How to Feel More Put Together in Under 10 Minutes
There are days when getting ready feels like too much effort. Mornings when time is short, energy is low, or you simply need to be out the door quickly. Over the years, I’ve found a few things that help me pull myself together in under 10 minutes and leave the house feeling like I didn’t just roll out of bed.
If you sometimes feel the same way, here are a few small, sanity-saving tricks I lean on and real-life tips that help me look more polished and pulled together with minimal effort.
Looking for more style tips? These posts are a great place to start:
Quick Ways to Look Polished and Put Together Over 50
Quick Beauty Routine for Women Over 60 That Makes a Big Difference
When I’m pressed for time, I don’t try to do a full face of makeup. Instead, I focus on just three things.
First, I splash my face with cool water and smooth on a tinted moisturizer like this Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40. It wakes up my skin and gives me a little coverage without feeling heavy. You can find more of my favorite tinted moisturizers and foundations in this post.
Second, I brush through my brows with a tinted gel. Well-shaped brows frame the face and make everything else look more finished, even without full makeup. I like this Legendary Brows Micro-Precision Tinted Brow Gel. It has a teeny, tiny brush that allows me to capture and tint every little hair I can find along my brow line. I brush them down to coat the hairs, then up to set them in place.
Finally, I swipe on a moisturizing lipstick or tinted balm. A little color on my lips always helps me look fresher, even when nothing else is done. This Merit lightweight lipstick is my favorite in the color Millenial, which is a soft natural pink.
If I have an extra minute or two, I’ll add a touch of cream blush for a healthy glow. New to cream blush? You can read exactly how I apply it for a fresh, natural flush that doesn’t settle into fine lines here.
Simple Outfit Formulas That Always Work for Midlife Women
One of the best time-savers I’ve found is having a few outfit combinations that I know work for me. Instead of standing in front of my closet debating what to wear, I go straight to my favorite formulas.
A good pair of jeans, a polished knit top, and a lightweight jacket always feel right. Slim pants and a crisp white shirt are another combination I reach for often. On warmer days, I like to throw on a casual, comfortable dress that doesn’t need much styling to look finished. Having these options ready to go means I spend less time thinking and more time simply getting dressed. Finding the outfit formulas that work for you saves you time and money.
Modern Jeans For Women
You can find more of my recent real-life outfits in these posts: What I Wore Last Week and How It Made Me Feel and What I Wore Last Week: Spring Outfits That Worked for Real Life
Choosing The Best Accessories to Instantly Look More Polished
Even the simplest outfit benefits from one extra layer or detail. I might toss on a lightweight scarf, add a brooch, or put on a simple piece of jewelry like a necklace or pair of earrings. It’s not about piling on accessories—it’s about choosing one thing that completes the outfit and makes you look and feel intentional and put together.
Comfortable Shoes That Still Look Stylish Over 60
Shoes have a quiet way of setting the tone for your whole outfit. I keep a few pairs by the door that I know are comfortable but still look neat. A sleek sneaker can work just as well for casual days, as long as it’s clean and has some structure. I’ve learned that if my shoes are thoughtfully chosen, the rest of my outfit almost doesn’t matter as much because it still looks like I tried.
I’ve shared quite a few shoe recommendations lately, especially styles that are kind to aging feet. If you’re looking for comfortable, stylish options, here are a few recent posts to try:
- Best Comfortable Shoes for Spring for Women Over 60
- Best Arch Support Shoes for Women That Actually Look Good
- Best Flip-Flops for Women Over 60 That Aren’t Bad for Your Feet
How to Fix Your Hair Fast and Still Look Put Together
Hair has the power to either make me feel finished or frazzled. On a good day, I’ll style it with a hairdryer and round brush. But when time’s short, and I don’t have time for styling, I turn to a few quick tricks that help me get out the door without looking like a total mess.
Whether it’s second-day hair, post-gym sweat, or just a busy schedule, hair can start to smell stale and fall a bit flat. To fix that, I reach for a dry shampoo. Look for one with a scent you enjoy that absorbs excess oil and neutralizes odors between shampoos. They also have the added benefit of adding extra lift and volume to my fine, flat hair. You may also enjoy How to Keep Your Hair Smelling Fresh Between Washes.
Hats are my not-so-secret weapon on less-than-stellar hair days. They elevate even the simplest outfit, shield my skin from the sun, and do a great job of hiding dirty or messy hair from the world.
Stylish Hats I Love
A Light Fragrance That Feels Elegant, Not Overwhelming
Before I walk out the door, I usually spritz a little fragrance or apply a scented hand cream. It’s a small habit, but it helps me feel a little more complete. I prefer fresh, lighter scents these days, like my favorite Maison Louis Marie No. 04 or this Santal Gray by Lake & Skye. They feel easier to wear and aren’t overpowering. It’s not something anyone else might notice, but it’s one of those small finishing touches that makes me feel more ready to face the day.
Shopping for fragrances can feel a little overwhelming, so if you’re not sure where to begin, start here: How to Find Your Signature Scent
Keep Essentials Ready to Go
One trick that’s saved me many times is keeping a small tray of essentials by my vanity. I keep my favorite lipstick, brow gel, tinted moisturizer, and a pair of small earrings all in one spot. That way, even if I’m running late, I can grab what I need without having to dig through drawers or rethink what I’m doing. It takes the guesswork out of getting ready and makes the whole process less stressful.
Small Style Habits That Make Getting Dressed Easier After 60
Over time, these small habits have become second nature. Getting ready doesn’t feel like a production anymore. It’s just a few quick steps—tinted moisturizer, brows, lips, a simple outfit formula, polished shoes, and maybe a scarf or earrings.
It’s not about looking perfect. It’s about feeling more prepared to step into the day with a little more ease. And on the days when nothing seems to go quite right, I remind myself that sometimes, just getting dressed and out the door is enough.
If you have quick tips or little routines that help you feel more polished and put together, I’d love to hear about them.
I keep my make-up routine pretty simple: eye liner, mascara, and a glowy cheek balm. I look natural, but not plain. I really only do more if I have a fancy night out, which is extremely rare.
I’m not retired yet so for workdays I have some 3-piece outfits of a pair of trousers, a knit top, and coordinating jacket that hang at the front of my closet. In winter the trousers are black and in summer they are khaki, ditto the shoes. Each outfit hangs together on one hanger and I’ve recently hung a bag with jewelry for each outfit from the hanger as well. Make-up is simply lipstick at this point. Bad hair workdays I tie a scarf to hide my hairline. For weekends and days off I grab pull on trousers or jeans (depending on weather) with a tunic top and flats. On bad hair weekends I wear my Air Force Woman Veteran ball cap. Thanks for the advice in this post. I’m going to try to elevate my rough start routine with some of it.
Such a good post thank you Jennifer. I am about to have friends staying so this is so useful! I love adding statement earrings when I feel I could do with something fun and unexpected. I have found many of them on Etsy! Glad to hear your hubby is doing well!
And you always look lovely…minimal effort or otherwise!
Great advice here. Appreciate it!
I have a months’ worth of outfits in my planner. Shower and put on the outfit for the 7th. No thought required. I recently sorted my makeup by color family, I’m wearing warm colors today so I just pulled out the “warm” baggie. No fumbling through my makeup drawer and trying to read the small print on the lipstick tube. I function best with order.
Very clever, Lily!
So many great tips, thank you…..for light fragrances that are delicious smelling, Salt & Stone products are wonderful
Yes, I love those too. Very nice
As to quick routine….id love to find a powder that’s not a matte finish, something radiant? Luminous? Not sure what it would be called…just not a highlighter. I do a light dusting of powder with a big brush but what I have is matte. Not liking that finish anymore.
And ….. I laughed out loud (and may have even snorted!) when I read your “well, that’s unfortunate” comment! Love your sense of humor.
lol, we’ve all had those mornings. I don’t know of a powder like that but I’ll look around. Matte is hard to pull off on my skin too.
bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil or Laura Geller’s Baked Balance-n-Glow each have a softer satin finish. I find I have to go lighter with Laura Geller because it darkens as it oxidizes on my skin. Both are great to travel with.
Great to know, thanks!
Jennifer the best thing that works for me…prepare the night before.
I agree!
Ha! I, too, leave two pairs of earrings beside my make up for a quick ready, set, go. I apply tinted moisturizer with spf, mascara, lip balm and a light touch of scent. I get my brows waxed and tinted so one less step and stopped using lipstick. It just felt wrong and I would wipe it off. Now I only wear it at night when going out dining.
Good morning!
I finally broke down and had my brows micro bladed. It wasn’t as painful as it sounds! Although I wax loose hairs monthly, I now don’t even give them a second thought for at least a year!
I also use a Bobbi Brown tip and use my lipstick as a cheek color….saves a bit of time fumbling for blush and a brush.
Thank you for such a blog full of wonderful tips and ideas, Jennifer! I so look forward to receiving it!
Good Morning Sandy! That’s a very popular time saver. I admit to being nervous to try it so I’m glad to hear your result was a good one. Thanks for sharing.
These steps are certainly going to help get out the door fast. If I know I’m going to be rushed I plan my outfit ahead of time. Then everything else falls into place. I might have to wear a hat but whatever works!
Agreed. If I have a very early app, I’ll often organize my outfit the evening before.
Great tips. Thank you.
Excellent post Jennifer and just what I needed!
Thank you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I love your routine and sense of humor/perspective that not every morning starts out great. One thing I used to do, got out of the habit during covid, but will again starting this summer is to get my brows and lashes tinted. A great face-framer and time saver. I got it done the first time before we went to Hawaii because I wanted to be able to be in the water without mascara. My only caution is that it’s likely to start out darker and more smudgy than you might prefer. So never do it the day of or day before an event when you want to look your best. And it’s a good idea to have a dependable concealer in your makeup stash so you can cover any smudges. Also note that technicians vary in their ability to do this without smudging.
Great tip Sheila. Thanks for sharing.
I recently retired and am revamping my wardrobe to my new lifestyle. It’s a challenge, but you are helping immensely. TY
My pleasure!
Great tips! I second having a few “uniforms” to help with decision fatigue. I’m visual so I make up the outfits in my Stylebook app. It helps me to see the outfits instead of just visualizing in my head. Wearing my seasonal colors. Less is more for makeup these days and I’ve narrowed it down to what I really need (this is different for each of us). Fill in brows, swipe of Bobbi Brown shadow stick, Urban Decay 24/7 liner, Tarte shape tape concealer. A few swipes of Merit/BB foundation stick on my rosacea areas, Merit flush balm on cheeks and lipstick or lip oil. Diamond studs that I never take out and my bracelet stack. I love the AllSaints scents.
Love the sound of your “uniform”. They really do help so much.
Great get up and go routine! Mine is very similar…..always have an outfit that always feels “just right”, minimal makeup routine and a baseball cap if necessary ☺️. My never leave the house without it on is my under eye concealer. Helps not looking tired (and older) and helps to pep me up. I am ordering your Ilia serum with the light coverage and SPF to try…..fingers crossed it doesn’t make the rosacea flare up!
Thanks for sharing. Enjoy reading your posts!
It has never caused my rosacea to flare up. I hope you’re the same!
Your style is awesome, I am really comfortable in all of these,
less is more here in Florida! I am going to try the brow gel for
my none existent brows.
Good morning Jennifer. What brand of brow gel do you recommend. I’ve never used a gel before only pencil. I’m not happy with the pencil.
Also, has your husband made a full recovery from his ( correct me if I’m wrong), hip surgery.
Have a good day
He’s doing very well, thanks for asking Pat. I’ve found a few really good ones. Merit makes a great one and so does Charlotte Tilbury. It’s all about finding one in the right shade that goes on smoothly.
All terrific ideas, but especially love the tip of leaving a pair of earrings with the makeup “essentials” to grab when you’re on the go. Excellent!
Good morning! I’ll be back to read this in its entirety later. I wanted to say thank you for all the advice you’ve given me over the years. I’ll be wearing jeans and a white blouse today with blue suede loafers and shortly! Many thanks, Sheila
I love the sound of your outfit!