6 Easy Winter Beauty Shortcuts

If you're pressed for time and want to maintain a refreshed, youthful look this winter, adopt some time saving beauty habits. It can be challenging to get up earlier during the winter months just to attend to your beauty routine. Streamlining some of your skin, makeup, and hair routines can help you get out the door faster -- without compromising on that picture-perfect look. A few new habits can be all it takes to achieve your ideal look in record time.

Here are six beauty shortcuts that will save you time this winter:

1. Exfoliate at night. Don't stress about scrubbing and buffing your skin in the morning by adopting a pre-bed exfoliating routine. I like to use an enzyme scrub every three days to keep my skin soft and smooth. Remember that buffing away dead skin is even more important in the winter months because you probably have more dry and flaky patches skin. Take care of exfoliation at night so you don't even need to add it to your morning skin care routine. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, then moisturize before you hit the pillow.
2. Use an overnight hair mask. Wake up with soft, nourished, and beautiful hair by using a leave-on overnight treatment mask. These deep conditioning treatments will repair damaged strands and keep your scalp healthy. You need this extra boost of moisture during the winter months, so plan on using it at least once every 7 to 10 days.
3. "Wash" with dry shampoo on hat days. If you plan on wearing a hat all day, skip the shampoo routine altogether and use a dry shampoo to freshen up your tresses. These are the ultimate time saver and can be a great way to keep your hair looking clean without water.
4. Use a gel bronzer instead of foundation. If you want that sun-kissed look without heavy makeup, use a gel bronzer mixed with a little moisturizer to create a smooth, satiny finish. These work great for creating a faux tan look quickly. For a more natural look, make sure you apply the mixture all the way down to your breast bone and décolleté.
5. Give yourself an express pedicure. Can't make it to the spa for a pedicure? Shape and file your nails, then smooth and buff the skin on your feet with a salt scrub. Hydrate skin with a peppermint massage oil, then paint your toes with express-drying nail polish. You'll enjoy a pampering pedicure session without the trip to the spa - and also at a fraction of the price.
6. Cover your bases with a multipurpose makeup stick. If you're in a major rush and are fine with a simple, natural look, use a multipurpose makeup stick to highlight the cheekbones, add some color to the lips, and warm up the eye area. These products double as a touch-up or concealer stick, so feel free to throw it in your purse for the road.

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