Mornings used to be a disaster for me. It seemed as though every time I turned around the clock had surged into fast-forward mode and I was left with little to no time to get my make-up on and get out the door. I finally grew sick of the anxiety this was causing me and devised a routine that has made my mornings more enjoyable and efficient. First trick - get to bed at a decent hour! I know, it can be more than difficult to achieve this, but part of looking good is getting that beauty sleep. Secondly, wake up on-time. If you hit the snooze button 3 or 4 times (like we all love to do) you’re causing your own problems in the morning. So, after you wake up, immediately get a fresh glass of water and down it (with your vitamins!). Prepare your breakfast - I love instant oatmeal or make some scrambled eggs the night before for the next few days and you’ll have breakfast ready. Add some toast with almond butter and your favorite cup of joe (or juice) and you’re set in the nutrition department.

Once you’ve wrapped up breakfast, head toward the shower and crank that faucet on. I do this first because my shower needs about 3 minutes to warm up. During this 3 minute gap, I pick out my clothes and accessories. Sure, you can set your clothes out the night before too, but, my animals tend to find them and get hair all over the place! As for the clothes, I always shop for basics, especially for work. Go with solid colors and throw in a cute little scarf with an exciting print and a pop of color to brighten your look. TJ Maxx has great scarves for $5 to $12 in their accessory section - a must-have in any woman’s closet! I saw a fabulous pair of black pumps from Franco Sarto that were absolutely comfortable, stylish and classic - also a must-have for your wardrobe.

Now that it’s shower time, I start by getting some shampoo in my hair and then continue by washing my face (Avalon Organics Vitamin C), rinse the shampoo and facial cleanser off and start with the soap. I like to use those glove washcloths that allow you to exfoliate at the same time. After I’ve soaped up my skin, I’ll apply some conditioner to my hair and shave my legs. By using the exfoliating glove, you can help your skin prep for shaving which will give you a smoother shave. When the shaving is complete, it’s time to rinse my hair, scrub my body down one more time with the glove and hop on out. Patting your body dry is much easier on your skin than rubbing and pulling - fewer wrinkles! Then apply a good lotion to your body. I love Eucerin’s Calming Cream - fewer bumps and no irritation to my sensitive skin. I’ve been told to wait about 15 minutes to apply deodorant to avoid breakouts and redness, so in the meantime, it’s time to start applying your makeup and getting your hair done.

For most women, hair and make-up are the two things that take the most time when getting ready. Here are two tips that saved me: foundation primer and less is more. If you put product in your hair, now is the time to apply that, let it absorb in your hair while you start applying your makeup. This is where the foundation primer comes into play. I like these products because my foundation goes on smoother and lasts throughout the day, so there is no need to reapply. Once the primer is on, dust or sponge your concealer and foundation onto your face. Two products that I love here are Stila’s Illuminating Concealer and Bare Escentuals foundation - they play well together! Then, apply your blush and a shimmery highlight at the cheekbones to give your face that just off the beach glow. Remember to only use a little of all this stuff…less is more. Next you’ll want to apply an eyeshadow primer. Why? Because this will keep your shadow on all day and your eyes will look fresh throughout the workday. Pick a nude and natural brown shadow; the nude color should go all over your eyelid and the brown along the crease. If you want to highlight your brow bone, do so with a soft shimmery nude color ( a dab on the inside corners of your eyes looks fabulous too) along the brow bone. Don’t apply too much shimmer, otherwise your face will look like a sparkly disco ball and that would not be good! If you use eyeliner, I suggest a deep bronze along the lash line and sweep some mascara on the top lashes. Finish off with a natural gloss and voila! You’re all set. This routine should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. I tend to think that the makeup you wear to work should be natural and fresh, with this simple look above you can dress it up at the end of the day with a darker eye shadow, mascara on the top and bottom lashes and a punch of color on your lips.

As for your hair, now that the product has had time to set, grab your blow dryer and style accordingly. My hair is cut to bob, so I don’t have to worry about needing 30 minutes to dry “Rapunzel-esque” locks. If you do have longer hair, you might consider washing and drying your hair the night before so all you have to do is style it in the morning. If you use rollers for your hair, put those in while your applying your makeup. Since your clothes are picked out, throw those on and don’t forget to apply deodorant now. Saves you from getting one of those pesky deodorant streaks on your work clothes!

Look for those little gaps of time in your routine where you might be able to do something else to make your routine smoother rather than waiting around your house, that is what helped me. The more you adhere to your routine, the better you’ll get at it, the less time it will take you and the better you’ll feel on your way to work. It feels so much better to start your day off right without any stress or anxiety from not having things in place and you can look forward to not doing your makeup in the car (we’ve all been there). It’s all about time management, so now I challenge you to examine your “routine” and see where you make some modifications that will help you in the mornings.