We all know the feeling of waking up, looking at our phone, realizing we slept through the alarm, and are left with ten minutes to get ready for our final exam. Here are five easy steps to walk out looking like a model in under ten minutes!
1. Wash your face: Not only does this remove away any dirt and oil, but this will also give you an energized and fresh feel. Use a slightly exfoliating wash; Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub has tiny exfoliating beads that tingle your skin as they remove the dead cells, waking you up as you splash the cold water against your skin. This energizing process is the first thing you should do every morning, as well as before you go to bed at night to keep your skin clean.
2. Cut down on makeup: You don’t need a completely painted face to look good, but if you feel like you need to apply makeup, narrow it down to what really makes a difference. For starters, instead of using liquid foundation, dial it down to concealer to cover up a few blemished spots. You can also use concealer under your eyes to remove any dark circles. Because your eyes usually determine how tired you look, focus on the eye makeup. Adding some color to your waterline makes all the difference. Black eyeliner will bring out your eyes by making them look bolder, and in return make you appear more awake.
3. Wear an updo: Not all of us are lucky enough to wake up with perfect hair, and sometimes you are just going to have a bad hair day. That doesn’t mean that the rest of the world has to know. Putting your hair up is a quick way to look put together while giving you an elegant touch. Examples of easy updos include:
a. The Classic Ponytail: Putting your hair in a high ponytail works for any hair type. For those with straight hair, it keeps your hair sleek and therefore appears shinier. For those with curly hair, this hairstyle eliminates the frizz at the top while still keeping your luscious curls gathered together in the back.
b. The Under-Turned Ponytail. Make a loose low ponytail. Use one hand to create a small hole within your hair between the hair tie and your head while twisting your ponytail with the other hand. Pull the twisted section of your hair through the hole to create a fancy style. This variation of a ponytail takes only seconds longer while showing off a lot more effort than you have time to spend.
c. The Messy Bun: You think it’s messy; they think it’s chic. This laid back updo gives you a casual look, and you can even change it up by leaving a few wisps of hair out in the front.
d. Braided Pigtails: Braids aren’t just for young girls. Even if you don’t know how to do a french braid, here is a similar yet easy look-a-like. Part your hair into two pieces. With each piece, divide your hair into three sections. Braid each part a couple times until it’s right above you shoulder, and then tie it. This mix between braids and pigtails is a stylish and classy hairstyle that would complement a cute dress.
4. Throw on a Dress: Dresses look the most fancy but are the easiest to put together, and almost every girl has at least one sundress in her closet. We sometimes forget a dress is literally a single item of clothing that you can throw on in less than a minute, and this way you don’t have to worry if it’s going to match anything. Simply wear any standard colored flip-flops or sandals if it is warm, or boots if it is cold. If you need to, throw on stockings or a sweater.
5. Grab a granola bar: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and just because you don’t have time to sit in the dining hall doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take in the nutrition you need. With many healthy and delicious options like Nutrigrain or Special K bars to choose from, you should always keep a box in your room for days when you are running late. Now all you have to do is grab your bag and you are ready to go.