If your mornings are unpredictable, chances are your beauty routine is too. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look beautiful in next to no time at all. Follow this guide to look pulled together in as little as a minute. (And keep in mind that each level is cumulative: if you want to spend 30 minutes on a particular area, don’t forget to factor in the elements listed in the one-minute and five-minute sections, as well as the suggestions included under thirty minutes.)
If You Want to Spend One Minute...
...on Your Face
Pond’s® Original All-Day Clean Cleansing Towelettes which remove dirt and makeup , are superquick and nix the need for a washcloth. And if you use a cloth that contains moisturizers, you can cut your morning skin-care routine to one step.
...on Your Makeup
Mascara, mascara, mascara! If you have time for only one thing, this little tube is it. Choose a formula that curls and lengthens and you can skip the clunky curler.
...on Your Body
Wash with a mild bar or body wash, such as Dove VisibleCare™ Softening Crème Body Wash with NutriumMoisture ™. For gentle exfoliation, use a pouf to apply Caress® Evenly Gorgeous® Exfoliating Body Wash and Beauty Bar. And if your shower is outfitted with stick-on slippage stoppers, rub your feet against them while showering. The sandpaper-like texture will get rid of rough, callused skin.
...on Your Hair
If your style has gone flat overnight, freshen up your look with a styling product like Suave® Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream, which smoothes and revives hair, without leaving it gunky, the way second-day hair spray can.
If You Want to Spend Five Minutes...
...on Your Face
After cleansing, apply a hydrating face mask; leave it on for three minutes, then rinse off. Next, apply moisturizer. Look for a formula that replenishes the nutrients naturally found in your skin, such as vitamins A and E.
...on Your Makeup
Apply a gel-based blush (which is a better moisturizer than a powder-based blush), blend it in with your fingertips, then top with a powder bronzer. The combination creates a natural-looking, healthy flush. Add color (and softness) to your lips with an emollient lip balm in a berry or burgundy hue.
...on Your Body
Hair-removal time. Replace your double-blade razor with a triple-blade razor—it will cut down on nicks and, because it moves more smoothly over your legs, time spent shaving. And don’t forget your underarms. If you’re prone to razor burn, coarse winter fabrics, like wool, will only inflame the problem. Apply a deodorant that contains moisturizing and softening ingredients, like Dove® Invisible Solid for Sensitive Skin.
...on Your Hair
When using a conditioner, don’t worry about those “leave on for one minute” directions. Winter air or summer sun can suck the moisture right out of your hair, so letting conditioner soak in while you are, say, shaving your legs can be a good thing.
If You Want to Spend 30 Minutes...
...on Your Face
Chill a water-filled plastic eye mask in the fridge for five minutes (you can find them at most drugstores). Before washing your face, put the mask over your eyes and rest for 20 minutes. The cool temperature will help reduce puffiness below your eyes, wake up your face and invigorate your senses.
...on Your Makeup
Pull out the tweezers and get ready to pluck: A nicely groomed set of brows polishes your look more than you know. In natural light, follow your natural shape, getting rid of stray hairs and removing any extra layer of hairs under your arches. Set the shape with brow gel or hand cream. Then sweep your eyelids with a powder shadow from lash line to crease.
...on Your Body
While treating yourself to a full manicure—base coat, two coats of polish and top coat—place your feet next to a heater or radiator. When your nails are done, slather on foot cream, slip into a pair of cotton socks and let the warmth and hydration soften and soothe your soles.
...on Your Hair
Blow-drying doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your hair—if you first use a creamy hair mask or deep-conditioning treatment. When applying, focus on the middle and ends of your hair and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
For an Extra Pampering Treatment...
...for Your Face
Smooth on a facial mask. Then place tea-soaked cotton over your eyelids and relax for five minutes. Remove the mask with a warm, damp cloth, and pat your face dry with a towel.
...with Your Makeup
Let yourself shine — at least when it comes to your looks. Makeup for the body and shimmer sprays give your shoulders, décolletage and legs a touch of glamour. Note: We’re not talking big chunks of glitter here, but a subtle, sexy glimmer.
...for Your Body
Light a candle, run the tub and take a milk bath. Milk contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and soothes dry, itchy skin. Just mix one or two capfuls of a milk-bath liquid or powder with bathwater. The scent: divine!
...for Your Hair
Before you shampoo and condition, give yourself a head massage with essential oils found at any health-food store. Looking to relax? Try jasmine or ylang-ylang. For energy, opt for mint or citrus. Massage for a few minutes, then shampoo.