50 Ways to Speed Up Your Beauty Routine

How Fast Can You Be Ready?

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O, The Oprah Magazine | From the September 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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You'll save time in the long run if you:

Wear sunscreen every day so you won't have to conceal dark spots and wrinkles caused by UV exposure later.
Get a good pedicure—your polish should last about a month.
Commit to four to six laser hair removal treatments to reduce hair growth so you may have to shave only once a week (or every other).
Wash your makeup tools every few weeks with shampoo. Clean brushes apply makeup precisely and evenly.
See a dermatologist for troubled skin. Prescription products have a high percentage of active ingredients; they typically work faster than over-the-counter ones.
Exfoliate your face once a week with a gentle scrub that contains small, smooth beads (try ZO Skin Health Offects Exfoliating Polish, $75). Your skin will look healthy and feel smooth, and you'll need less makeup.

Our Experts

Carmindy, makeup artist
Doris Day, MD, dermatologist
James Edick, Wella Professionals Master Colorist at Arrojo Studio
David Evangelista, creative director, David Evangelista at Cornelia, NYC
Laura Geller, makeup artist
Ranella Hirsch, MD, dermatologist
Sandy Linter, Lancôme makeup artist
Mally Roncal, makeup artist
Eva Scrivo, hairstylist and owner of Eva Scrivo Salon, NYC
Jin Soon, manicurist and owner of Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spa, NYC
Donna Tripodi, hairstylist Maria Verel, makeup artist

— Research by Kate Sandoval

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