When it comes to grooming, some gals are divas, some are minimalists, and some are just plain out of their element lazy. While many will stop at nothing to preen and primp, others just can't be bothered. Chalk it up to time constraints, lack of skills, or maybe even the old "ignorance is bliss" mantra but at some point -- like NOW --you're going to have to face the harsh reality that leaving the house looking like you just rolled out of bed hasn't been socially acceptable since college (and even then it was iffy).
Listen, don't feel bad, you're not alone. In fact, celebrity makeup and hair pro Jeffrey Paul says the 'no muss, no fuss' motto is more common than you might think. "Not all women want to be experts in the field of makeup and hair," says Paul. "Most just want to spend less than five minutes getting ready."
But what's a lazy girl to do when she just can't be bothered to pluck and curl and polish and spritz herself into gorgeousness? Why, rely on shortcuts, of course. There are the old emergency standbys, like pulling on jeans if you didn't shave your legs or wearing your thick framed glasses instead of applying eye makeup, but what if you want a regular routine that requires minimum effort yet leaves you looking pretty and polished?
We chatted with skin, hair, and makeup experts for genius grooming tips, that will enable your primping process to become nearly effortless. Plus, we've included our top product picks that are guaranteed to un-complicate your morning routine.
So� If you're ready to dupe everyone into thinking you clocked hours in front of your vanity when you really hit that snooze button a couple/three times, read on.
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Stock up on wipes
There's a towelette for everything these days. You can apply your sunscreen, remove makeup, and even fix your hair with these mess-free tools that only require a quick swipe. A few of our favorites? Ted Gibson Hair Sheets, $25, which smooth pesky flyaways; Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes with Zinc, $34, which provide UV protection; and Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Wipes, $5.99, which clean and cool toes and feet.
Celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow (clients include Olivia Wilde and Claire Danes) recommends cleansing cloths that contain calming ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile to prevent irritation. We suggest Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, $5.99.
Washington D.C.-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, says despite the convenience these towelettes provide, hitting the sink is still essential to avoid breakouts. "Cleansing wipes are great but I advise my patients to give their face a full wash at least every two to three days."
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Use your fingers
Who really knows which makeup brush works best with which product? Don't sweat it, just skip that step entirely. "Using your fingers is a great way to feel how much product you are applying on your skin," says Turnbow.
From blush to tinted moisturizer, Turnbow says, "you can use your fingers for any beauty product or part of your face." The key is to blend. "If you diffuse each item properly your makeup will look more natural than if you used brushes."
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Create double-duty products
Many products can be used on multiple features. Investing in these multi-purpose tools will help you save time (and money) and keep your makeup regimen simple.
For bushy eyebrows, Paul suggests taming your arches by misting hairspray onto fingers and dabbing hairs into place. Brighten your lips and your complexion by blending a clear balm over your mouth and your cheekbones as a makeshift highlighter, or add color by using a lip tint instead.
And finally, when you're cutting corners while primping, always opt for a monochromatic look, which will simplify the process. To get the look, Paul suggests applying bronzer to your cheekbones and your eyelids.
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Invest in a BB Cream
Primer, SPF, concealer, color-correcting powder, and foundation -- creating a clear complexion requires more layers than a wedding cake! Unfortunately, skipping any of these steps can be detrimental to your beauty -- or your health.
Luckily, there is one easy alternative that both dermatologists and makeup artists recommend: BB cream. "A good BB cream will include anti-aging moisturizer, SPF, and a tint to even out skin tone," says Tanzi. "Slap one on in the morning and you're good to go." Turnbow adds, "The sheen provides a dewy glow too." We recommend Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector, 12.99.
When it comes to grooming, some gals are divas, some are minimalists, and some are just plain out of their element lazy. While many will stop at nothing to preen and primp, others just can't be bothered. Chalk it up to time constraints, lack of skills, or maybe even the old "ignorance is bliss" mantra but at some point -- like NOW --you're going to have to face the harsh reality that leaving the house looking like you just rolled out of bed hasn't been socially acceptable since college (and even then it was iffy).
Listen, don't feel bad, you're not alone. In fact, celebrity makeup and hair pro Jeffrey Paul says the 'no muss, no fuss' motto is more common than you might think. "Not all women want to be experts in the field of makeup and hair," says Paul. "Most just want to spend less than five minutes getting ready."
But what's a lazy girl to do when she just can't be bothered to pluck and curl and polish and spritz herself into gorgeousness? Why, rely on shortcuts, of course. There are the old emergency standbys, like pulling on jeans if you didn't shave your legs or wearing your thick framed glasses instead of applying eye makeup, but what if you want a regular routine that requires minimum effort yet leaves you looking pretty and polished?
We chatted with skin, hair, and makeup experts for genius grooming tips, that will enable your primping process to become nearly effortless. Plus, we've included our top product picks that are guaranteed to un-complicate your morning routine.
So� If you're ready to dupe everyone into thinking you clocked hours in front of your vanity when you really hit that snooze button a couple/three times, read on.
