Ruby QWe’ve all had those days when we’ve gotten up for a lecture and only arose 20 minutes before it starts. So, naturally, there’s a mad dash to our class and no time to do anything but to put on some clean clothes and (hopefully) brush our teeth! But as it should be clear, that gives a bad impression to those that encounter us. I am utterly jealous of anyone that says they can roll out of bed and look like Angelina Jolie, because alas, I wasn’t blessed with that help from Mother Nature. When I wake up, my hair is knotty and a huge mess, I usually have tell-tale bags under my eyes from the 4 hours of sleep that I got the night before, and more often than not, I’m in desperate need of some TLC; tender loving cereal.
With university set to begin, I’ve devised a few key steps that you can take in the morning to look human, if not wonderful, so that you’re prepared if you unexpectedly go to the student’s union after your class for a cheeky one.
Step 1: Set your alarm and make sure you get up! It sounds easier said than done, I know. But lately, it’s been so easy to get up with this app called Sleep Cycle. I wish I’d known about this genius app at the beginning of my university career, because I would’ve gotten up on time a lot more, and I wouldn’t have missed some crucial moments, such as the time when my lecturer got his hair shaved off by students for charity. Sleep Cycle is an alarm clock that wakes you up in your lightest sleep phase. What’s the science behind it? As you sleep you go through different phases, ranging from light sleep to deep sleep. By measuring your movements, it calculates when you are in your lightest sleep and wakes you up gently at this phase, which is proven to also benefit your mood and how tired you are! So when you arise from your slumber, you’re left feeling fresh and awake.
Step 2: Get your clothes ready the night before because you don’t realise how picking out your clothes in the morning can quickly eat away at the minutes on the clock.
Step 3: Brush your teeth and wash your face. Nothing will keep you looking and feeling fresh more than these two things and they are a must in the mornings. If you can fit a quick shower in, I would urge you to do just that.
Step 4: If you are a makeup user, I suggest reining it in and only using a few things. When I’m in a real hurry, I’ll usually use concealer under my eyes and on any blemishes or dark spots that I have. These usually appear around my mouth and on my cheeks. I like to use the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer because at just over £4, the pigmentation is incredible whilst also being super budget (and student) friendly! After this, I recommend a good mascara and a lip product. The mascara is key to making you look wide-eyed and faking the idea that you got your full eight hours, and the lippy is down to personal preference. If you don’t like to have anything like a lipstick on for day-to-day use, use a lip butter! Revlon have a wonderful formula that combines a wash of colour with the feeling of a lip balm.
Step 5: Brush your hair because this makes all the difference. If its looking to be a bad hair day, hats should be your best friend.
Step 6: Eat breakfast! I know that by now everyone has drilled into your head that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that’s because it is. It gets your metabolism going and keeps you awake and keeps your brain alert for the essays and exams that university life throws at you. Even if all you eat is a banana and take a handful of nuts and seeds with you, its better than nothing and your body will thank you for it.
The more you follow these steps during freshers week, the more it becomes routine and the quicker you get at all of these things. With some practice, I’ve gotten these steps to take me 20 minutes and then I can dash out of the door, looking and feeling somewhat human. Organization is key and it’s the difference between looking like a glowing celebrity or a grumpy, pillow-crinkled mess.