How to Get Ready in 10 Minutes

If you are not a morning person (like me) or put off getting ready in favor of some last minute tv watching or just got caught up in the shower singing a really good song (like me), sometimes you might find yourself with a little less than 10 minutes to actually get yourself out the door. An all too familiar time crunch I’d say. I usually prefer to panic a little, but I don’t recommend it.

Know where you’re going
Unless your boyfriend has just invited you out on a surprise date, make sure you know where you are going and who is going so that you can choose your outfit. It is always best to be a little overdressed. If your boyfriend really is inviting you out on a surprise date, ask him what dress code would be appropriate — you don’t want to arrive at the fanciest restaurant in town wearing jeans! As a general rule one should try to leave the house looking one’s best. This does not mean go all out on makeup and jewelry, nor does it mean go out in sweatpants and sneakers. It just means, look as decent as possible (you never really do know who you’re going to meet or bump into!)

Plan while you freshen up
Buy yourself some time, and instead of just staring at your closet trying to pick something out, go through it mentally while you freshen up. Brush your teeth (decide on a top.) Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face (decide bottoms and shoes. Unless you went for a dress, then think of the shoes.) If you really are panicking and some pieces of your outfit are in the wash or not properly ironed, go for something simple and classic: dark wash jeans, a flattering top and a blazer are always a good alternative. Or if you must wear a dress, pick a versatile one and throw a cute cardigan over. Shoes can ultimately make or break the outfit, so choose wisely! Consider whether and how long you’ll be standing up for or walking.
♥ Tip: if you had not had time to wash your hair, use dry shampoo or baby powder. It works.

Actually get some clothes on
Put some music on, whatever makes you feel pretty, and start getting dressed. Do not overlook your underwear. Make sure it doesn’t show through or peek out at inappropriate places. Depending on how much mother nature has blessed you with, decide what kind of support is best for that look. Most of all make sure you feel amazing in them!
♥ Tip: spray on perfume before you get dressed so that it sinks in your skin. This works really well if you’re using a body spray that compliments your body wash or body lotion. Before you leave the house do an extra spray and ‘walk through it’. Don’t spray over your hair, otherwise dust is bound to stick on and make it look greasy by the end of the day.

Quick makeup
Go for simple makeup: cover up untimely breakouts or facial redness, brigthen any undereye circles, pile on the mascara, moisturize your lips and add a light lipstick or lipgloss. Ready! If you must go through your makeup routine, try to keep it simple.
♥ Remember: if you are emphasizing your eyes, keep your lips light or nude; if you are emphasizing lips, keep the eyes simple with some eyeliner à la Dita Von Teese. If you have no time to comb your hair in place, a messy updo will make it look intentional and as long as the rest of you is well put together, it won’t matter too much.

Turn off the music, grab your bag (which should have your keys and phone inside at the very least) and go!
♥ Tip: unless you are a master, do not run in your heels! Remember that you want to actually make it wherever it is you’re going.

Good luck!