It should come as no surprise to you that when it comes to beauty, I look for the easiest possible way to do things. I like my fashion and beauty quick and simple, especially in the mornings because (like many of you, I am sure) I like my sleep more than anything else. This means that I tend to hit the snooze button a few more times than I should. Tell me I'm not alone, here! 

So, when I wake up and realise that I only have half the time I normally do to get ready in the morning, I have a few tips and tricks for my beauty, hair and even my clothing choices to help me get out the door on time! 

When it comes to fashion: 

If you only have 5 minutes... go for bold colours - patterns or prints mixed with a solid. 

Having an attention grabbing, focus piece in the outfit is my favourite (and the easiest) way to look more put together, chic and fashion forward. A printed pant with a solid button down is a two piece outfit, but it's so much more interesting than jeans and a tee. Same goes for a great printed blouse and black or even coloured trouser. 


1. Express Ultimate Double Weave Editor Ankle Pant (C$69.90)

2. BCBG Anderson Silk Cargo Pocket Top (C$98.00, on sale)

3. J Crew Cafe Capri in Red Tartan (C$198.00)

4. Gap 1969 Legging Cords (C$69.95) 

5. H&M Blouse (C$34.95) 

6. Forever 21 Polka Dot Sweater  (C$20.50) 

If you have 5 more minutes...add an arm party or a statement piece to your outfit. It's a quick way to spice things up and give it some glamour. 

 
1. Joia Multi Drop Earrings (C$20.00) 

2. House of Harlow 1960 Triangle Cuff in Navy (C$75.00)  

3. Fossil Heather Resin Watch (C$165.00) 
 
4. Forever 21 Kissing Jaguars Bracelet (C$15.80) 

5. Aldo Froabil Cuff (C$18.00)

6. Madewell Bluestone Statement Necklace (US$78.00) 

For your hair: 

If it is wet...dry it as much as possible and use leave in treatments. 

When my hair is wet, I towel dry it off and use either a curl activator, styling mousse or soothing cream to make sure it doesn't go too crazy. Then I like to braid it to retain some curl. I like the idea of quickly adding a cute headband to bring it all together. 
 

1. Goody QuikStyle Paddle Brush (US$11.99)

2. Goody Double Wear Ribbon Woven Gold Layered with Chain Link Headwraps (US$9.99)

3. John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Creme (C$11.99) 

4. Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volumizing Mousse (C$9.99)
 
5. Salon Selectives Repair & Fortify Leave-In Conditioner (C$3.49)

If your hair is dry...No time for a shower? Dry shampoo! 

Seriously, make dry shampoo your new best friend. If your hair is limp, dry shampoo also adds volume. For some extra wave, try a beach spray. If all else fails, put that hair up in a chic chignon with a hair donut or spiral pins. 


1. Betty Dain Dark Brown Corkscrew Hair Pin (US$5.49)
 
2. Ojon Full Detox Rub-Out Dry Cleansing Spray (C$24.00) 

3. Fusion Group International Hair Stylers Black Mesh Chignon (US$3.69) 

4. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray (US$8.00)

Getting made up: 

If you only have 5 minutes...aim for polished. 

I do only two things when I'm in a serious time crunch with my makeup: a bold lip and concealing. Concealer takes away any dark circles and blemishes for a clean canvas and a bold lip just gives that extra bit of colour and edginess to your look. It also creates a focal point for your face making you standout. I'm really into a deep wine, oxblood colour for winter but a red lip or even magenta is just as pretty. 

 
1. Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer (C$30.00)
 
2. NYX Matte Lipstick in Alabama (US$6.00)
 
3. MAC Lipstick in Sin (US$15.00) 

4. Nars Duo Concealer (C$38.00)

5. Cover FX Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer (C$27.00) 
 
6. Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below  (C$30.00)

7. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Strumpet (C$19.00)

If you have 5 more minutes...give yourself colour and contour 

If I have a bit more time, I use foundation before my concealer. Then I like to give my face a bit more definition with a highlighter and blush. With a swipe of a pretty cream shadow and some mascara, I am set. 
 

1. Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter (C$34.00) 

2. Lancome Hypnose Star (C$33.00) 
 
3. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup (C$45.00)

4. Stila Convertible Color  (C$33.00)
 
5. Lush Eye Colour in Dynamic (C$22.95) 

What are your morning quickie tips?