Beauty: Ten minutes to gorgeous

You're having a lazy day watching chick flicks in your far-from-flattering pyjamas when suddenly you get a text asking if you want to go out for lunch in 10 minutes ... eek. Whether it's for a catch up with friends or a lunch date with the guy you fancy, of course you want to go, but what about your greasy, tangled hair and pyjamas? Follow these quick tips to go from 'Blah' to 'Wow!' in less than 10 minutes.

TIP # 1:

Two-minute power-shower with jasmine or peppermint: if you don't have jasmine- or peppermint-scented shower gel, stock up now; both of these scents have been scientifically proven to wake you up when you're feeling a little sleepy. While the scent of peppermint makes you feel fresh and zingy, jasmine increases the number of beta waves released by your brain to make you feel instantly alert. Be time-efficient by applying the shower gel to a muslin cloth or body puff to wash yourself and this will remove dead skin cells to make your skin look radiant. Don't worry about washing your hair in the shower as this will add too much time to your shower, particularly if your hair is long.

TIP # 2:

One-minute hair-do: after your two minute power-shower, spray the roots of your hair with some dry shampoo to soak up any oil and give your roots some volume. Dry shampoos tend to come in an array of scents so they'll leave your hair smelling gorgeous as well as feeling fresh. Don't forget to brush your tresses to get rid of any excess dry shampoo. Now, take your hair and gather it up into a high bun on top of your head.

This makes your locks look super-chic in an instant and by having a high bun, you also get instant volume. If your hair is really short, just clip it back with pretty clips or hair grips. Whichever option you choose, this gives you instantly beautiful hair.

TIP # 3:

Three-minute dress-up session: before you start getting dressed, prep your clean skin by applying your favourite face moisturiser. This gives it time to sink in as you dress. Once you've done that, step into clothes that flatter your figure. It's a good idea to have an emergency outfit put together for times when you need to look instantly gorgeous. Remember the few important tricks to wearing something that makes your body look beautiful. If you're a curvy woman, for example, make sure you flatter your figure by adding a belt that cinches you in at the waist. There's plenty of advice out there on the internet to help you pick an outfit that flatters your individual figure.

TIP # 4:

Three-minute makeup tricks: once your moisturiser has worked its magic, you have the perfect base to start applying makeup. When you're in a rush, it's not a good idea to begin an elaborate makeup routine. Instead, just swipe some concealer underneath your eyes and over any imperfections. Elongate your lashes with mascara and finish off by brightening your complexion with a little blusher. Creamy blushers tend to look more natural and add a glowing sheen to your skin for an instant hint of glamour. Finish the look with some tinted lip balm.

TIP # 5:

Thirty seconds to gather your thoughts and smile: now that you're looking hot to trot, you probably feel pretty flustered after all of that rushing around. To eliminate looking flustered and clumsy when you arrive to meet your company, take 30 seconds to simply gather your thoughts and breathe. You may be looking drop-dead gorgeous, but not getting out of that panicky state of mind could lead to some seriously embarrassing blunders (running up the steps and tripping over, forgetting to check thoroughly in the mirror and strutting around with your skirt tucked into your knickers - ouch!). Once you're feeling cool, calm and collected, add a gleaming smile and good posture and you have just perfected instant beauty.

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