Think Fast: Get Ready in 10 Minutes or Less
Scenario: It's 8:30am. You sit straight up in bed, covered in a cold sweat as your eyes dart straight to your buzzing alarm clock. Shoot! You've overslept and needed to leave, like, 10 minutes ago! So how does one get ready (and actually look good) when you're down to the eleventh hour?
It's easy! You just need to be prepared and I have just the plan for you:
- Cushion your time with the right clothes. Have two emergency outfits ready at all times based on the season. This means, go home tonight and coordinate two failsafe ensembles. Try them on, make sure you like how they look and keep them in mind when you're in a pinch. If all else fails, go all black and wear a fun pair of shoes along with one quirky accessory.
- Use your stash of double duty beauty products. All of the multitasking beauty products are truly a modern marvel. Who knew a cream stick blush could double for lipstick and provide SPF protection? To get fresh on the fly, wash your face with cold water to revive your complexion. If you are able, use redness relief eye drops to wake up your tired eyes. Next, apply your favorite tinted moisturizer with SPF in it. Then use a cheek stain on the apples of your cheeks as well as your lips to add a healthy flush. Finally, take 10 seconds to curl your lashes and swipe on 2 coats of volumizing mascara. Trust me, curled lashes is the best way to make yourself look awake–it really opens up the eyes. As for lip color, you can apply lipstick or gloss en route to your destination...
- Know your knots. Unless you are one of the lucky few that wake up with perfect hair, I suggest knowing your topknots, ponys and buns.Note: If your hair is particularly greasy, be sure to have some dry shampoo around to absorb excess oil.
- Eat on the go. I'm not a big fan of eating on the run, but it's important to be well nourished so you can start the day on the right foot. When you're in a time crunch, snag a banana or granola bar on your way out the door.
- Arrive with grace. It's important to keep things in perspective and not get too caught up in your mistakes. This is something that applies to all aspects of life. Mistakes happen and sometimes there is nothing we can do aside from letting it go. The world is not going to end and tomorrow is already waiting for you. If you're late for a meeting or something very important, be sure to acknowledge your tardiness and apologize for the offense. Usually, it's a good idea to let those who are expecting you know that you are running late. It's the courteous thing to do. More often than not, people will understand. We've all been there. Needless to say, by remaining calm and collected you will be able to turn your frazzled day around instead of riding the crazy train straight into a full-blown bad day.
I hope you find these tips helpful!
Share a photo of your favorite "emergency outfit" by uploading it to your LaurenConrad.com profile page. I'll feature my favorite submissions in a Member Spotlight post! Click here to learn how to upload and submit photos.
Do you have any time saving tricks?
XO Lauren
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Photo: David Burton Studio
51 comments
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Two things, mainly:
1. Keep calm and carry on. If you woke up a little late, but still managed to get somewhere on time, forget all the pressure you went through and just try to be *here and now*. Try to calm yourself, in order to not have an unnecessary rush-y day.
2. Red lipstick! I just can't stress this enough, haha! Try Lauren's guide to the perfect shade of red for your skintone and USE IT! Red lipstick is makeup on-the-go, and it sure is a timesaver. You will look lots more polished and put-together just by wearing it. It's magic!! -
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Love this... I am so not a morning person, so this is me almost everyday. This is probably a stupid question, but does anyone have tips on cheek/lip stains? Best brand? How to best apply it? Thx!
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If u want a quick cat eye or maybe arent quite sure on how to do it ? Take the the tape that is on top of your desk and use it as a guide on how to make the wing tip. You are gonna take a small piece depending on how long you want the line, and you are going to place the tape on the outside corner of you're eye. This of courese is for the girls like me who have shaky hands.
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It never takes me more than 10 minutes to get ready. I do my hair before I go to bed and touch up in the morning. It also doesn't take me 20 minutes to get dressed or to do my makeup. I don't understand why it takes other girls forever to get ready...
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I love this post, SO HELPFUL! But, I have shorter hair (a long bob above the shoulder) what are some ways I can do my hair when i'm in a rush? I have used clips for a half up half down quick fix but it's getting old and i'd love something a litle more chic! Any ideas?
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http://www.laurenconrad.com/photo/view/42654/2927/12772/1
that's my emergency work outfit: a kiwi colored shirt, light yellow blouse and a brown jacket. The fun colors make me feel more at ease, and the whole ensemble looks profesional without being too formal... Just what I need when I don't start the day correctly. This will help me looking calm until the end of the day
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"Needless to say, by remaining calm and collected you will be able to turn your frazzled day around instead of riding the crazy train straight into a full-blown bad day." WONDERFUL ADVICE! & well put.
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Waking up late is the story of my life! I can get quick fast, exampl woke up Wed 8:35 am have to be at work at 9am, was in the office by 8:50am! (i live onsite but still thats fast!!) I like the idea of having a couple ready to wear outfits!
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When I don't have time to wash my face, I swipe on toner and/or use Boscia oil blotting sheets. Sephora has them and they're also great for regular oil blotting moments. I also carry travel hair/makeup items in my purse (mini comb, hair pins, eyeliner pencil etc.), so if I really need to, I can get dressed, go out, and do hair and makeup there. Love the emergency outfits idea!
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wow !!! i 've always felt that u'r a beauty genius and here you are confirming it again by these great tips ;) xoxo Marwa
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When my iPhone email notified me about this post earlier, I was already 1 hour late to work and I still took the time to read it!
Thanks Lauren! These are really wonderful tips that I'll definitely apply to my morning rush to work!
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http://www.laurenconrad.com/photo/view/33332/2143/10087/1
This is my emergency outfit - it is SO easy. A) It has a high neck so I don't have to worry about accessorizing with necklaces B) I can add a really plain pair of shoes since it has such an in your face pattern C) In the summer a pair of earrings and a watch would be easy accessories to use OR when it is winter I can just throw over a blazer or sweater to add some warmth and voila, easiest emergency outfit I have!
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I was wondering where the link to the instructions for the buns were. I was trying to explain the "Knot Your Typical Pony" style to a friend and wanted to show her since she has long hair and it would work on her. Does anyone know where I can find the pictures and instructions for the fun/ballarina bun and the knot pony?
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Dry Shampoo has been my lifesaver in these situations. But I never did keep 2 emergency outfits as standby. Good idea.
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I don't sleep through my alarm, I just forget about the time when I'm doing my make-up =) luckely this outfit always helps me out:
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Well I was in a hurry this morning and wish I would've had time to read this :) Great tips though! I'm sure I'll sleep through my alarm another day as well! :)
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These are good tips especially the last one about arriving with grace. I don't know why, but I love the picture that goes along with this blog post. So cool!
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Such great tips. I always save time by pulling my hair back and throwing on jeans. xo
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I save time by washing my hair every other day or so. It is healthier and it saves time! :)
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This could not have come at a better time! i woke up with ten minutes to get ready and leave for class this morning. although i looked like a small hot mess, next time i will for sure be using these tips
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