Shortcut Style Secrets: Looking Fabulous in a Jiffy

For some, there’s never enough time to get ready and look great. For the rest of us — including myself — putting in the extra amount of effort and time to look great is just not on the agenda. Yeah, go ahead. Call me lazy.

So, what’s a girl to do in these situations? The clock’s ticking and if you’re not out that door in 15 minutes or less, you’re going to be late. Scratch that. You’re already late. But that’s no excuse to show up looking like you are late and ran out of time. Enter these shortcut style secrets.

1. The Shortcut Beauty Trifecta +1. OK, ladies, I’ve mentioned these before and I’ll do it over again. Even if your time-managing skills are unparalleled  and you invest more than 30 minutes to look impeccable, you should still have these as backup (you just  never know).

• Tinted Moisturizer – Hydrate and even out skin tone all at once! And if you use one with SPF, you’ll also be battling sun damage while you’re at it.
• Curling Mascara – The name says it all. No gadgety eyelash curler here, just a couple of swipes of this stuff and you’re ready to bat your lashes away!
• Blush or Bronzer – Add instant life and color to a washed out complexion with a few brush strokes of blush or bronzer. Stick to shades that are close to your natural flushed skin tone.
• Bonus: Dry Shampoo – Give your locks a refreshing boost sans the shower and hair-drying time with the spray of a button.

2. Go Bold or Go Home. For the next style shortcut, go for the “WOW” factor. Make a statement with a bold print or some sassy shoes (slip-ons save extra time!). Liven up a neutral outfit with a stand-out handbag and some statement jewelry (think big cocktail ring, chunky necklace, stacked bangles or big earrings). Next, amp up your pretty face with a bold lip color. Tip: Even if you don’t put on any other makeup, still rock a bright lipstick. Cover up the rest with some larger-than-life shades. No one will ever know…

3. Put Your Hair Styling Tools on Hiatus. Let’s be realistic. Flat ironing and curling just aren’t going to happen at this point. In fact, you probably don’t have enough time to fiddle with a fancy braided updo. You can, however, put on a stylish hat (you can never go wrong with a fedora) or keep things under wrap with a head scarf. Have a minute to spare? Throw your hair up into a quick top knot or low chignon (remember, you only have a minute so don’t get fussy with it) and then glam up your look with some disc or chandelier earrings. Works like a charm every time.

Now, go and be fabulous, friends. But don’t let anyone know you took the shortcut!