I like my mornings like I like my runs – slow. But similar to everyone else in this crazy world, my mornings are often jam-packed with stuff I have to do before my workday starts.

While I always manage to run and fuel in the morning, I don’t always manage to get myself looking my best. Well, those days may be limited because I found some great advice about how to look good (and awake) in the morning, even when you’re feeling stale.

1. Do your morning prep the night before to avoid that “rushed” look

If you have to be at work at 8 a.m., you have little room for error when your alarm goes off. Prepare your breakfast and beverages the night before. (You can blend your juice in the evening and leave it in your fridge. You also can prepare a pitcher of fresh lemon water so you can hydrate as you stumble through your kitchen. Get a coffee maker with a timer and invest in some instant oatmeal.) Get your outfit of the day ready and get your everyday makeup in an accessible place. The less brainpower you have to use while getting ready the better.

2. Simplify your makeup game

Sure, we’d all love to look like a runway model every morning, but that’s just not going to happen. My go-to morning face is some tinted moisturizer with SPF, mascara and red lipstick then it’s zip, boom, bang! Out the door and I look good. (Non-pro tip: It’s incredibly hard to look tired when you’re rocking a bold lip.)

3. Step up your bedtime routine

A little moisturizer and coconut oil goes a long way. My favorite before bed routine is the following: Yes to Blueberries Deep Wrinkle Night Cream and Eye Firming Treatment, with a dab of coconut oil on my lips, and on my eye brows and upper lid. The coconut oil keeps my facial dry spots in check, and also moisturizes my brows (while keeping them in place).

4. Get enough sleep, eat well and hydrate

I know, I know. It’s hard. But the best way to look good in the morning is to take care of you. Help yourself fall asleep faster by turning off all screens before bedtime, and invest in an alarm clock that is not your phone.

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Image: Stephen Lai

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