How to get ready in 5 minutes

So you’ve overslept, or your guests are arriving in 5 minutes and you’re still stirring the risotto impatiently. In your apron. Don’t fret! Follow these steps and you’ll look gorgeous in 5 minutes flat.

Step 1: Refresh No time for a shower? Freshen up with a face wipe, and a blast of deodorant. Good Things cleansing wipes are free from nasties like mineral oils, parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and they’re also biodegradable so unlike most wipes, won’t add to landfill problems. You can find them at Clicks for around R35 for a pack of 25.

Total time: 30 seconds

Step 2: Get Gorgeous The good news is that you only need 4 things to get gorgeous in a flash: BB cream, blush, mascara and lip gloss. To begin, grab the BB cream (which is a moisturiser, sunscreen and foundation all in one) and apply all over your face, to give you some light coverage and to even out skin tone. You can apply an extra layer under your eyes (if you need it). Be gentle and pat lightly with your ring finger. Next, use a curling/volumising mascara of your choice (this is my favourite mascara). Finish off with some blush on the apples of your cheeks and swipe your lips with some gloss. If you can get a multitasking product that you can use on cheeks and lips, even better! I love Vapour Organic Beauty Blush in Crush (I got mine from the USA).

Total time: 2 minutes

Step 3: Luscious Locks If you’ve washed your hair, and it looks amazing, then well done. Chances are you haven’t and it doesn’t. While you might be tempted to go for a quick ponytail, it’s an obvious choice and there are a few other styles that take the same amount of time but look far more polished.

For long hair… Do a quick top knot or high bun. Brush your hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic band. Finish off by wrapping loose ends around the base of the ponytail and bobby pin into place.

For medium-length hair… Go for that beachy texture. Slightly dampen your locks by running your hands under the tap and then over your hair. Apply a small amount of mousse or serum (if your hair is fine, mousse can weigh it down) and comb it through with your fingers. Gently tousle your hair and take small sections and twist them with your finger to create curls. Let your hair air-dry. And if your hair is on the greasy side, just blast your roots with some dry shampoo.

For short hair… Just run some pomade through your hair and style into place.

Total time: 2 minutes

Step 4: Get Dressed Throw on your favourite dress and slip on some gorgeous shoes. Add some pretty earrings, and either a necklace or bangle, and finish off with a spritz of your most loved fragrance.

Total time: 30 seconds

There! You’re ready to face the day or welcome your guests graciously AND you look gorgeous!