Winter beauty hacks

So you can stay snug under the covers longer

In winter, my morning routine revolves around how long I can hide under the duvet while leaving myself enough time to look semi-presentable for work. The goal is to maximise your under-the-covers minutes to the absolute last available second, and still look like you’ve made something of an effort.

HAIR

You want a method where the lion’s share of the admin can be done the night before while wearing your flannel pyjamas and slippers.

If you don’t already shower in the evenings, this is the season to start. On hair-washing day, comb your locks with a wide tooth comb and air dry them until they are about 90 per cent dry, while sitting in front of the fire with a glass of red. Once you’re at that barely damp stage, comb a nourishing hair oil or styling creme through the lengths and plait it into two Dutch braids or twist it into two low buns.

I like to use the Moroccanoil range because it’s heavy-duty enough to hydrate your hair, without weighing it down and leaving it looking lank.

Comb the original Moroccanoil, $67, through your wet hair when you first get out of the shower, and then apply Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, $60, to the lengths when you’re at the almost-dry stage (just before plaiting).

The genius thing about the braid or bun technique is that you’re styling your hair while you sleep, and avoiding the damaging effects of heated tools.

If it’s not a hair-washing day, just do exactly the same thing, but spray your roots with dry shampoo before tying it up. I can’t go past Batiste, $20 – they call it a holy grail product for a reason.

Leave your braids/buns in until the absolute last moment possible before you arrive at the office for maximum wave and staying power.

I like to finger comb mine out while blasting my face with the car heater when I’m sitting at traffic lights on my way to work (comb with one hand, for safety).

Keep a serum or sea salt spray in the glove box for a quick sweep and spritz before braving your office air conditioning.

MAKEUP

The best part about a winter beauty routine – in my opinion – is that it’s actually a heck of a lot easier to achieve a “Look” in less than five minutes than it is in the warmer months.

In summer, there’s more pressure to have that tanned, healthy glow that often requires a multitude of bronzers and highlighters to look like you’ve just stepped off the beach. In winter, you can get away with less: a strong brow and a bold, mulled wine-esque lip and you’re sorted.

The key to nailing an under-five-minuter is investing in multitasking products. We’re not here to muck around, people.