1. Pair Down
Let’s face it. We love makeup! All the colors, “new and improved” products for application, and the way it can transform us from unapologetically us to fierce and sexy. The problem is we really only use a fraction of what’s in our makeup drawer. I’ve been guilty of the sale or the really cool eyeshadow shade that I would really love to have the courage to wear, but instead, look at it longingly as I reach across to old faithful neutral. As much as I would like to be that firecracker, it’s just not me. It’s time to let those go and only hold on to those items that you know you will use. Having only the necessities at your fingertips that are well organized, will offer quick retrieval and storage and will eliminate distraction. Also, makeup doesn’t last forever. If it’s been in your arsenal for more than two years, foundation, primer, blush, and eyeshadow need to be thrown out. Lipstick is good for a year after opened, and mascara and liquid eyeliner needs to be replaced every three months.
2. Travel Lite
You can save some time by skipping unnecessary steps and drama on occasions not warranted. Contouring, false eyelashes, fancy brows and wing tipped eyeliner, although fun, should be kept for special occasions such as girls night out or a date with your mate. Trips to Target and your kid’s baseball games don’t call for that amount of detail and fuss. Save the extra steps for when you have extra time.
3. Make it Last
I’ve said this before and I think it’s worth repeating. Fix your hair ahead of time. I have naturally wavy and thick hair. It takes a good thirty plus minutes to thoroughly blow dry my hair which is why I stopped doing it five or more years ago. I wash my hair and let it dry naturally. That’s half the work done right there. Plus, all that heat used often on your hair will damage it. I then either flat-iron it or wear it natural depending on my mood or how well kempt it looks. If I choose to flat-iron my hair, I will usually do it that evening so I will only need to touch it up later. As long as I’m not getting sweaty or dirty from working in dust or dirt, my fixed hair can last two to three days with touch-ups and dry shampoo. This saves loads of time!
4. Dress in a Flash
Organization in your closet is so important! Spending more than five minutes in there is such a waste of valuable time. If you haven’t yet, downsize as much as possible. Having way too many articles of clothing is a time sucker. Wading through everything to find that one shirt you really want to wear, or sifting through multiple sizes of jeans or skirts takes precious energy. Then, group like items together and order them by season, type and color. I promise you it will make a world of difference when getting ready. Also, you should invest in some drawer organizers so you can see exactly what you have in an instant. Overstuffed drawers that you have to dump out to find anything will keep you running late. If it’s not a spur-of-the-moment outing, having an idea of what you will wear allows you to dress in a flash.
Wasting time is robbing oneself.
