This post is sponsored by Olay. All opinions are my own.
Time is the one thing we can all agree we wish we had more of. I’m always looking for pockets in my day that I can squeeze extra time out of and maximize my productivity. It all starts with my morning routine. If my morning routine delays me, it can easily overshadow my whole day. I’ve been trying to get in the habit of a healthier and more productive routine and it’s quickly making a huge difference in my day. I feel like I’ve gained hours by making a few easy, yet meaningful changes. Here are 9 ways to cut down your morning routine.
1. Use Double-Duty Products
The best way to cut down your morning routine is to use two-in-one-products. I’ve been using the new Olay Luminous Whip moisturizer – which does double duty as a moisturizer and primer in one. I’ve been such a fan of Olay products for years – they’re the brand I always come back to because I know their products work for me. Their moisturizers are so lightweight and not greasy at all – which is great for my combination skin type. I have dry cheeks and an oily T-zone so using a primer before I apply my foundation is essential for me to create a smooth finish. When I don’t use primer, I often have blotchy skin. I love that the Olay Luminous Whip moisturizer instantly absorbs into your skin so you don’t have to wait to apply your makeup. It’s unique Active Rush Technology formula absorbs oils in your skin throughout the day for a dewy, but not oily finish.
You can get your own free sample of Olay Whips here!
2. Drink Your Coffee While You Get Ready
Morning coffee is essential for me. I usually have a cup of coffee first thing when I get up, but if I sit down at my computer or with my phone while I drink it, I tend to delay getting ready for the day. One thing I’ve been doing for the past few weeks that has really helped is having my coffee while I do my makeup and hair. By the time I’m done with my hair and makeup, my coffee is usually gone too and I can brush my teeth and go on with the day.
3. Use A Contour Palette For Your Entire Face
On days that I don’t have a ton of time to get ready, I just use my favorite contour palette to do my eyes, cheeks and lips. The darker shades work well for eye shadow and I blend all of the colors together before applying to my face and lips. By using one palette for everything, it takes the guesswork out of choosing the right colors and you’ll end up with a natural all over glow.
4. Use Dry Shampoo…The Night Before
We all know how handy dry shampoo is for those days that you don’t wash your hair, but until a few months ago, I never felt like it was quite as magical as everyone made it seem. That is until I started using it at night – before my hair even got oily. If you spray it on your roots at night, it will suck up any oil produced overnight and you’ll wake up in the morning with clean-looking hair.
5. Use A Hair Oil
This might seem counterintuitive – use dry shampoo to suck up oil and then use hair oil – but trust me, hair oil will make your hair look amazing! Apply it at the ends of your hair to seal them and your hair will instantly look healthier. On days that I don’t have time to curl my hair, I just use hair oil on the ends to tame frizz.
6. Cut Out Technology
I’m always way slower to get ready if I’m watching or listening to something on my phone. I try to not look at my phone while I get ready except for checking the time.
7. Workout While You Do Your Hair
I probably look a little crazy, but I’ve been trying to squeeze in squats whenever I can because I definitely don’t make it to the gym every day. I’ll do squats while I’m on my phone checking Instagram throughout the day and while I do my hair in the morning (it’s definitely not as easy while you’re doing your makeup so I wouldn’t try that). I also do light stretches while I do my hair too. It’s a great way to pass time and get a mini workout in – it all adds up!
8. Use Pinterest To Plan Your Outfits
Ever since I was little, the thing I’ve dreaded most is picking out my outfit in the morning. I’m not really the type that can pick out my outfit the night before and stick with that choice so I just pick out one piece and then build my outfit around that. The quickest way to get an idea for an outfit is to search on Pinterest for items in your closet that you want to wear now (ie. “camel coat”). I like to spend an evening a week pinning outfits that contain items I already have in my closet. It makes it so much easier to come up with new outfits.
9. Time Yourself
I’ve had too many of those days where I don’t know what I did all day so I’ve been setting my stopwatch on my phone while I do tasks. I’m quickly learning how long it takes me to do everyday tasks and seeing where I can cut out time wasted. If I’m really determined, I’ll time how long it takes to get ready in the morning one day and try to beat my time the next day.
xo, Maria
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