Are You Running Out of Time to Look Pretty?
Typically, I’m out of time, which is why finding “me time” is often a late night indulgence. The other night, in need of some mindless me time, I tuned in to an after-hours re-run of Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E! Needless to say, gratuitous entertainment abounded.
I watched enviously as Kim Kardashian rushed to fit in an hour of shopping before her 5 p.m. hair and makeup appointment (all in preparation for an 8 p.m. birthday party), while frequently lamenting the lack of time she has for herself. And while I think Kim is a natural beauty, when you have three hours for hair and makeup – not to mention professional help – isn’t it easy to look stunning?
But how about the rest of us, who are forced to get gorgeous with significantly fewer resources? I often have 15 minutes to get ready, with a two year old pulling on my dress all the while. And yet I do manage to pull it off thanks to a simple beauty mantra I call “Glamour in no time.”
Here’s how you too can look dash-ing in just minutes…
Classic Makeup (as seen in Nordstrom's fall ad campaign) can be quick!
Make Up Your Routine
The key to looking great in no time is having a go-to makeup routine that you can turn to in a pinch. When time is of the essence, experimenting with your makeup is not an option.
I have several go-to looks that I call upon when I need to get ready fast, and I’ve frequently garnered rave reviews for my ability to go from freshly showered to hair, makeup, and outfit in place in 15 minutes or less.
I always start with a quick and easy application of tinted moisturizer which protects, treats and hydrates my complexion while covering minor skin imperfections. I’m currently using a custom cocktail of Olay’s Total Effects Daily UV Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation mixed with Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear (both were recently featured in our “Best Tinted Moisturizers” story here).
Then, a quick slick of red lipstick and lip liner (done correctly, there’s just something about red lips that screams “polished”) and a swipe of Julie Hewitt’s Shimmy on Lids ($22 at juliehewett.net) and I’m good to go.
Finally, I coax my long curly hair into a chic un-done chignon or high ponytail. All the better to show off the precious minutes I just invested in looking pretty.
Runway Inspiration for a Real Life Fall "Uniform"
Dress the Part
Women, especially others Moms, have complimented my style and shared that they feel they don’t have the time to look great. And while I appreciate the kudos, I always throw some tough love their way by saying, “Don’t make excuses, you do have the time!”
I firmly believe that it takes less time to slip into a dress and heels or skinny jeans, a long, classic cardigan (thank you, Tory Burch, for adding sparkle to this one) and boots as it does to work your way into sweats, sneakers and a T-shirt. The secret is to hang several outfits that are ready to wear in your closet. Think of it as the busy woman’s version of Prêt-à-Porter.
This time of year, my uniform is typically a simple black dress paired with boots and some generously sized costume jewelry. And I hoard purses, from metallic messenger bags to vividly hued clutches that lend color to any look. After all, you may have just minutes to get dressed, but the impression made by taking pride in how you look is oh-so-long lasting.
What do you think? Is looking pretty a task you avoid or embrace?
