Proper grooming is something that should concern just about everyone, even us busy parents, but often I find myself wanting to do it and not being able to find the time or inclination some days. Developing a good routine that works for you will allow you to not only look great but also improve the health of your skin and hair.
Of course, what the ‘right’ routine looks like will depend on things like your personal preferences but your physiology can play a big factor too. It’s also important to take into account how much you’re willing to invest in your grooming routine – not just in terms of the money you spend but the hours, too. Let’s take a look at how we can fit in a time-efficient and cost-effective skincare routine.
Invest in Multi-Functional Grooming Products
When the products you use serve multiple purposes, they can be applied much more quickly. You don’t have to keep wondering which product you’ve already applied or which product is covering which part of your skincare, because some of them are doing more than one job.
What’s more, you might be able, or be willing, to invest in products of superior quality. For example, you might use a shampoo that also works as a conditioner. Increasingly, it’s common to see moisturisers that also function as sunblock. Through the use of these products, you’ll be able to simplify and streamline your routine, taking the stress out of putting any make up on.
Keep Your Haircare Routine Simple but Effective
Caring for your hair might be a demanding job, especially if you lack the time to develop the right routine. I’ve got curly hair and I would say that 85% of the time it’s getting scraped back into a ponytail or a bun because I just don’t have the time or the mental energy to do much else with it – plus I’m terrible with even the easiest of hair styles.
If you’re spending more time than you’d like each morning straightening, blow-drying, or curling, then the chances are that you could save time by switching to a different kind of routine. Sometimes, it’s worth looking at fast-acting products that serve a particular function without the time investment. Hair thickeners are a great way to add the appearance of volume, for example – and they often do their work within minutes, without the need for a convoluted process and specialised, professional tools.
Perhaps move to a night time routine where it gets blow dried and straightened, and then in the morning it just needs a quick going over. Alternatively, there are things like heatless hair curlers, satin bonnets and even putting it in plaits to dry overnight for a quick and easy beachy wave in the morning.
Master the Art of Quick Skincare
An effective skincare process is almost always built around three key steps. These are cleansing, moisturising, and protection. As we’ve mentioned, it can be a good idea to look for products that serve two of these functions at the same time. It’s worth experimenting with different products and taking into account the type of skin you have. If your skin is naturally oily, for example, it’s often a good idea to avoid comedogenic moisturisers.
Find things that work for you and your skin; it may be worth contacting a dermatologist or skin specialist who can advise you on your skin type and the best products.
I like to keep this part really simple and often do it whilst the children are having a shower or a bath, or make it a quick pre-quel to my make up routine,
Go for a Polished Look with Minimal Makeup
The more makeup you’re applying in the morning, the more time you’re going to spend applying it. What’s more, excessive use of makeup can inhibit the natural function of the skin. Often, you can achieve a healthy complexion through the use of a handful of key products.
You might look for tinted versions of your suncream or moisturiser, for example. Look at your face, and think about what features you want to accentuate and what you want to conceal. Your choice of product should reflect your features. Thus, part of an effective skincare routine is accepting the way you look in the first place!
I only ever use a handful of basic products; foundation, bronzer, eyebrow pencil and mascara. I do occasionally add in a bit of highlighter or wear a nice lipstick, but for every day routine I can’t actually be bothered to do much else than the basics.
Simplify Your Wardrobe for Maximum Impact
The simpler your wardrobe, the less thought and energy you’ll need to put into getting dressed, and the less clutter you’ll need to accommodate. This is where a streamlined, minimalist wardrobe can be very effective. Spend big on a handful of key items, and make sure that they’re versatile enough to be worn regularly.
Maintain a Fresh Appearance Throughout the Day
It might be that you need to refresh your appearance as the day wears on. During summer, when you might be working outdoors and sweating constantly, this might be a particular concern. Being able to whip out a small bottle of antiperspirant or a dry shampoo might help you to feel fresh and clean throughout the day. Too much time spent on beauty can be a drain on your mental energy – and your confidence, too. Ask yourself whether you’re getting the most from your existing routine, and try to find ways to simplify it where appropriate. In the long run, the hours you save can really add up!
What do you do to keep yourself well groomed throughout the day? Or are you like me and once it’s done it’s done for the day, no matter how it looks at the beginning and the end?