SEE NEXT PAGE: Day 5: Over It

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