BEAUTY CHRONICLES:

High Maintenance, Low Effort: The Ultimate Beauty Hack

By: Haley Gaylor

Beautiful in 6 easy steps.

Since a young age, my mom has always told me that I was high maintenance. I think it was because my energy resembled that of an Energizer bunny, but she was onto something. If there’s one lesson I've learned throughout my 27 years, it’s that it’s hard being a diva (we should have gotten that on a t-shirt, like yesterday).

As I’ve gotten older and busier, I’ve gathered a few tricks up my sleeve to enhance my beauty routine so that I’m spending less time overall getting ready. You can call it extra; I call it proactive. If you want to simplify your morning ritual by getting ahead of your beauty woes, keep reading.

STEP 1: THE EYELASHES

I was born with short, straight, and blonde eyelashes, and it’s been my nightmare rotation to this day. Luckily, beauty is the language I speak, so I’m always scheming for new hacks to level -up my natural features. To grow my lashes long, I love using the Sweed Lash Growth Serum because it’s a prostaglandin-free formula unlike most brands, meaning that it won’t inflame my eyelids or cause fat loss around under eyes . While I am a passenger on this lash growth journey, I opt for the Pro Lash Mini Kit to give the illusion of dark, curled lashes without having to use mascara. The best part? They last for ten days and you look like a superstar.

STEP 2: REUSABLE FACE PATCHES

Nothing makes you feel more luxurious than a face mask. I love the brand Skin Gym because their masks are reusable, are made from sturdy medical-grade silicone, and I can customize them within my own personalized skincare. As I’m inching closer to 30, I’ve been relying on the Reusable Mask Patch while I sleep to keep wrinkles at bay, which is a win-win because I put it on after my nightly skincare and wake up with the smoothest forehead on this side of the Mississippi.

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

STEP 3: LEAVE-IN TREATMENTS

It’s been a long-term goal for me to transform my over-bleached, dry strands into long, glossy locks for a while now,- and I’d like to thank the following hacks for achieving this dream.

I love a good hair mask and oil-- not for their traditional in-shower and styling uses, but as leave-in, healing treatments. For the mask, I use the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask to slick back my bun during the day, or I apply it to my ends before bed and seal it with a silk/satin scrunchie to lock in all of the nourishing benefits. For the oil, (if you’ve read my previous Le Prunier editorial, you’ll understand my love for this product) I use the Plum Beauty Oil as a split-end remedy treatment. It has brought my brittle ends back to life with its rich vitamin E and Omega Oils. I warm up 3-5 drops between my hands and apply it to the last 2 inches of my hair before bed, or whenever I think my strands need a little more TLC.

STEP 4: MOUTH TAPING

If my abs had the equivalent strength to my jaw and masseter muscle, I’d be walking around with a 6-pack. These jaws of steel can only be tamed by two things: Botox and mouth taping. As much as I’ve racked up the Alle rewards points after all these years, (if you know, you know), I still need something extra to keep the pain at bay, and my face from swelling to the size of a cantaloupe (due to jaw tension). This is one of my quirkier hacks, but it has proven to be life- changing. My tension headaches have subsided, my oral health has improved, and my face has slimmed so much.

Dryft Sleep Mouth Tape

STEP 5: (WE HAVE) NAILS AT HOME

When it comes to nails, I keep my routine speedy and cost-effective. I have mastered the art of the at-home manicure, simply by using press-on nails. I am obsessed with the ones from Chill Tips, Mani Muse, and Glamnetic, and can have salon- worthy nails in under 20 minutes. Now that’s what I call a win.

STEP 6: SELF TAN

I’ve been using self-tanners for over ten years and can safely say the confidence boost they have brought me is priceless. I love Luna Bronze Total Eclipse Express Dark Tanning Mousse because it contains natural ingredients, so that I can feel safe in the tan that’s marinating on my skin for hours. Additionally, I am a fan of “express” body tanners, which means they sit on my skin for only a few hours versus destroying my sheets while I sleep. For my face, I use the NUDA Face Tan Water in the dark shade because it’s a clear spray that’s easy to apply, and it’s acne safe. Who needs to pay to travel when you can look like you went on a Caribbean vacation from the comfort of your home?

Luna Bronze Total Eclipse Express Dark Tanning Mousse

Some people say that beauty is pain, but I’d say it’s dedication. Mastering a routine that fits your needs and lifestyle is essential for those roll-out-of bed mornings (which I have a little too often). Whether you’re growing out your hair, wanting to try a new look, or whatever the reason, the high-to-low maintenance method will be your secret weapon. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where beauty meets ease, making every day feel a little more fabulous without stress.

BEAUTY THAT WORKS FOR YOU