Speed Beauty

There are never enough hours in the day, and with today's hectic schedules, that means something's got to give - and more often than not it's your beauty routine. Whether you've overslept or have a last-minute party to attend, fast beauty moves with a big impact are essential. The secret: Always be prepared. With the right products and tools already on hand, you'll never be left scrambling while the clock's ticking. Make those precious minutes count with these simple tips, tools and techniques.

BEAUTY DILEMMA You're racing the clock to get to work on time - and you still haven't put on any makeup.
Fast fix "When you're running late you want products that you can apply in minutes and on the go, if necessary," says New York City-based makeup artist Paula Dorf. Spend your time wisely by focusing on just a few key cosmetics to be used in all the right places. First up, a concealer, applied anywhere that redness or discoloration needs to be camouflaged. Next, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to perk up tired lids, Dorf says. Add one swipe of no-run mascara to upper lashes only and finish with cream blush, rubbed with your fingers onto the apples of your cheeks and then dabbed onto your lips for a hint of color.
Speed tools you Need Concealers: Clarins Instant Light Perfecting Touch ($24.50; gloss.com) or NARS Concealer ($18.50; nars cosmetics.com); mascara: Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof ($6.16; at drugstores); cream blush: Stila Rouge Pot ($20; sephora.com).

BEAUTY DILEMMA Your hair looks a bit worse for wear - and you've got no time to wash it.
Fast fix You don't have to be stuck with less-than-stellar locks if you're short on time. Instead of washing and blow-drying it, use a little hair powder (even baby powder) on dry strands. Apply close to the scalp or sprinkle on a brush and comb through. The powder will absorb your hair's excess oil and make it look less greasy.
Getting hair up and off your face can instantly make you look more pulled together. "If your hair is long, twist the back up and pin it to hold," suggests Allison Luongo, a stylist for Bumble and bumble salon in New York City. And don't overlook the ponytail, pulled up high or in a low chignon; it's easy and lends polish. Just make sure to smooth the ends with no more than a dime-sized drop of styling cream or glossing serum. For shorter hair, part it on the side and tuck behind the ears. Clip on a stylish barrette or pull on a colorful headband for a fun and fast hair fix.
Speed tools you need Hair powder: Bumble and bumble Hair Powder ($27; bumbleandbumble.com for salon locations); styling creams: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Creme ($6; at drugstores) or Herbal Essences Aloe Smoothing Crème ($3; at drugstores); hair accessories: Scünci No-Damage Elastic Polybands, ($3; at drugstores), and headbands, hair clips and ponytail holders from Frédéric Fekkai ($28-$75; fredericfekkai.com).