Who Has Time For A 12-Step Skincare Routine? Not Me

Self-care has evolved so much in the past few years that some consider a 12-step skincare routine the key to staying sane. However—and I don't think I'm alone in saying this—that actually sounds a little insane to me! Between being a new mom and a CEO, I'm lucky when I remember to put on lotion… Is that bad to say if I'm the founder of a beauty brand?

Taking the time to learn a new makeup technique or test out a new skincare line is unfortunately an indulgence of time I don't often have, thanks to a packed schedule with brand meetings, investor pitches and life as a mom. I know there are probably many founders, entrepreneurs and change-makers who love beauty routines, too, and wish they had more time for one. But we get bogged down by other priorities.

The older you get, the less time you seem to have yourself, while you are juggling jobs, trips, relationships, and chores, a skincare routine may be the last thing on your mind. The key to healthy skin, however, lies in consistency more than in complexity, and a cream or lotion from misumiskincare.com that suits your skin type can help improve your skin if you commit to applying it daily. It's one extra thing to remember, but it can help give you more confidence in your daily life when you see that your skin finally looks and feels fresh.

That's why I've put together The Beauty Routine for Busy Women: a complete guide for glam on the go.

Skin

We hear it all the time, but I'll remind you again: take off your makeup before bed! Clean skin is a must, no matter how busy life gets. This mantra alone will speed up your routine by helping to avoid breakouts. I like to keep makeup wipes in my closet next to my pajamas, as a no-excuses, constant reminder.

When it comes to product, simple is better. If you have to stop for too long and try to figure out a technique or product, ditch it—it wasn't made for the everyday-busy women. Even if it's short, your skincare routine should be free of frustrations. That being said, when people ask me for advice I do encourage them to indulge in one great product that they feel truly makes a difference and enjoy using. You don't need ten, just focus on one. My "one" is Zo Skin Health Gentle Cleanser—the fragrance alone puts me right into a relaxing spa moment, and I know my skin is getting the clean it needs. Just because you're busy doesn't mean you need to rob yourself of the joy of a jade roller or the luxury of La Mer. Just don't go on a shopping spree or impulse buy every new trend, because your drawers will get cluttered with items you don't have time to use. Pick one, be done.

If you do feel yourself gravitating toward wanting to try every new trend, try a subscription service like Birchbox that will send you sample-sized or travel-sized items. These are practical because you can take them on the go, and you won't feel guilty if one or two go unused simply because you don't have the time to face mask for 30 minutes. Travel-sized items from the drugstore or Ulta can also be great for busy schedules since they are small and light enough to bring when you're out and about.

Lastly, I would be remiss not to say: clean brushes are so important. My company, Beautiac, is a subscription makeup brush company that was literally created for women like us. Founding this company is how I became an "every day" beauty expert! We send three handles, three brush heads and a sponge to start you off. Then, every month you get new brush heads and a new sponge, and you send the old ones back to us to get recycled. We know that washing brushes and waiting for them to dry takes time—time some of us don't really have to spare. A subscription is the easiest way to make sure your brushes and skin stay clean.

MakeupWhen I'm in a pinch, blush is my number one must-have. It's easy to carry, easy to apply and a little goes a long way. Find one great blush shade that goes with your complexion and buy two. Keep one at home and one in your purse, briefcase, backpack or diaper bag. You'll have access to a quick rosy refresh at any time of day. I call it "glow on the go." You can also get the look by walking nine city blocks on the way to a meeting, but (trust me) blush is easier. I'm also a fan of compressed translucent powder. Emphasis on compressed, because if you've ever had loose powder spill in your bag… you get it. A total mess. Compressed powder is easier to manage and also helps with light touch-ups throughout the day. I often find that when I have no time for makeup, translucent powder at least helps my skin look fresh. I also recommend a translucent powder with SPF, because sun protection is so important for your health, too.Similarly to skincare, my number one tip for makeup is to find your one "thing" and keep that with you. If mascara makes you feel the best, get a travel size for your purse. If late night meetings wreak havoc on your undereyes, a small tube of concealer might be your go-to. You're beautiful with or without makeup, but it's nice to know your holy grail is close at hand when you need an extra boost of confidence.Stay Organized

As cliché as it may sound, staying organized is truly the key to success, even in your beauty routine. Knowing that everything is in its place makes it easier to start the day without unneeded stress. Have you ever lost your makeup bag while taking it on the go or spent 20 minutes digging through your drawers to find your favorite mascara? For many of us, this can bring stress levels way up, and we aren't our best when we're feeling rushed and frantic. Personally, I'm a big fan of having a couple makeup bags ready for the day. When I'm traveling, I can grab a prepared makeup bag and get out the door quickly. (Makeup in the backseat of a rideshare, anyone?) With this system, I don't have to worry about losing one of my products, because I know I have a backup. Also, if one of the makeup bags runs out of a product, you can simply grab one from another bag. If you have doubles and they're ready to go, your stress levels won't go up. You're prepared.

Ultimately, you're going to need a beauty routine that works for you. We're always looking for ways to get a few extra minutes in our day, but every busy woman is different. Do what best fits your lifestyle and prioritize what's important in your beauty routine. For me, my Beautiac makeup brushes are a desert-island beauty tool, so I wouldn't be caught without them and my favorite moisturizer. When I'm traveling, I even pop the heads off the handles and just bring those to save space since a brush head can just about fit in your pocket. Getting ready shouldn't cause you any extra stress in the day, so plan ahead, and you'll be ready for whatever life throws at you. Now get out from behind that mirror and tackle the world!