How to Get Ready in a Rush: Look Fabulous in 30 Minutes or Less

Some Quick and Dirty Tips to Help Shave Time Off Your Morning Routine

I hate having to rush. But sometimes, it's necessary. Sometimes the thought of an extra half hour in bed is too good to resist! And other times, well, I just have better things to be doing in the morning than styling my hair or waiting for my body moisturiser to dry.

That's why I've pulled together a list of simple but extremely effective ways of cutting corners during your morning routine, without compromising on your hygiene, outfit, hair or make-up.

30-Minute Hair, Body, Clothing and Makeup

Cut Corners

I'm not saying you shouldn't shower. If you're anything like me, then you probably don't feel human until you've scrubbed yourself awake in the morning! But showering can encompass a lot of different elements that take up valuable time:

• wash hair,
• apply conditioner,
• wash body while conditioner soaks into hair,
• wash face with special facial soap (never the same soap we use for our bodies, no sir!),
• shave appropriate parts of the body,
• rinse conditioner,
• exit shower,
• apply moisturiser,
• wait for moisturiser to dry...

The list could go on! Do we really need all these different layers of grooming?

In my opinion, yes. But I think it's time to cut some corners. Instead of sticking to your usual routine, try the following:

• Use a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner.
• Use a high-quality body scrub, suitable for face and body, like L’Oréal Paris Go 360 Deep Exfoliating Scrub.
• Only shave where necessary!
• Use an in-shower moisturiser like Nivea.

You might be thinking, "no way—I have to use a conditioner on my hair," but this leads me rather nicely on to my next point about the wonders of hairpieces.

Use a Clip-On Ponytail to Save Time

Washing, drying and straightening or styling your hair can take up a lot of time and add a lengthy process to your routine. When I'm in a rush, or if I'm limited when it comes to resources or space to get ready (such as in the changing rooms at the gym), I use a clip-on ponytail.

These are a fantastic way to get a great looking hairstyle in just minutes! If you're in a hurry and have skipped showering, you can apply some dry shampoo to your hair, put it up into a bun or ponytail, and then attach the hairpiece over the top of it.

Alternatively, if you've showered and washed your hair, you can part blow-dry your hair and tie it up into a tight bun, leaving your fringe free if you have one, and then apply the ponytail while your hair is still damp. You can then blow-dry and style your fringe as you normally would. A word of warning though, it is not particularly good for your hair and scalp to repeatedly tie your hair up before you have allowed it to dry properly—so I wouldn't advise that you do this on a daily basis. But once in a while, when you're really pushed for time, is fine.

Hairpieces have come a long way, and you can now buy human hair or high-quality synthetic hairpieces for a very reasonable price. I often use a simple drawstring ponytail over a tight bun or use a wrap-around or "scrunchie" hairpiece to change things up a bit. I'm terrible at styling my own hair, even if I've got hours to spare—so these are definitely my go-to product if time is of the essence

Cut The Fuss: Choose a Simple Outfit

By choosing a simple, one-piece outfit such as a dress, jumpsuit or playsuit, you can cut the fuss when it comes to actually getting dressed.

Now, this might seem like a no-brainer, but it's something that is definitely worth thinking about. If you choose an outfit that complements your coat or jacket, then you eliminate the additional complications of:

1. Having to coordinate multiple items of clothing into a complete outfit that works together.
2. Having to physically put on more than one item of clothing in order to get dressed (with the exception of underwear, naturally).

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If you absolutely must wear trousers or jeans, try teaming these with a two-in-one top, such as a sweater with a shirt underneath it. Also, using a little baby powder on your legs will help you to slide your trousers on more quickly, and not spend time jumping up and down, lunging, and doing the 'skinny jeans dance' as you try to wriggle into your trousers (if they are tight, that is).

Remember—if you're trying to get ready and look great in less than half-an-hour, every minute counts. The time you save dressing yourself could be put to use on other elements of your look that will have a higher impact—such as hair and make-up.

Slap It On! Use an Eyeshadow Stick and Clear Mascara

When it comes to applying makeup in a hurry, it's best to keep it simple. What can you afford to skip off your routine?

In my opinion, it's eye make-up that provides us with our greatest transformation. I honestly feel naked if I don't at least have a little mascara and perhaps a touch of eye-liner. So when I say "slap it on"—I don't mean you should paint an inch thick. I mean, you should use make-up that is so easy to apply that you could do it in the dark (although I wouldn't advise it).

I would suggest using an eye-shadow stick, such as Avon Extra Lasting Eyeshadow Stick. You can literally paint it on, smudge with your fingertips, and your look is complete. The metallic finish is softened by the powder-like effect, so what you're left with is the look of a fine dusting of powder.

Then again, to save time, you could consider using a clear mascara. This is extremely easy to apply because if you smudge a little, it isn't visible. Great Lash Clear Mascara from Maybelline is a good choice!

BB Creams

Instead of applying moisturiser, primer and then foundation, combine all three by using a BB cream instead. These nifty formulas are designed to conceal, moisturise, and even your skin tone whilst providing flawless coverage like a foundation.

There are a variety of different BB creams on the market, and various different options to cater to different types of skin. I personally have oily and combination skin (mostly oily, with dry patches), so I use Rimmel Mattifying BB Cream or Boots No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream for Normal / Oily Skin.

Alternatively, you could use a CC cream or even a tinted moisturiser. Either way, you're combining potentially three steps of your routine into one, and still getting the same result—a moisturised, even skin tone.

That's a Wrap

So there we have it. Just a few tips to help you get ready in a rush, and still look and feel great. Granted, there is a small element of planning involved—so it's best to think ahead the night before and ensure you have picked the right outfit, and packed your cosmetics bag with the right products (if you're going to the gym, or planning on applying make-up when you get to work—I've been there!)

Either way, this takes very little effort—but the results are pleasantly surprising. By substituting certain cosmetics with combi-products such as BB creams and just applying a little foresight, you can save time in a morning and treat yourself to a little extra time in bed!

Comments

Nika on February 14, 2019:

Thanks for great tips. I have been using clear mascara gel for my eyebrows instead of eyelashes. Can’t imagine any makeup without actual black mascara, it it’s doesn’t look right for my taste. Also, I found if you have black hair, dry shampoo can be as time consuming, because it leaves white powder in your hair which is difficult to get rid of. I tried few brands, some of them better than another. I personally find it to be easier and quiker to actually wash the hair. What I did I just cut it short. Saves me a ton of time! One piece outfit is the way to go.

Amanda Littlejohn on April 04, 2014:

Great tips and very entertainingly written.

Missed this when it was HoTD so belated congrats!

Well deserved accolade. It's well written, well presented, informative and fun. Exactly everything a good hub should be. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. ;)

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 17, 2014:

Thanks Karen - it's really nice to have support in the face of negativity.

:)

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 16, 2014:

Thanks Kiddiecreations - really nice to get a confidence boost! Especially in the face of negativity.

And lifeinthelou I'm far from a natural beauty haha - one other thing I do use is a facial tan spray - it's just a fine mist that you spray on very lightly to give you a bit of colour (and I mean a VERY light layer) It dries instantly and the colour builds in a couple of hours.

Jeannette B. from Midwest on March 15, 2014:

You must be a natural beauty. I need all the prep time I can get. Don't want to scare the neighbors. Any suggestions for us old gals? I will look into the BB cream and thanks for the link.

Nicole K on March 15, 2014:

Oh wow, StephRS, this is a great hub! I really learned some helpful tips here, I'm not kidding! I'm a new mom of a 3-month-old, and I'm always rushing out the door, with little time to get ready! I especially like the idea of quick eye shadow that I can just rub on really fast. I'm also going to look into getting the BB cream, too, and the dry shampoo would be fantastic for those days that I don't make it to the shower (which are many, with a small babe, unfortunately!) I'm SO sorry about the mean, nasty comments one hubber put on your page. There's NO excuse for it whatsoever! I think your page is very practical and totally deserves to be HOTD. Do not listen or take to heart anything that person said. They are just jealous and instead of focusing on their own page, they chose to attack yours. Seriously, you are awesome, keep posting! :) :) :) Voted up!

Thelma Alberts from Germany on March 15, 2014:

Very useful, informative and interesting hub. Thanks for sharing the tips. BTW, congrats on the HOTD!

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 15, 2014:

Thanks Denizee, you're right I was a little clueless - but then when a certain Hubber posted some abusive fan mail to me I realised that it must just be some strange, personal bitterness on the part of that person. Since my Hub was selected as HOTD she has posted various questions about the criteria for winning Hub of the day, and how Hubpages are 'probably' selecting them using an automated system.

I can let negative comments go, after all - everyone is entitled to their own opinion - but contacting me directly to give me abuse is making it personal. I mean, why would you go to the lengths of posting abuse to somebody?? It's quite sad really.

I've noticed that this person has since closed their Hubpages account. That is probably for the best.

Thank you for all the words of encouragement, I appreciate it.

Denizee on March 15, 2014:

I am so sorry you've had to deal with such immaturity here with your Hub - Please dismiss all the negatives posted to your Hub - I can't believe so many people wrote unnecessary comments on this - I don't understand them and I'm sure you're feeling clueless yourself - If it happens to you again don't approve their comments - Nothing you wrote offended me in the least - Smile and like I said before keep writing -

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 15, 2014:

Thanks jpcmc - I agree with you, everyone is entitled to their opinion. It's just a shame that not everyone chooses to express their opinion in a constructive, dignified way.

And I can't believe you've never heard of dry shampoo? :) It's a life saver when camping haha! But if you have short hair I can see why.

JP Carlos from Quezon CIty, Phlippines on March 14, 2014:

StephRS. You did a great job on the hub my friend and let no one tell you otherwise. Although everyone is entitled to their opinion, there is a good way and bad way of saying it.

Now, on to the hub. I hope more women read this. These are great quick fixes when one is in a jam. This is the first time I heard of dry shampoo. But what can you expect from a guy who rarely shampoos? LOL

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Perhaps raise the issue with Hubpages next time then, instead of targeting the author, and insulting the people leaving comments.

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

No, you don't have to do anything except accept the fact that this reader is mortified that HubPages has made your superficial article a Hub Page of the Day over many other more substantial and deserving pages. This is not your fault. This was a decision by the HP staff and I have certainly written to them about this. I think they may use an automated device to choose these pages of the day but I'm hoping that our debate today will alert them to the fact that writers are not happy with the choices. Your page is very entertaining and I enjoyed it but I just don't think it merits HP of the day (along with many others). No hard feelings on my part certainly and I thank you and your friend's spirited defence.

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

I don't have to do anything, Kalmiya - except maintain a dignified silence while you throw a tantrum.

I'm sad that it's come to this. Please refrain from commenting further - I respect your opinion, you don't like my Hub, that's fine. Unfortunately, I don't know what you want me to do about that.

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

Seriously Karen, you are just as much of an amoeba head ! And you can be CERTAIN that I have contacted HP staff about this. StephRS stand up for yourself.

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

GO KAREN!!!

:)

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Thank you Karen - well said and I couldn't agree more!! I'm all for people expressing an opinion (hence approving the first few negative comments from her) however they started to become rather nasty so I thought it best to delete.

I really wasn't expecting this sort of unpleasantness - are lots of Hubbers like this? I hope not.

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Kalmiya I will keep on deleting your negative and abusive comments because, quite frankly, you are boring me and I really don't want to listen to your negativity.

I have deleted your last three comments, which much have upset you because each comment since has become a little more threatening and abusive.

I'm not quite sure why you are so upset that this Hub has made hub of the day?

Bottom line - if you don't like it, don't read it.

Have a nice day :-)

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Thanks Karen, I really appreciate it.

And thank you Sunshine, it's a great confidence booster to get HOTD when I'm still learning the ropes.

Really appreciate the positive comments, guys

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on March 14, 2014:

Excellent hub and tips! Congrats on HOTD.

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Oh well.

I guess it was the line "A place where people write for the joy of it" on the hubpages website that mislead me.

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

You are very ill informed.

No one writes for a revenue sharing site except to make $$$.

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

At the risk of sounding repetitive - it's because I enjoy writing.

From what I understand - not everyone is in it for the money?

But hey, I may just be ill-informed.

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

Well, if you don't make money on HP then I'd suggest hiding these comments as they will make you look not only ill informed but daft in the process. Why are you contributing to HP?

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

I don't make money on Hubpages Kalmiya, I'm not sure how it all works yet. I just enjoy writing. And I'm pretty sure you mean "your" rather than "you're"

Thanks John, and Denizee - really nice to hear encouraging comments :-)

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

An excellent hub? Are you an amoeba head? I will be sure NOT to look at any of your hubs. Ha ha !

John Sarkis from Winter Haven, FL on March 14, 2014:

Excellent hub. I'm sharing this one for my female friends to see. Congrats!

Voted up

John

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

Anyone can be good at writing rubbish. But when you're focus is on how you tie your pony tail, well, .... you might actually make money with Amazon! Sadly, this is where our world is headed. I'm paying attention and writing more rubbish about similar items. If it makes money, well, that's what I'll change my focus to. Thanks for the heads up.

Denizee on March 14, 2014:

Great Hub - I completely enjoyed the read - We live in a world where cosmetics is big business - they sell everything we want - There is nothing wrong with enhancing one's natural beauty with a few tips on how to do so - voted up - Keep writing!! You're good at it -

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Maybe.

I just enjoy writing about things that interest me. Each to their own I suppose.

And I enjoyed writing the Hub, it's the first one where I've really tried to follow the proper process with image attribution etc, so it was a nice learning process too.

Sorry you didn't enjoy it. As I said - each to their own.

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

The only thing this proves to me is the serious superficiality of everything on the internet. I will adjust accordingly.

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Still an amateur on here kalmiya - we all improve with time.

Still proud, even if it isn't perfect - or to everybody's taste

Kalmiya from North America on March 14, 2014:

Forgive me, but how did this hub get to be hub of the day?

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on March 14, 2014:

Thanks for all the comments everybody (positive and negative, everyone is entitled to their opinion - although I wasn't expecting to get quite such strong negativity maxoxam41. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it - I did my best.)

Genuinely grateful for all the comments, it's really encouraging to hear that people have found my article useful ar at least interesting in some way - and to get HOTD is awesome!

Thanks Hubbers :)

Jenn-Anne on March 14, 2014:

Informative and well-written hub filled with great ideas! Love the suggestion of using the clip-on ponytail! Congrats on HOTD!

Deforest from USA on March 14, 2014:

Tacky pictures, vulgar make-up, trivial model and dressing up. The model looks like a cheap w---e... Excuse my language but how could it be different?

And misses and gentlemen, it is the hub of the day!

swilliams on March 14, 2014:

Great tips! This article is a helpful guide for women who live a fast paced life. Thanks! Voted up!

Kitty Fields from Summerland on March 14, 2014:

I've gotta try this BB cream and eyeshadow stick thing out! Great tips. I am a very low maintenance kind of person already, but this definitely helps!

Preston and Kate from the Midwest on March 14, 2014:

Congratulations on Hub of the The Day! As a stay at home mom with little ones, I am always looking for ways to get ready quickly. Thanks for sharing your tips! -Kate

Cyndyl McCutcheon from Athens, GA on March 14, 2014:

Nice hub! I'm definitely not a morning person, so I've become a pro at morning prep in less than half an hour (and in an instance of oversleeping, 5 mins!). A few other good tips would be to shower at night for those who can and learn which make up essentials work for you without needing the whole routine. For instance, I used to like lots of make up, but thanks to rushed mornings, eyeliner, blush, and tinted chapstick give me a very natural look in less than 5 mins!

Al Wordlaw from Chicago on March 14, 2014:

Unnecessary make up is too artificial. Most guys want to see the actuality and naturalness. C'mon ladies. It's the realness that counts. If all or most of the ladies wear fake eyelashes, bright, red lipstick or silky, nylon hair weave or hair attachments then who has a different look? Who wears their own God-given uniqueness?

Paige Desires from United States on March 02, 2014:

Great article, thank you for sharing!

Colleen Swan from County Durham on March 02, 2014:

Helpful article. I can take 5 minutes, my daughter can spend at least an hour.

Steph Simpson (author) from Sheffield, UK on February 28, 2014:

Thank you Amie! There are plenty on ebay. Mine really is a life-saver, I'm terrible with hair, ha!

Amie Butchko from Warwick, NY on February 28, 2014:

Really like your hub. Especially the part about the clip on ponytail! Wish I had one right now....