The lazy girl’s guide to creating a beauty routine

As much as we love beauty, let’s be honest, not everyone has the time or patience to stand in front of a mirror for an hour getting ready to go out. This doesn’t mean that you need to skip out on primping all together; it just means that you should opt for a simpler beauty routine that will have you beautified and ready to go in no time.

Skin care:
While there are ways to cut down your skin care routine, it is still important that your skin gets a thorough cleanse. We suggest a simple 3-step program consisting of a cleanser, toner & moisturiser. Using a facial scrub once a week will help to remove dead skin cells and if your skin requires it, you could add an eye cream to your routine too.

Tip: When exercising you are inevitably going to sweat (if not, what’s your secret?). Keep a pack of cleansing wipes in your bag to gently cleanse your skin after your workout.

We love: The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes, R70

Hair:
We all have days when we wake up and our hair doesn’t look it’s best. While you may debate whether or not your colleagues will notice a bit of greasiness – believe us, they will! Lucky, dry shampoo can solve this problem. A few spritzes will not only conceal greasiness, but it will also help you style your hair into that intricate plait you’ve been dying to try out!

We love: Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo, R90

Make-up:
With the right products, it is easy to create a clean and fresh make-up look in very little time. Rather than using a full coverage foundation that requires precise blending, opt for a lightweight BB cream that will not only give you a fresh complexion, but is also easy to blend with your fingers. If you find that a BB Cream doesn’t cover blemishes or dark circles, apply a light concealer to any problem areas.

To add a touch of colour to your look we suggest applying a light wash of blusher and lip colour. Keep your routine simple by using a lip and cheek tint. Not only is it convenient as you only have to worry about one product, but the colour can be built up from a sheer wash to a bold lip for a night out.

To brighten your eyes, apply a few lashings of volumising mascara. There is no need to apply eye shadow if you don’t want to, as the mascara will open your eyes and give you a fresh appearance. Don’t forget about your brows – if they’re neat and groomed, you’ll find you need less eye make-up.

We love: Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream, R160 | Woolworths Lip & Cheek Tint, R49.95 | Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil, R74.95 | Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara, R220.

Tools:
While cosmetics brushes of any kind hold a certain allure that no woman can ignore, it doesn’t mean that you need to use a multitude of hairbrushes and make-up brushes to get ready. Freshly washed hair? Save styling time by using a brush suitable for wet hair that you can use to style your hair with as well.

If you are pressed for time when doing your make-up, keep things simple and rather than using several different brushes, use your fingers to apply your foundation, concealer, cream blusher and even a swipe of eye shadow!

We love: Tangle Teezer, R200

Other articles you may be interested in:
Multi-tasking beauty products for busy moms
What’s the deal with permanent make-up?
How to: get the perfect eyebrow from start to finish
How to: Clean your make-up brushes
How to: Do your own pedi