5 Hacks to Help You Get Ready Every Day

Hello, friends!

I failed to do a blog post last week due to some exciting/ fun projects, but I'm excited to be back at it this week! @tristin_the_esthetician has a kick ass feature about antioxidants and skincare at the end of this post, make sure to scroll to the end!

I've been listening to podcasts from Goal Digger by Jenna Kutcher ALL DAY, and they have really just been reminding me of the reason I began this blog in the first place: offering others useful information that I wish someone had told me. It's got me thinking about what people ask me about on a regular basis.

One question that I've been asked fairly regularly by other mamas is: "How do you find the time to get ready every day?" At first, the answer is pretty obvious and simple: I make the time. It's not a choice, it's a requirement. I am in a career that requires me to not look like a homeless piece of shit every day (which is what I look like on at least one of my days off every week.) But, when I really think about it, there is a method to this process of getting ready every day: I set myself up for success.

Getting ready (almost) every day makes me feel good. I don't know if it's my personality or something that was instilled in me by my mother, but I have a much higher chance of having a positive, fulfilling, productive day if I look and feel my best. I feel more confident and that alone is a reason to make the effort.

Below I share several hacks that I use on a daily and weekly basis to make getting ready every day easier. Implement some of these hacks into your next work week and (hopefully) it will make a difference.

HACK #1
Decide that getting ready is a priority

I know this seems obvious and self explanatory, but it is so important. If you don't understand why putting your face on, doing your hair, and putting together an outfit that you like every day is important then when the time comes for you to take the time to do all of this and you're not in the mood, you aren't going to do it. Visualize going through the motions of your day while looking/feeling your best vs. going through your day with no makeup, a ratty bun, and sweat pants. Which would you prefer? A work week or a week at home with the baby is hard enough, guys. Feeling confident makes it that much easier to get through. I even make better eating choices when I have my hair and makeup done- especially if I'm just at home! So, make the decision. Remember your reasons.

HACK #2
Choose one day for maximum effort

When I say I get ready every day, I absolutely do not mean that I wash, blow dry, and curl my hair every day. Ain't NOBODY got time for that if you have thick hair like me. However, I do choose one day at the beginning of the week to do those things. Usually on Sunday or Monday night I will do the whole shebang- wash, deep condition, leave- in spray, oil, blow dry, and curl. On this day I curl with a smaller curling iron- the smaller the barrel, the longer the curls will last. Sometimes I'm too tired at night after the washing and conditioning and I fall asleep with wet hair. If that happens, I curl with the small iron in the morning, but like I said: this is non-negotiable. Instead of using Dean's first nap to take my time on my makeup or clean, I curl my hair. Why? Because I know that this will benefit me the rest of the week.

HACK #3
Give yourself enough time

This is where I loose people. On a normal work day I wake up at 4:45 in the morning. I know it sounds extreme, but it's what I HAVE to do if I want to work out, shower, make my boys breakfast, and get ready. My coworker's mom said it best (hi, Kaitlynd! Your mom's a genius lol) "You're ahead of everyone all day instead of chasing them." On the days that I don't get up earlier than everyone that's EXACTLY what it feels like- chasing. Being one step ahead is a game changer. I'm not saying you have to wake up at 4:45, but even getting up 20 minutes earlier than your usual will give you some extra time that will be such a huge beneficial change to your morning.

HACK #4
Master your makeup priorities

If I have taken too much time on my hair, taken too much time cleaning up the kitchen, or too much time choosing an outfit, I know exactly what I can to do to my face in 5 minutes to still look like I actually took my time getting ready. We all have our strong areas and our weak areas. Some areas need more enhancing than others. When I'm in a hurry I apply my priorities: foundation, brows, mascara, and bronzer- in that order. If I run out of time for bronzer? Oh, well. I apply what I care about most. Master your 5 min makeup routine! And always apply lipstick in the car at a stop light when you're in a pinch. Two birds, one stone.

HACK #5
Distract with accessories

This. Is. Everything.
You know what genuinely irritates me? On the days when I use my get-ready hacks I get the most compliments! Lol, I know that sounds ridiculous but it's true. Let me paint a picture. It's usually a Friday morning, I'm running SO LATE, so I throw on a maxi dress. Dresses are easy, they don't require putting anything together like a shirt and pants would. They also don't require me to shave my legs because my legs are hidden. I throw on a trendy hat because I haven't had time to brush my 3 day old curls, let alone wash them. I apply my five minute makeup, down my 3rd cup of coffee and I'm out the door. COMPLIMENTS GALORE, PEOPLE! I know this isn't a problem, but still lol. The trendy hat combined with the maxi dress makes it look like I put in so much effort, when that couldn't be further than the truth. Find a cute hat, scarf, or headband and make it your dirty hair BFF.

Any questions? Ask away, my friends!

lovelovelove,
Tanner

Antioxidants 

Hi again friends, today we’re going to cover antioxidants and why you should be OBSESSED with them. Antioxidants protect against free radicals, they help to limit their production, which saves your skin from some damage. Your skin benefits in so many ways from antioxidants, so here we go; are you ready? Get a pen.

Anti inflammation- increases circulation & cell metabolism, which promotes more even skin tone and helps keep wrinkles and acne stay as far away as possible. 

Firms your skin- bring on that collagen and elastin, am I right?? 

Reduces the look of wrinkles- antioxidants help plump up your skin so you have a more youthful appearance.

Scar treatment- antioxidants can help reduce the appearance of scars by increasing blood flow to the scar tissue, which makes it less rigid and helps it blend in. 

Repair Sun Damage- I know I always preach about sun damage but literally IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN! Antioxidants encourage new cell growth, which again (drum roll please) helps you look younger.

Here are a bunch of products that contain antioxidants you can incorporate into your every day routine: 

Vitamin C- L'Oreal Paris Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin E- Health Priority Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin A- Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm

Resveratrol (the one that’s found in red wine)- The Ordinary Resveratrol

CoEnzyme Q-10- DHC Eye Cream

Retinol- Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum

Antioxidant Suncreen- Replenix Antioxidant Sunscreen Moisturizer

Hope you guys are finding this helpful. Your skin is going to thank you when you’re 60 and still lookin hot as hell, thank you for reading!! 

How to Use Dry Shampoo- CORRECTLY

Happy Self Care Sunday, friends!

Stay tuned for Tristin's skincare feature at the end of today's post! All about a nighttime routine.

Today's blog post is for all of my gals who loathe a daily shampoo with the same intensity that I do. Dry shampoo has become my best friend over the past few years, and yet I still hear a lot of my clients complain about it not working for them. The following steps are essential for getting the most out of your dry shampoo.

Why should you use dry shampoo, you ask? 

Washing your hair daily dries out your scalp and hair. If you train your scalp to go without washing, it will adjust and be less oily day to day. When you are constantly washing your hair it is trying to overcompensate for the dryness and lack of moisture, hence the oily scalp. Dry shampoo is a great way to help you with that transition.

It's also a great way to referesh your style, even if it's not oily. It can add volume, body, and texture to super soft, fine hair. 

STEP 1: Find a great dry shampoo

A HUGE problem can be the quality of your dry shampoo. Anything that is super low quality will leave a white residue no matter what precautions/steps that you take. This No Nothing Dry Shampoo

is all natural and works great. Some of my other favorites are:

- Oh Bee Hive! by Bed Head. My OG Favorite dry shampoo. Of all time. And it's on sale right now!!!

- Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo

STEP 2: Make sure you're sectioning your hair

Section along your part line and spray the dry shampoo from underneath the section. 

If your hair is extra dirty or in need of volume around the face, spray the section around your face.

STEP 3: Let it sit

This is possibly the most important step!! Let. It. Sit. The dry shampoo needs time to absorb your oils. The more oily your hair is, the longer you should let it sit. Go get a drink of water. Start doing your makeup. Go make a cup of coffee. LET IT SIT

STEP 4: Rough it up

Don't be afraid to get up in there and rough up your root. This is what is going to get rid of that white residue! Take your fingers, massage your scalp, and move your root around! If that still isn't enough, go in with your brush and brush out your root.

Done! Go about your day enjoying your dirty little secret.

Skincare Feature of the Week: Beauty Sleep

@tristin_the_esthetician

There is a reason Sleeping Beauty was so stunning. She slept.. A LOT. She really knew what she was doing, way ahead of her time. 

Beauty sleep is actually not just a myth, it’s REAL. While we sleep our skin repairs itself from all the damage that occurred during the day from UV exposure, pollution, and those free radicals( remember those are the lil guys that terrorize our skin every single day )

When we’re sleeping our skin’s blood flow increases and our skin tries to repair collagen. Which, reduces wrinkles and age spots! Yes, please. Our bodies need at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Research has shown that even after one night (that’s right one freakin night) of poor sleep our skin can show these signs: 

-hanging eyelids

-swollen eyes

-extra wrinkles

-under eye circles

-paler skin

-droopiness

If all that can start after just one evening of poor sleep, imagine what a life time of minimal sleep can do to your skin? It’s so important to let our bodies rest. It is equally as important not to forget your nightly routine!

NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING makes me cringe more than when I hear people say “oh I slept with my make up on, whoops” or “I’m just too tired at night I can’t do my routine”

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN GET IT TOGETHER 

Your body is your only body; TAKE SUCH GOOD CARE OF IT AND LOVE IT PLEASE I’M BEGGING YOU! 

By skipping your night time routine you are causing real damage to your skin. Large pores, dryness, rashes, inflammation (aka you’re gunna be lookin swollen af), wrinkles (by letting that make up sit on top of your skin your skin isn’t breathing), break outs, and even infection! Your skin is the largest organ in your whole body: RESPECT IT; if you don’t you’re going to end up looking like the wrinkled leathery old lady you see in line in the grocery store that you literally cannot take your eyes off BECAUSE ITS SO HORRIBLE. Wow, okay I got a little dark, I’m sorry. I’m a Scorpio, I got a lot of emotion. 

The position in which you sleep actually effects how your skin ages too! Wild. Sleeping on your side and your stomach can actually cause more wrinkles on your face and chest. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is the prime sleeping position! Keeping your head elevated can help with under eye circles and bags because it improves your blood flow. 

Also, a cotton pillow case can be irritating to your skin. Switch to a silk or satin pillow case! Very soft, and won’t let your products soak in like that cotton pillowcase does. 

KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR NIGHTLY ROUTINE:

-Hyaluronic acid
Linked here

We have this naturally in our skin but much like everything else it decreases as we get older and are exposed to the sun and pollution. Also, smoking is absolutely horrible for your skin. Please quit now before you look twice your age and little kids point out your wrinkles. Boom roasted. Hyaluronic acid retains water, so it helps keep your skin moisturized while reducing the look of fine lines and redness

-Rose hip oil
Linked here

Rose hip oil is derived from Rosa Canina bushes. It’s loaded with vitamins, fatty acids, and phenols-which have anti viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Brightens & hydrates. It’s also a good carrier oil to mix with your essential oils if you’re into those!

-Vitamin C
Linked here

Brightens and heals the skin, you can use in the morning or at night or both. If you’re using a very high percentage of vitamin C limit to once a day. It makes the strongest impact on your skin while you’re sleeping!

Thank you guys for reading again! I love spittin this skincare knowledge :)