Shower, blow-dry and style hair, moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation and a full face of makeup – unfortunately, there isn’t always time for a complete morning routine. But don’t let running late stress you out too much – try this time-saving routine.

• 8 a.m.: Shower. If a wash, blow-dry and style is impossible to fit in, opt for a 10-minute, energizing shower. Skip the shampoo and secure hair in a large clip and cover with a shower cap to avoid too much moisture, which can cause frizz and ruin yesterday’s hair efforts. Lather up with an energizing shower gel with mint or citrus oils, such as Archipelago Botanicals body wash in invigorating mint or grapefruit. Use a skin-stimulating cloth or loofah like Aquis Exfoliating Shower Towel to get your circulation going.

• Time saver: Shower the night before, so all you have to worry about is washing your face and freshening your hairstyle.

• Time saver: Have your clothes ready the night before to avoid being overwhelmed by choosing your clothes for the day.

• 8:10: Prep face. After stepping out of the shower, it’s time to get your skin glowing and ready to go. Try a multi-tasking cleanser to get double or even triple duty benefits. Elizabeth Arden Intervene 3 in 1 Daily Cleanser Exfoliator Primer leaves normal skin clean and primed, while Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All In One Facial Cleanser with Toner is a good pore-cleansing option for oily or combo skin. Then, look for a moisturizer that addresses multiple needs as well. Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 keeps skin shine-free and protects it from the sun, while tinted moisturizers like Stila Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 - Tan are ideal for balancing your skin tone.

• Time saver: If your complexion is looking a little dull after a late night, don’t stress or worry about layers of concealer and blush. Instead, try a quick-fix product. Instant Peel Natural Dead Skin Remover will help reveal a brighter complexion, while Dermelect Line Correction Eye Gel will quickly lighten those dark circles.
  

• 8:15: Easy ‘dos. If you’re starting with dry hair and working with yesterday’s hairdo, you’ll have to improvise when creating a new style. Try one of these easy hairstyles:

  • Short styles. If your hair is too short to pull into a full ponytail or braid, improvise! Small braids or twists at the front of the crown, a side part dressed up with a small clip or a dollop of shine gloss will have you on your way out the door in no time.
    

  • Sleek ponytail. Tease hair slightly, then gather into a mid-level ponytail, leaving out the bottom layer of hair. Twist the loose strands around your finger and wrap around your ponytail several times, covering the elastic band.
    
  • Loose, casual ponytail. Gather hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic band. Leave hair around the front out, then twist or braid small sections and pin into your ponytail. Finish with a touch of frizz-fighting spray, like Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Zero Humidity Frizz Control, then gently scrunch the ends of your ponytail to add some dimension to your style.
    
  • Side-swept braid. Smooth hair with a lightweight leave-in conditioner or smoothing product, then part your tresses to the side and braid into one long braid or French braid. Finish with hairspray to prevent the frizzies.
    
  • Smooth and volumize. Use a flat iron to straighten just the top layer of your hair. Part your hair on the opposite side as usual to add some volume to the top. Then, spray hair with a volumizing product like Oscar Blandi Volume Spray.
  • Time saver: If your hair is oily and you can’t stand not washing it, try a dry shampoo like Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk to get out the greasies and add some oomph back into lazy locks.

• 8:20: Simple makeup. There’s no time for precise eyeliner, lipstick and liner, blush and a whole palette of eyeshadows – when you’re in a rush, it’s back to basics. Most women can pare down their makeup regimen to just three items:

• Mascara. Just a touch of black mascara will help open up the eyes and give you a more polished look. For work, select a smear-proof formula like blinc Mascara Black.
  
• Gloss. Get your kisser smooth and glowing with a moisturizing gloss. Look for one with protective SPF, like NUXE Baume Prodigieux Nutri-Protecting Lip Gloss - Natural Crystal.

• Highlighter. Skip the foundation and go with a gentle sweep of an all-over highlighter. Apply to areas that naturally get the most sun, like the cheeks, forehead and bridge of the nose. Try Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact - Snow Bunny.

• Time saver: Prepare a tiny makeup bag with all your essentials and leave it by the door for those late mornings. This way you can always touch up your makeup when you get to work, if needed.
  
• 8:30: Just a spritz. Before heading out the door, mist yourself an energizing body spray like Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Energizing Fragrance, and you’ll be ready for your day.

A late start doesn’t have to ruin your day. Keep your supplies on hand for those late days, master the art of quick makeup application and soon you’ll be ready for anything.

Learn everything you need to know about workplace beauty and skincare for a professional lifestyle in our Office Beauty Handbook.