For college students, there aren’t enough hours in a day to check off everything on a ‘to do’ list, and as a result we clock-in too many late nights followed by early mornings. The scenario is all too familiar: You set the alarm with the intent of working out, showering, and grabbing a coffee all before your first class but when morning comes, the snooze button gets hit one or seven too many times and you are left with barely any time to get ready.

Don’t let mornings like this leave you trying to take on the day in sweats looking like your brushed your hair with an egg beater. It is still possible to get up and out the door looking pretty and put together in fifteen minutes or less.

 

Tinted Moisturizer:

Head into the bathroom and splash cold water on your face. Cold water gets the blood flowing and the temperature shock will make you more alert. Pat your face dry and reach for the tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizer kills two birds with one stone: it acts as a face lotion as well as a light foundation. Apply with a make-up sponge over your entire face. Tinted moisturizer evens out skin tone and helps hide blemishes, leaving your skin with a dewy glow.

Product Recomendation: NARS – Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 $42.00

 

Concealer:

Say goodbye to those dark circles under your eyes, and let me intoduce you to your new best friend: concealer. Gently apply concealer to the inner corner under the eye near the side of your nose and dab outwards.

Product Recommendation: Almay Smart Shade Concealer (of the Revlon Smart Shade Conc Collection.) $7.74

 

Mascara:

Using an eyelash curler will make you look significantly more awake and make your eyes pop. Tip: Blast the eyelash curled with your hairdryer for 3-5 seconds. The heat will help hold the curl. Be sure to test that the temperature of the curler isn’t too warm on the back of your hand before using.

Follow up with a couple coats of mascara, start with the wand at the base of your lashes and swipe upward. L’Oreal’s Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara is the best kept secret in the beauty aisles–it lengthens lashes as well as volumizes like no other mascara we’ve tried. The best part is that it can be found at Target, Walmart, and most every pharmacy.

Product Recommendations:

Sally Hansen – Beauty Tools Sexy Curls Deluxe Metal Eyelash Curler $7.49

L’Oreal – Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara $8.99

 

Bronzer/Blush:

Lightly sweep bronzer from the apples of your cheeks along your cheekbone to your temple. Blush can serve as an alternative to bronzer or an additional step. Either way, lightly add blush to the just the apples of your cheeks to avoid looking clown-like.

Product Recommendation: BareMinerals – READY Bronzer $24.00

 

Hair:

When time is of the essense, straightening or curling your hair is out the question. If quickly brushing through your hair just doesn’t cut it, twist your hair up in a high ballerina bun or a classic side-braid if you have a few minutes to spare. Both hairstyles are simple while looking classier than a ponytail.

 

Outfit:

In the midst of Fall, a long sweater or a cute cardigan will effortlessly make your outfit come together. Choosing slim fitting bottoms like leggings gives you significantly more options when picking out a top.

Product Recommendation:

Brandy Melville – Michelle Sweater $49.00

Brandy Melville – Bailey Sweater $55.00

Every girl should own a couple pairs of leggings as they have become a wardrobe staple. There is a wide variety of leggings on the market ranging in material, color and print. Leggings are a great option when you’re in a rush because they are simple yet add the feminine flare that sweatpants lack.

Product Recommendations:

American Eagle – High-Waisted Leggings $15.95

J-Crew – Pixie Pant Leggings $88.00

 

Boots:

Mixing and matching black and browns is no longer a fashion faux pau! So the debate whether or not the boots “go” with the rest of your outfit is over. Aim for flat or wedged boots when you’re in a hurry, especially on campus.

Product Recommendation:

Hunter – Herringbone wool rain boots $295.00

Steve Madden – Zorrba Combat Boots $79.95

 

Accessories:

Now, for the finishing touches. Add a scarf that compliments one of the colors already in your ensemble. I reccomend an infinity scarf, especially when in a time crunch. Infinity scarves are also known as circle scarves, that can be wrap around your neck a couple times. They are hassle free as the one continous strip of fabric makes it impossible to wear wrong. A scarf can add a pop of color to your outfit or tie together your whole look.

Product Recommendation: Brandy Melville – Reese Scarves $14.00-$30.00

A little sparkle goes a long way. Adding a piece of jewelry for your final touch really spices it up. Earrings are great addition, especially when your hair is pulled back. Stud earrings achieve simple elegance without looking like you’re trying too hard. As a bonus, we’ve found that men, like raccoons, are attracted to shiny things. Incorporating a little glitz and glam will leave guys enamoured and girls envious while never suspecting you got ready in only twenty minutes.

Product Recommendation: Brighton-Twinkle Large Post Earrings (of the Twinkle Trio Collection) $22.00