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Get Ready Faster in the

Morning

by Maria Gracia Updated June 4, 2024 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. Do you resent every minute you spend getting ready for work in the morning? Do you wish you could do everything at night so you could sleep until the last minute and then rush out the door? Or do you find your morning personal grooming a relaxing way to start your day, but wish it didn’t take quite so long? In any case, these time- saving tips can help you streamline your personal grooming routine and make your mornings better: 1. Group Your Products: Organizing grooming products is one of the easiest ways to save time. For example, all my facial cleansers, moisturizers, and similar items are in one canvas pouch, while all my cosmetics are in another. All tooth care products are in one drawer, and all my hair brushes, combs, and clips are in another. 2. Avoid Lots of Equipment: If your hair-styling routine involves straightening or curling every morning, consider simplifying your hairstyle by cutting your hair short or letting it grow so you can pull it back into a ponytail. When I want to straighten my hair, I wash, dry, style, and straighten it the evening before. In the morning, I quickly brush it and do simple touch- ups. 3. Simplify Your Skin Routine: If you follow a complicated skin routine of washing, toning, moisturizing, followed by foundation and sunscreen, try doing most of it at night. In the morning, simply rinse your face or wipe with toner or witch hazel, and apply a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. 4. Just a Touch of Color: Simplify your makeup routine by adding some color to your face with a swipe of blush and a bit of tinted lip gloss. If you have time, add neutral eye shadow and possibly one coat of mascara. You’ll be set to go in no time. 5. Choose Your Outfits the Night Before: Save time by choosing, ironing, and setting out your clothes the night before. This way, you can ensure your shirt doesn’t have a spot on it or that the hem of your skirt or pants isn’t unraveling. If you notice any issues, you can handle them at night or choose something else. 6. Designate a base color: A woman I used to work with had a basic wardrobe of black. She never had to waste time ensuring her clothes matched—they always did. She added color with sweaters, shirts, scarves, bags, and jewelry. If black isn’t your color, find one that’s right for you and make it your “base” or signature color. 7. Once a Week for Some Tasks: Designate a specific day, like Saturday afternoon, for weekly grooming-related activities. This will save you time during the rest of the week. Tasks like waxing, trimming nails, and shaping eyebrows take time, so avoid scheduling them for busy weekday mornings. Getting ready in the morning used to be a chore for me. Following these streamlined and almost automatic routines keeps me from looking like I got ready in my sleep and reduces the stress I used to feel from rushing to get ready. Back to Time Management Index