The morning rush is the bane of students, teachers, and workers alike. No matter how early the alarm is set, a peaceful morning routine without a time crunch seems impossible. Especially for busy women in the workforce and teenage students trying to get to class on time, the struggle of perfecting the notorious process of hair, makeup, and outfits is nearly universal. While variations exist on social media and in the news, what are each step’s advantages and disadvantages?
Getting possibly the messiest part of the routine out next, doing makeup as the first step, not only saves mess but also allows it to sit, which many believe appears more naturally worn (Tira). As this step is likely grouped with skin prep, prioritizing it first means it will likely get the most time. This first step isn’t without its downsides, though. While there is time for the products to sit, the Women’s Health Magazine found the average woman takes 54 minutes to get ready, which isn’t enough time for the best result either way (The Beat 92.5). This also leaves the outfit susceptible to any smears, especially most shirts. If left as the second step, it still shares the same weaknesses as it may smear on outfits, but it stays safe from any flying strands of hair during the styling process. Being left for last saves the outfit and hair from any possible product transfer, but by now, there will be little time for the tedious steps like eyeliner. Also, if the outfit has any uncomfortable parts, it may be difficult to do makeup, especially if left last for the end of the rush.
Hair is more difficult to place in one spot as it takes time, but it is also susceptible to other parts of the morning routine. Hair is usually done first rather than last, as straightening hair is time-consuming, while a blow-out needs time to set. Similarly to makeup, though, the completed hairstyle may be ruined by putting on the outfit. The same can be said for makeup, too, as while a couple of strands may get in the way of foundation, foundation may make its way to the already styled hair if done next. This depends greatly, though, as some may not need hair styling and can afford to do the step last to tie it up to save it from the makeup and outfit.
Lastly, and what Valley Magazine regards as the last step, is outfit. Many believe the outfit is best done last since it is the quickest step, but one that requires caution. One rushed shirt can quickly ruin the entire makeup look and hair. As the last step, this also saves the makeup and hair process from any discomfort from tight or intricate outfits. Very cleverly, to consider the thought needed for an outfit, Valley Magazine recommends choosing the outfit before any of the steps and leaving the last step as putting on the outfit with any finishing touches (Valley). The outfit is also rarely considered the primary step, as it may get caught up in the makeup mess and get dirtied.
Enough with generalizations, though. What do students at YL have to say? Sorting by time, Eunice Kim (11) states her order as “makeup, hair, then outfit, mainly because I spend the longest time on makeup and shortest on outfit.” Meanwhile, considering cleanliness, Demi Kim (10) feels differently, revealing, “I do outfit, makeup, then hair because picking an outfit stops it from getting makeup on later. Plus, all I need to do is hair after.” These minor differences in routines can significantly affect how much time is spent, depending on the person. Everyone has a varying morning routine fit for their tastes and sleep requirements, but ultimately, when the morning starts later than it should, it’s just a mindless race to finish.
