This post shows you How to Get Ready Under 20 Minutes
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Working for myself means I technically could stay in pajamas all day, but I’ve learned something: when I look like I’m ready to work, I actually work better. It’s not about impressing anyone—it’s about showing up for myself. Having a few reliable hair and makeup ideas, and some simple everyday nails, helps me feel more focused and less like I’ve been swallowed by my to-do list.
I feel like some women deserve a trophy just for making it out the door with matching shoes. Between school drop-offs, work calls, and trying to drink a cup of coffee (for once), there’s barely time to think—let alone pull together a cute look. That’s why I’ve collected a bunch of quick and easy hair and makeup ideas, plus simple nail tips, that will make you feel like we’ve got it together… even when we really don’t.
How to Get Ready Under 20 Minutes: Hair and Makeup Ideas That Don’t Feel Rushed
Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping it simple. The days of 30-minute contouring routines and curling every strand of hair? Gone. Now, I go for no-fuss everyday makeup and hairstyles that take under 10 minutes—sometimes even 5, if I’m honest.
On rushed mornings, I go with a natural everyday makeup routine. Nothing fancy. Just tinted SPF, concealer under my eyes (because, life), a swipe of cream blush, brow pencil, and lip balm with a hint of color. If I’ve got an extra second, I’ll add a little highlighter to fake that “I slept great” glow.
For hair, I lean into easy everyday hairstyles. A claw clip twist, a quick braid, or a half-up ponytail is usually the move. They work whether I’m rocking second-day hair or just didn’t have time to blow-dry.
Everyday Makeup Looks That Actually Work
I used to struggle with finding everyday makeup looks that didn’t feel too heavy for work or too plain for date night. Eventually, I found my sweet spot with simple everyday makeup—basically, just enough to look alive but still like myself.
My go-to everyday eye makeup look is super basic: one swipe of warm-toned cream shadow, a little mascara, and a touch of shimmer on the inner corners. That’s it. If I’m doing a little more, I might follow a makeup looks tutorial on YouTube while sipping coffee… but let’s be honest, that’s rare.
I’m also obsessed with cute makeup looks that don’t take a makeup degree to pull off. Think peachy cheeks and lips, a touch of bronzer, and brushed-up brows. Super flattering and takes no time.
Everyday Hairstyles for Every Hair Type
Depending on your length, different go-tos work better. For example:
Everyday hairstyles for long hair: a low messy bun or a sleek ponytail with a middle part—clean, classy, and no-fuss.
Hairstyles for medium hair: try a knotted half-updo or a mini claw clip twist (they’re back in style, thank goodness).
Everyday hairstyles for short hair: a deep side part with a bit of wave spray or a headband look always works.
Everyday curly hairstyles: pineapple bun, loose high puff, or even just defining the front curls with a little water and leave-in conditioner.
If I had a dollar for every time I said “I’ll just throw it in a bun,” I’d be rich. Seriously, buns are the MVP.
Get Ready under 20 Minutes: Easy Everyday Nails That Look Salon-Fresh
Now let’s talk nails. I used to think I needed a full gel mani to feel polished (pun intended). But now? I swear by easy DIY nails and press on nails.
I was skeptical at first, but once I figured out how to put on press on nails the right way—buff, dehydrate, press, DONE—I never looked back. For everyday nails, I love short, neutral press-ons that look clean and match everything.
If you’ve got 10 minutes, you can do simple everyday nails with sheer polish and be out the door before they’re dry. My favorite hack is doing diy french tip nails using those little sticker guides. It gives you that classy look without paying $50 at a salon.
Whether you like cute everyday nails with floral stickers or just basic everyday nails in a soft nude or pale pink, the trick is keeping your stash stocked. I keep a little nail kit in my bathroom drawer with glue, cuticle oil, and my favorite colors for quick touch-ups.
How Do You Find Time to Do Hair and Makeup Every Morning?
Honestly? You don’t find more time—you make it. There’s no secret hack. If you wake up at 7 and have to be out the door by 7:15, you’ve got 15 minutes. But if you get up at 6:30? Now you’ve got 45.
For me, it comes down to mindset. I’ve decided that how I look affects how I feel, so getting ready—even just a little—is non-negotiable. It doesn’t mean full glam. Just my natural everyday makeup, a pulled-together hairstyle, and maybe my basic everyday nails done the night before.
It’s not about being high-maintenance—it’s about feeling good. When I feel good, I work better, show up better, and handle whatever’s thrown at me. I know it might sound weird to some people, but hey, if something so simple improves my mood, why wouldn’t I make time for it?
Also, doing the same makeup look every day saves time. I don’t even think about it anymore. It’s just part of my morning, like coffee. A little effort goes a long way.
How Do You Keep Your Hair and Makeup Looking Good All Day?
“Perfect” might be a stretch. But I’ve figured out how to keep things looking fresh enough that I don’t feel like a melted crayon by 3 p.m.
For makeup, it’s all about the prep. I start with a light moisturizer and a grippy primer (Elf Power Grip is gold), even if I’m just doing simple everyday makeup. I stick to cream products—they blend better and wear more naturally. And I always finish with a setting spray, even on light makeup days. Urban Decay All Nighter is pricey, but it holds your everyday makeup look together like glue.
If I get oily mid-day, I dab—not swipe—with blotting sheets or a tissue. Sometimes I’ll press a little translucent powder just on my T-zone. That’s it. I don’t carry a full makeup bag around the house. I’m not that person.
Everyday Hair Hacks
For hair—dry shampoo is your best friend. I use it even on clean hair just to add texture and volume. If I’ve styled curls or waves, I’ll lightly mist with hairspray and then clip sections up with a claw while I get ready so they “set” in place. That alone helps the shape last all day.
Even easy everyday hairstyles like a low twist or high pony can stay polished if you give them a quick once-over with a toothbrush and hairspray on the hairline. Game-changer.
Get Ready under 20 Minutes is not about perfection. It’s about knowing what to fix, what to ignore, and having a few go-to touch-up tricks that don’t derail your whole day.
So yeah, even on the wildest of mornings, you can still feel like your best self with the right mix of makeup and hairstyles, go-to everyday makeup routine, and those trusty easy everyday hairstyles. And don’t sleep on press on nails—they’re the underrated hero of any busy girl’s toolkit.
Let me know if you want a deeper dive into any of these, or I can share my favorite affordable products next!
This post showed you How to Get Ready Under 20 Minutes
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