I have never been a roll-out-of-bed-and-look-fabulous kind of person. I’ve always needed my morning time. Almost every day, I eat a full breakfast, drink hot coffee, get myself ready, check my email, plan my day, and chat with my husband. Somehow if I don’t do all these things, then the whole day feels off— is anyone else like this or is it just me?
Despite how important it is for me to take my time in the morning to mentally prepare, I’ve also been working on cutting down my getting-ready time. I like being spontaneous, and I hate having to hold up an impromptu gathering or outing by half an hour because I have to “get ready.”
Confession: it used to take me more than half an hour to get fully ready. It’s true that I took my time and didn’t bother to move very quickly, but for the most part I was just obsessing over every detail of my outfit and makeup.
Yup that was me– before I discovered minimalism and realized how much I really wanted to focus on other things.
Anyway, the good thing that resulted from that is that I tried on a lot of beauty products. I still have a dwindling stash of items I’m now slowly using up, but I thought I’d share about my favorites. And how I now get ready in 10 minutes or less.
How To Get Ready in 10 Minutes (or less)
1) I get dressed in 2 minutes with a capsule wardrobe– a sample outfit is pictured above! Grab a top and bottom you already know you’ll love, throw on a few accessories and you’re done– the genius of a capsule. Got questions? Get them answered here, set goals for your capsule wardrobe here, and check out what’s in my wardrobe here. More capsule wardrobe tips here.
2) I do my hair in 3 minutes by brushing it through with some water, or putting it up in this 3-minute messy bun.
3) I finish my makeup in 5 minutes by using products that have a quick payoff. Yes– I can put on moisturizer, foundation, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, brow liner, and lipstick in 5 minutes flat.
How do I do my makeup so fast? Yes, it takes practice, but it’s not hard to learn! The key is to create a routine that works for you, and to achieve consistency with your look everyday. Even if it means switching between eyeshadows and lipsticks to keep things interesting, you can nail down a regular routine that offers structure and efficiency.
Using products that actually work, and work fast, has been so important. Who has time to swipe on mascara for 5 minutes per eye every morning? (Admittedly, I used to.) But to increase efficiency, it’s come down to choosing products that don’t require a lot of tools or time spent perfecting, and I’ve learned how to use them well.
Moisturizer with sun protection: A Perfect World (SPF 25) by Origins. Foundation: Amazonian Clay by Tarte. Blush: Color Stick by Shiseido. Eyeshadow: Peeper Pleaser by Origins (in Copper Penny). Eyeliner: Benefit They’re Real Pushup Liner Mascara: Benefit They’re Real. Lipstick: Extra Rich Lipstick by Cle de Peau (pricey) and also Different Lipstick by Clinique.
I am almost 100% sure that if it’s a goal you have, then you can speed up your getting-ready process. If I could make it happen, then so can you!
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Do you tips on speeding it up? I would love to know!
I always shower in the morning, so getting ready quickly usually take about 20 minutes for me. I started a capsule wardrobe and I no longer spend 30 minutes deciding what to wear (yeah I used to do that almost every morning!) and I stopped wearing makeup. I was fussy over my skin way too much and decided to take a break. That was a year ago and I haven’t had the desire to start wearing it again. I know makeup is hard thing to give-up, but it gave me a much needed boost in confidence to realize not wearing it was not as big a deal as I thought it would be.
Yes that’s true! short hair can be a bit harder to manage if you don’t want to look like a mess 😉 I love how your hair looks though– I didn’t realize it required a bit of effort!
Ahh thank you Shane! Practice practice!! 😉
You look amazing for ten minutes!
Ugh I’m thr worst and going quickly- the main thing that trips me up is my hair. I like to have it curled but it’s so thick that it takes a while to get all the air-dried meh looking pieces haha. When Im feeling lazy or like I dont have enough time I just throw it up in a bun like you do. I feel like it’s a lot easier if you have longer hair because then you can pretend you’re going for a boho messy hair look 🙂
Hahaha I’m sure that’s something a lot of men would appreciate!
Yes, I love changing lip colors throughout the week!
Growing up my father would come into my room, wake me up and say we’re leaving in: 10, 5, 2 minutes. be ready. This unfortunate upbringing taught me how to get ready in a flash. I got the perfect routine down and mastered putting on makeup in the car. It’s something every guy I dated enjoyed about me!
I hear you on this — part of me loves having a longer morning routine because it feels like my relaxing time before the day starts, but I also try to keep it under control. 😉 I wear pretty much the same makeup every day, which streamlines things a lot! Changing up the lip color is the only real “choice.”
Always, Anita
Oh, I was definitely the same. I can’t believe how long I’d take to get ready in high school. I spent at least a half hour just curling my hair! It’s good to be an adult and not care 🙂
Yes, I feel you. If I had higher-maintenance hair then 10 minutes would definitely not suffice!
Oh good yes, I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one that seriously needs a routine in the morning. It’s super unfortunate that our espresso machine is out-of-order at the moment, so I haven’t had a proper cappuccino in a week or two. #imayhaveaproblem
Regarding your outfits– you are ALWAYS so stylish, and not in the boring conventional way! I love your pieces and how eclectic your outfits are. 🙂 As far as Amazonian clay, I really really like it. It is not heavy at all, and you only need a little bit. The only thing is that it can be a bit drying on skin that’s already dry, so I make sure that my skin is well-moisturized before putting it on. But it is definitely a good match for me! The colors they have work really well for my skin tone!
Oh right!! I totally read your blog, I just didn’t make the connection… whoops, sorry! And yes, both the parents and kids I work with actually give me a strange look when I’m too put-together. 😉
No, I’m actually working as an au pair in Germany! 🙂 It’s been so great! And I know what you mean! When I actually wear make up and put on some decent clothes the kids are like “what is going on?!” Haha!
Thank you! Yes, it can take some time to build a streamlined routine, but it is totally possible!!
I know, right! I think my husband appreciates it too. and yes, taking care of your skin on a regular basis keeps the makeup much simpler and easier to do!
Hahah yes it’s definitely helpful to have a smaller wardrobe– I just grab stuff and usually it looks good enough. Speaking of which, as far as my appearance goes, I used to be a total perfectionist. Totally vain. And now I’m more sort of in the “good enough is good enough” category on most days– no need to look like a diva for my students! 😉
Oh trust me– the capsule is key!! Let me know if you have any questions about it! 🙂
You’re so right. Routine is key. Figuring out how to get out fast with my hair is the biggest prob for me (it’s crazy curly)
It is not just you woman — morning routine is absolutely essential! My whole day feels off if I sleep in to an unusual time, or have to run out the door without breakfast and coffee at home. I wish I was more flexible — but what can I say — we’re creatures of habit!
Confession: it also took me over half an hour to get ready every single day, so I can totally relate. As I gained confidence in myself I began to value a little extra sleep and a little more time for said coffee/breakfast in the mornings instead of dedicating 45 minutes or so to getting ready. But I also kind of let myself go in the process. The makeup routine is really genius. And I sort of developed a capsule wardrobe for myself only I have to confess I totally cheat on it — because every day I’m in the field I’m going to a different house or set of houses, I just wear the same uniform: a green blouse, jeans, boots, blazer. On my days at home or off I left myself play around more with different styles. I am loving following you on the capsule wardrobe that being said and have been thinking about the rules for it as I clean out my closet and browse for new clothes! This blog is just bursting with so many great ideas — it’s really inspiring me a lot while I have less time to blog myself!
PS: OMG Amazonian clay!!! I was shopping for foundation and ALMOST bought that but the salesperson talked me into Lancome instead. How do you like it??? Is it really heavy?? Let’s talk more!!!!
XO
You look fabulous! I’m super quick with my makeup (I’ve never really been into makeup that much and don’t know how to put it on really, so that make it quick ;), but I never look this pulled together in only 10 minutes. I really need to take your advice!!
I wish short, easy to do suited me. I tried it right before Penny was born and hated it. Not being able to put your hair up is an awful thing. Especially when you are in labor. (; I’m happy with the length, but my texture is crazy, which is why it takes so long to do.
One thing my boyfriend loves is that I can get ready in 10 minutes! It’s so much handier than having to take a half our (or more)! I think the key thing for me is to have my outfit planned the night before. Even with a capsule wardrobe I tend to hum and haw over what to wear!! I also always make time for my skincare routine in the morning. It means my skin is happier and might not need as much makeup!!
Chrissy x
http://www.chrissylilly.com
10 minutes? Nice! It sometimes takes me forever – though I’ll be able to cut down a huge amount of time once I figure out this capsule wardrobe thing. I’ve been haphazardly going through my clothes on and off for weeks, since I have all the stuff I lived in during my years abroad plus the things from college that I left behind and have since reclaimed. I’m still not a roll out of bed and go person though – like you, I NEED that time in the morning for tea, breakfast, random computer things, and getting my mind in order or I feel like my day is a mess and I’m never quite on track.
Oh gosh, you are too sweet! xx
I can’t just roll out of bed and go to work. I am trying to plan my outfits more but that really hasn’t helped. I want to work on establishing a capsule wardrobe.
That sounds like a GREAT routine, Chelsie!! A good concealer can work wonders, especially if you already have good skin!
Haha I’ve had those days when my whole routine falls apart because I’m still half asleep. It’s bad… haha.
Oooh yes! I have eye shadows that are similar to the Color Tattoos, and they’re amazing. And I totally trust you– I can’t imagine how busy moms are! I’m going to be such a mess when I become a mom!
Yes, love that mascara!! and I hope that a capsule wardrobe helps you out– it’s definitely helped me feel better about getting dressed in the mornings. Let me know if you have any questions about it!
Ah thanks Christina!! And yes, I can totally understand the hair thing– if my hair were more high-maintenance than it would definitely take more time to get ready in the morning!
Thanks girl!! I’m so glad to hear you do this too! It sounds like we’ve been through the same process of streamlining everything so we can get ready faster and still look good! Your outfits on your blog are so on point!!
That’s awesome that you au pair!! Do you work in the US? I’ve always been interested in people who find au pair jobs in Europe or something!! And yes, I work with kids too, and so there’s no need to look glamorous. In fact, being a bit more laid back and casual seems to help them relax a little!
Oh exactly– I need the same thing; I need to look presentable and not exhausted or messy, but not perfect! And I totally hear you on the hair situation– my hair is pretty low-maintenance, and it won’t look fabulous if I don’t work on it, but it doesn’t look terrible either. Something I’m learning to live with 😉 I don’t want my students to think that their tutor is a total diva! haha
Thanks Sara!! Glad this was helpful, and yes I spent tons of time in high school getting ready– and college too!
Yes, I do have pretty low-maintenance hair, or at least I’m okay with just putting it up in a bun or pony tail when it’s not looking great. Having more hair– and curly hair– would be a totally different story! Still I hope these tips help you! 🙂
It usually takes me at least an hour to get ready in the morning! I am NOT a morning person, so everything just takes forever. I can’t seem to skip washing my hair, haha! Luckily, I don’t have to do hair and makeup every day!
Recently I have been really quick with my makeup too because I am no longer trying to blend eyeshadows. Maybelline Color Tattoos are life savers. LOL! Take it from me, Daisy…as a mother of a 11 months old, any tips that can cut down time for me to look human is more than welcome so thank you for this post, you have no idea how much I appreciate it. xx
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I’m super quick with my make-up (I use that Benefit mascara too – it’s the best) and usually getting dressed, but my hair is so thin that I usually have to wash it if I’m going anywhere important. So unfortunate. Definitely going to check out all your tips on the capsule wardrobe though! I hate buying new clothes, and I need to consolidate.
Except for the hair part, I’m able to be ready to go (minus eating breakfast on workdays) in under 10 minutes. Unfortunately my hair is in this crazy curly stage that either cooperates or I have to take a flat iron to it. But I’ve gotten that down to under 5 minutes on some mornings!
PS … love that cardigan!
Love these tips! I used to take forever to get ready too. Just like you, I wouldn’t really hurry about it and I’d spend way to long making such my makeup, hair and outfit were perfect. These days though, I love getting ready in 10 minutes and do it every day. I couldn’t agree more with your makeup routine – finding a routine that works, is efficient and makes you feel pretty is the priority, and then you can add different shadows and lipsticks day to day if you so choose. Also, having a curated wardrobe helps – I used to have soooo many clothes but still could never find anything to wear. Now I have culled my wardrobe to maybe a third of the size it used to be and I feel like I have so many more choices each day – it’s strange, but it’s true! Great post Daisy! xx
I would love to cut down on my getting ready time in the mornings! Usually if I know I want to sleep in or won’t have much time I shower before bed and sleep with my wet hair in a ponytail. That way all I have to do is straighten my bangs in the morning (I have difficult wavy/curly hair, haha). Luckily right now, working as an au pair I just roll out of bed, brush my teeth, throw some yoga pants and a sweater on and I’m ready to head downstairs to “work” 😛 Not worrying about makeup saves a lot of time!
It feels like it takes me forever to get ready, and I’d love to spend that time doing other things! I’ve experimented a little with my morning routine and mindsets that were under my habits (I need to look presentable and professional at work, but perfect? Who am I trying to impress?), and I’ve definitely whittled it back from close to 90 minutes to about 45. I can get ready in less time (~20 minutes) if I don’t wash my hair and opt for the messy bun look. I totally agree with your makeup tips — using familiar, quality products really helps to establish a quick routine. My hair is totally lifeless if I don’t wash and blow dry it in the mornings, but I’m willing to let it look a little lifeless sometimes. 🙂
When I have time and want to look extra put together for whatever is happening that day, I will take upwards to an hour to get ready. But, I have also mastered a 20 minute routine for days when I have things to accomplish! I do that by laying out my outfit the night before and showering the night before. In the morning, I run a straightener through my hair, skip the foundation and just touch up with concealer, eyeshadow and mascara. It works for me and gets me out of the door while still looking decent without taking a ton of time!
This is so great! I used to spend ages getting ready in the mornings (ah, high school), but now I have neither the time nor the patience. I have also found that a capsule wardrobe seriously reduces my getting-ready time! Thanks for the other tips!
I’ll admit it takes me a long time to get ready, and speeding up my morning activities has been in the works. I think the biggest issue is my hair. I have too much of it to wash in the morning. It would take me over and hour to blow dry it and after styling would be a downfall. So I shower at night, which does cut down on time, but the over all styling process is about a half hour itself. In the dead of Summer it’s easier. The humidity helps my curls and the heat dries my hair really fast, so morning showering is welcome.
I find that when I’m in a rush for time, BB cream works in place of foundation. Easier to apply, plus it sets and dries much like a lotion. So all the blending time is cut back. Thank you for the tips Daisy! (:
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That’s so impressive!! I have been trying to get used to wearing less makeup lately, but it feels weird! I work late, so I feel myself tending to look and feel tired when I don’t have any makeup on. That’s just me though! And it’s great that your hair is easy to work with once you shower– love your haircut.
Thank you friend!! Yes, BB cream is really awesome– and lip balm is such a quick and easy thing to wear. And I totally understand why you might wanna get ready faster with a baby!!
I take showers in the morning because my curls don’t look as spunky as I prefer them after they’ve been slept on. 😛 So it’ll never take me only 10 minutes to get ready after I wake up, because a shower probably takes almost 10 minutes by itself, but I lay out clothes the night before, I don’t wear makeup, and after being washed, my curls are run-a-pick-through and go. I’m definitely not one to put a lot of time into getting ‘pretty’–maybe for a really special occasion, but I didn’t bring any makeup with me when we moved to China, other than a tube of eyeliner and a tube of lipgloss, so glamor isn’t even an option at the moment, haha!
You look lovely! I’m amazed you can put on so much makeup so quickly, haha! For work I do foundation, blush and mascara and I usually skip lipstick and just wear lip balm. I can’t do any eye makeup it takes me forever. I dramatically cut down my getting ready time when I discovered BB cream – just throw that on and go most days now. You really need to spend as little time as possible getting ready when you have a baby to entertain 😉
Away From The Blue