5 Ways to Save Time in the Morning

Do Your Makeup Faster

Ditch exacting and unforgiving makeup and use multitaskers. Liquid liner, for example, looks fabulous when it’s carefully applied, but unless you have the steady, practiced hand of a pro, skip liners and other tricky cosmetics in the A.M. (Note: If you ignore this advice, a pointy cotton swab doused in makeup remover is a huge time-saver when touching up a mistake.)

Instead, rely on stick formulas and other cosmetics that multitask (The Best Multipurpose Beauty Products runs down Real Simple’s current favorites). Stick foundations act as both concealer and foundation, thanks to their thick consistency: Just swipe one over a flaw and blend with fingers. Then use a dual cheek-and-lip tint to add quick color. And to give eyes liquid liner–like definition without the fuss, gently wiggle a mascara wand at the base of your lashes to deposit a subtle line.

Time saved: 25 minutes each week.