6 Beauty Shortcuts for Busy Days

There are days when spending 45 minutes getting ready sounds perfectly reasonable. Then there are the days when even ten minutes feels like far too much effort.

Whether you’re short on time, low on energy or simply can’t be bothered with a long beauty routine, sometimes you just want a few things that help you feel a little more put-together without taking forever.

The good news is there are plenty of shortcuts that can make getting ready quicker and easier. Here are six worth trying.

Tinted Moisturiser Does the Job of Several Products

Foundation, concealer and setting powder all have their place, but sometimes you just want something quick and easy. A good tinted moisturiser can give you a little coverage and hydration without needing several different products.

The trick is to find one that matches your skin well enough that you don’t need to spend ages blending it. Apply it like a regular moisturiser, pat it in with your fingers and move on.

Some tinted moisturisers also contain SPF, although it’s worth remembering that you may not apply enough tinted moisturiser to get the advertised level of sun protection, so it shouldn’t necessarily replace your usual sunscreen.

A Bold Lip Can Pull Everything Together

A swipe of colour on your lips can make a simple look feel a little more intentional, without needing to do much else.

If you don’t want to keep reapplying it throughout the day, a long-wear lipstick or lip stain can be a handy option. Find a colour you love, pop it in your bag and you’ve got something you can reach for whenever you fancy feeling a bit more put-together.

Even if you skip everything else, adding a bit of colour takes seconds.

Dry Shampoo as a Styling Product

Most people reach for dry shampoo when their hair looks greasy, but it can also be useful as a styling product on freshly washed hair. Spraying a little at the roots can add some volume and texture without needing to get out the hairdryer or another styling product.

It can be particularly handy if you’re tying your hair back, as a little extra texture can stop a ponytail from looking quite so flat. It can also give hair a bit more grip when you’re using hair grips or putting it into an updo.

Professional Teeth Whitening as a Longer-Term Option

Some beauty shortcuts are about saving a few minutes in the morning, while others are things you might choose to have done professionally rather than adding another step to your routine.

Professional teeth whitening is one option for people who would like to brighten their smile without using whitening products at home over a longer period.

Private clinics such as Harley Teeth Whitening offer professional whitening treatments carried out by dental professionals. Treatment times, suitability and results can vary from person to person, so it’s important to discuss what you can realistically expect before going ahead.

It certainly isn’t an essential part of looking or feeling good, but if teeth whitening is something you’ve already been considering, having it done professionally may appeal more than remembering another product every day.

Overnight Face Masks Work While You Sleep

If you don’t fancy a lengthy skincare routine at night, an overnight face mask can be an easy extra step. You apply it before bed, leave it on overnight and wash or cleanse your face as usual in the morning, depending on the particular product.

There are all sorts available depending on what your skin needs, from hydrating masks to products designed for skin that looks a little dull.

It’s not quite the same as waking up after a full facial, sadly, but it can be a nice way to give your skin some extra attention without having to sit around waiting for a face mask to do its thing.

One Pair of Earrings That Goes with Everything

This one sounds almost too simple, but having a pair of earrings you can reach for without thinking can make getting ready that little bit easier.

Gold hoops, silver hoops, simple studs or something completely different; the important thing is choosing something you genuinely like and that works with most of your wardrobe.

There’s no standing in front of your jewellery collection trying to decide what matches your outfit. Put them on and you’re done.

The Shortcuts That Actually Stick

The best beauty shortcuts aren’t necessarily the ones you see online and immediately rush out to try. They’re the ones that fit into your life as it actually is.

Maybe that’s a tinted moisturiser you can apply quickly, a lip colour you don’t need to keep checking or a skincare product that gets to work while you’re asleep.

You don’t need a 20-step routine to feel good about how you look. Sometimes a few simple things that genuinely work for you are more than enough.

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