Speedy beauty solutions

In a rush? Take minimal time for maximum results

Between working, sleeping, socialising, housework and caring for others, is it any wonder a laborious layering regime and 30-minute face mask don’t get a look in? Here’s how to really maximise those all-important minutes.

1 IN-SHOWER CLEANSE

Night-time is when skin cells regenerate, thanks to your natural circadian rhythm, and cleansing first thing boosts this process. A quick cleanse should do it. Opt for a formula that’s free of sodium lauryl sulphate, which weakens the skin barrier against environmental damage, and incorporate a speedy massage. ‘It increases the flow of oxygen into your cells to awaken the skin,’ says facialist Kate Kerr. ‘Use your fingers and start with brisk upwards strokes over the cheeks, then quick, gentle pinches all over the face.’ Try CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, £9.50, rich in ceramides that lock in vital hydration.

2 AMP UP THE ANTIOXIDANTS

It’s important to apply your products while skin is still damp. ‘Your skin is most receptive to products when it’s soft, because the barrier’s compromised. Once it’s dry the skin will have hardened and important ingredients won’t penetrate so successfully,’ says Kate. Consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk recommends applying products starting with the lightest in texture. ‘This ensures that thicker products don’t impede the absorption of any others,’ she says. As for serum, use four drops and spread evenly over your face with your fingertips and down to your neck and decolletage. Apply by gently pressing it into your skin. Try Medik8 C-Tetra, £35.

3 TACKLE PUFFY EYES

This may prove a shock to the system, but facialist Abigail James guarantees it’s worth it if you struggle with eye bags. ‘Keep a rose quartz roller in your fridge and, using the smaller end and starting from the tear duct, roll it outwards and along the eye socket before rolling back towards the tear duct. Repeat three times.’ Then ‘place the roller vertically into the inner corner of the eye and, using a gentle rocking motion, press lightly to encourage the lymph fluid to drain away from around your eyes where it tends to settle.’ Follow with your eye cream. We like Indeed Retinol Reface Eye Cream, £24.99, and Herbivore Rose Quartz Facial Roller, £36.

4 SWEAR BY SPF

We are all aware how essential sun protection is. ‘Use a specific suncare product, rather than a moisturiser with added SPF as most people don’t apply enough to provide sufficient protection,’ says Dr Kluk. You need at least one teaspoon for the face, neck and decolletage. Massage it into skin as you would a moisturiser. Ultrasun

Face Tinted, £26, is mineralbased, so forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to help reflect UVA and UVB rays without irritating sensitive skin.

5 HIT UP THE HYDRATION

If your skin is on the drier side, focus on giving it some hydration. Your best bet is a lightweight moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, a molecule found naturally in your body that can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Massage into skin with your fingers. Using Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing

Hydrator, £25. Start in the middle of the face and always sweep outwards and upwards across the cheeks, then around the eye contours and across the forehead.

6 TAKE OFF THE DAY

The build-up of make-up and grime over the course of the day demands a double cleanse. ‘Start by using a micellar water to remove the bulk,’ says Dr Kluk. Micelles work like magnets to remove dirt from the skin. Sweep Garnier SkinActive Micellar Rose Water Cleanse & Glow, £2.50, over your face using a dry muslin cloth until it appears clean. For the second cleanse, use a balm like The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, £11, and incorporate facial massage.