When it comes to my beautifying my clients, I take as much time as my client needs. However, when it comes to getting myself dressed, I’m just not that patient. Back in my college days, I used to plan the next day’s outfit the night before spending hours trying on jeans, blouses, shoes, earrings, etc. until I had the right ensemble. I’d get up at the crack of dawn curling iron, makeup brushes, and accessories in tow and would spend at least an hour getting ready. Post undergrad–with a career, a business, friends, family, and a boyfriend, I just don’t have that much time. Since I love to squeeze an extra 10, 15, 20, heck even 30 minutes of extra sleep in the morning, my primp time has got to be down to a science. And I can’t sacrifice the cute, so it’s gotta be fab AND fast.

So how does one go from morning breath to sheer knockout in less than 30 minutes (included shower time)?

1. Wardrobe. Your wardrobe has GOT to be carefully coordinated according to your lifestyle. I shave my getting-ready time down considerably by shopping for outfits based on a particular mood (i.e. the “I’m bloated and feel really fat, but still wanna look cute” outfit, the “I’m getting a raise TODAY” outfit, the “My girlfriends may call me to hang out after work at the last minute” outfit, etc.). I also tend to shy away from garments that will need to be ironed. Clothes that can be hung dry or pulled right out the dryer without getting wrinkled are my best friends! Also, my closet is only filled with items that truly flatter me and that I absolutely LOVE (as opposed to only liking). Lastly, my closet has a lot of interchangeable pieces. My day job is in a very corporate setting, but outside of my 9-5 I love to dress creatively yet I still own pieces that can satisfy both of my worlds.

By doing all the pre-work while you’re awake and fully-functioning, you can literally just throw on anything in your closet and still look great! Getting dressed should take less than 10 minutes!

P.S. Don’t be afraid to call in the help of a professional to work through your closet. *hint hint*

2. Makeup. While I love doing other people’s makeup, I just don’t have the time in the morning to put as much detail into my own. So I have five quick steps to beat my face in the A.M.

1. Prep: Wash, exfoliate (on alternate days), moisturize (Time 60 seconds)
2. Conceal: Apply tinted moisturizer/foundation and concealer where needed (Time 120 seconds)
3. Eyes: Brush brows into place, eyeliner to top and bottom, and mascara (Time 60 seconds)
4. Powder: Dust powder all over and some powder blush on apples of cheeks (Time 30 seconds)
5. Lips: Apply lip balm & gloss (Time 30 seconds)

Total time: 5 minutes!

P.S. Be sure to get your brows arched by a professional at least once (but I recommend going as often as you can afford). It makes SUCH a difference in your overall look and helps you get away with wearing less makeup.

3. Hair. I love all the cool piecey hair-styles that require a lot of hair wax, curling irons, and flat irons–but I really don’t love to spend all that time on my hair neither do I like a lot of heat or product to touch my tresses. I go to a Dominican salon religiously every week for a wash and set, so all I do in the morning is unwrap my hair and either wear it down or clip it back with pins for a different look. Total prep time? 120 seconds or less. Ask your hair stylist to give you a simple, easy-to-maintain haircut that truly flatters your face and lifestyle. That way all you have to do in the morning is get up and go!

For my chicas who need to wash daily, try skipping your shampoo when running late (besides, slightly “dirty” hair holds a style better) and run thee to Sephora for some Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo, a dry shampoo alternative that absorbs oils and leaves hair smelling lemony fresh. Then pull your hair back into a sleek ponytail or chic chignon.

So now you can feel free to hit the snooze button for the 5th time in the morning. With these tips, you can still look great in a flash!