90. Ten Minutes to Drop-Dead Gorgeous

I’ve always marveled at how Gibbs could get dressed and look totally put together in less than half the time it took me to get ready for the same event. When we started simplifying our lives, I made it my personal goal to go from a standing start to drop-dead gorgeous in ten minutes or less. (I’ve got the ten minutes down pat; I’m still working on the drop-dead part.)

I started with my hair style. For most women the time-consuming part of getting dressed is the hair we’ve been brainwashed into believing has to be not only shampooed, but conditioned, color rinsed, moussed, spritzed, gelled, blow-dried, extended, enhanced, straightened, or curled, and then sprayed before we can go out the front door.

Men have hair styles that make it possible for them to wash their hair, run a comb through it, and go. Women can do that too. Years ago a hairdresser told me that every woman has at least one flattering low-maintenance easy-care hair style that is natural for her hair type and facial structure. It took some experimentation, but I found an easy-care hair style that works for me. Now, rather than the twenty to thirty minutes it used to take, my hair is clean and ready-to-go in five or six minutes.

Second, I changed my skin-cleansing habits. For years I was unable to pass a cosmetics counter without stocking up on the latest eight-step day-time-night-time-cleanser-moisturizer-scrub-softener-pore reducer-skin enhancer-line eliminator program for my sensitive skin. Fortunately, I recently was stranded on a deserted island without my usual array of skin products. All I had was a sponge, water, and a natural skin cream. After three weeks on this routine my skin had never looked better.

Now, all I use is a sponge and water for cleansing and a few drops of light moisturizer. I can’t tell you what a relief it is not only to have a system that is easy and that works, but to be rid of all those half-used jars of goop that for years have cluttered up my drawers and countertops.

Another thing you can do is rethink your use of makeup. Have you ever seen a face that was improved by the tons of makeup cosmetic manufacturers would have us wear—all with the purpose of making us look like we’re not wearing makeup? Ask the men in your life. Most will tell you they prefer women with a natural look and a smile.

While you’re at it, be sure to include your daughters in your natural looks program. Just imagine the hassles you could save them—and the positive self-esteem you could build—if they never became enchanted with the beauty-in-a-jar myth.

You may have to change your expectations (#88) to get to low-maintenance, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever put up with your old routine.