Waking up looking beautiful can be a challenge when you’re running a tight shift. For independent, educated women, priorities often lie in books and work. But it’s important to take time from that packed schedule to pamper yourself. Not to worry though, it won’t take too much time. Make mornings less stressful by following these tips for preparing the night before.

1. Cleanse and Hydrate
This may be a “no brainer,” but here’s another reminder: take your makeup off and follow with your favorite moisturizer. Even if the day left you begging for bed, the extra few minutes are actually essential. This will help prevent breakouts, saving the time for extra makeup and treatments later these would require later. And don’t forget to use the most basic moisturizer, water, by drinking it throughout the day.

2. Try a Mask
Whether your skin needs hydration or a breakout is causing chaos, apply an overnight mask to repair your skin or some benzoyl peroxide to reduce the inflammation surrounding your blemishes.


3. Use an Overnight Hair Treatment
Waking up with gorgeous hair saves styling time and stress. Apply an overnight treatment for bouncier and shinier tresses. We are obsessed with L’oreal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Overnight Repair Treatment ($5.97, amazon.com).

4. Self Tan
Exfoliate your entire body and apply your favorite self tan. Let it dry before jumping into bed, so you can wake up looking effortlessly glowy mid-fall season! No need to apply and later reapply bronzer.


5. Let Hair Oils Do Their Magic
We love applying Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil To Go ($14, josiemarancosmetics.com) to our hair, cuticles, nails and just about anywhere that’s a little parched. If you are a running on a tight budget, opt for olive oil, as it also is effective.

(For more on hair oils, read The Best Oil Treatments for Healthier Hair.)

6. Treat Hands and Feet
There is nothing better than applying a thick cream to your hands and feet. You mustn't forget this part of your body because they show signs of aging the fastest.


7. Exfoliate and Moisturize Lips
You can make your own lip scrub from sugar or exfoliate with your toothbrush’s bristles. After exfoliating, apply your favorite lip balm. You will wake up with noticeably kissable lips. Treat yourself with Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm ($27, dior.com).

8. Sleep on Silk
This is one of the oldest beauty tips for a reason. Silk keeps wrinkles at bay and maintains proper moisture in your hair and skin. Since silk is resistant to dust mites, it keeps allergies away, which will prevent puffiness in the morning.

9. Sleep on Your Back
We know this one takes some getting used to, but sleeping on your back will prevent premature wrinkles. Our skin renews its cells during the nighttime, which is why we also recommended that you sleep on silk; don’t let those cotton lines on your face happen the next morning, they can become permanent wrinkles! Sleeping on your back also prevents morning puffiness. Lisa Okesson, national training manager for makeup company Shu Uemura USA, suggests this old Hollywood secret: “Sleep on your back and use a slightly elevated firm pillow to help prevent fluids from pooling in your facial tissues at night,” as stated on Real Beauty.


10. Protect the Blowout
Never, ever sleep on your loose mane! Tie your locks up in a high ponytail to protect your blowout and your skin from any impending breakouts! We hate elastic bands, so we suggest you invest in ribbon hair ties ($8.50, Sephora), which are far less damaging to your hair.

By: Ivanna Coello | Image: Source