A few ‘high-maintenance’ steps so I can hit snooze and still look put-together every morning.

Elegant vanity corner with neatly arranged beauty products in neutral and blush tones, bathed in soft natural light.

7 High-Maintenance Beauty Habits That Make You More Low-Maintenance

My 10-minute morning routine didn’t happen by magic — it’s the result of a few “high-maintenance” habits that secretly make my life way more low-maintenance.

The trick? Spend a little more time upfront, so you save hours every week… and look like you woke up straight out of a Pinterest board.

Here are the 7 treatments I swear by to stay polished 24/7 without spending my mornings glued to the mirror.

Quick Start: Non Negotiable Steps

Lash lift + tint → skip mascara for 6–8 weeks
Brow lamination → fluffy, tamed brows without daily gel
Self-tanning → that just-back-from-vacation glow, instantly

1. Lash Lift + Tint

I can’t stress enough how much time this saves — money and time.

From waking up looking like a The Walking Dead extra to a supermodel off-duty look… it’s a total game changer. No mascara smudges, no raccoon eyes at the gym, and your lashes stay curled and dark for up to two months.

I use an at-home kit and honestly, it’s my #1 time-saving hack. You can do it in 20 minutes while listening to your favorite podcast and sipping white wine (just not too much, or you’ll end up curling your eyebrows). The result? Sophisticated, elegant, and totally runway ready.

How to do it: Curl your lashes, apply the lifting solution, let it set, then tint — follow the kit timer for best results.

Close-up of an eye with naturally curled, dark lashes, soft makeup. beauty hacks — Lashes ready for the day—no mascara needed

2. Brow Lamination

If your brows have a mind of their own (mine used to look like they were trying to escape in opposite directions), lamination will be your new BFF.

It keeps them brushed up, fluffy, and perfectly shaped — no daily brow gel needed. Pair it with a tint and you’re basically set for the month.

How to do it: Brush brows upward, apply the lamination solution, and let it process. Neutralize, tint if desired, then set with nourishing oil. Avoid getting them wet for 24 hours.

Close-up of perfectly brushed, fluffy laminated brows with natural makeup. beauty hacks — Perfectly shaped brows all month long

3. Self-Tanning Routine

Glowy skin = less makeup — and less time getting ready.

I self-tan once a week and it instantly makes me look healthier, more awake, and ready to go makeup-free.
If you want every tip, product, and mistake to avoid, I’ve shared my full process in Self-Tanning Routine 101: The Ultimate Guide to Achieve a Golden Goddess Glow.

Model with tan glowy skin. beauty hacks — That just-back-from-vacation glow

4. Laser Hair Removal

I still shave sometimes, but laser hair removal has cut it down by at least 80%.

Smooth skin all year, no ingrown hairs, and zero “oops, I forgot to shave and now I can’t wear that dress” moments. You never know where and in what circumstances you can meet the love of your life… or that unexpected one night stand. Honestly? Freedom.

How to do it: Shave the area first, then use a professional clinic or a safe at-home IPL device. Stick to the recommended schedule for lasting results.

Minimal interior scene with a model using a sleek beauty gadget, surrounded by soft light. beauty hacks — Smooth skin without last-minute stress.

5. Gel / Shellac Nails

Neutral gel nails last 2–3 weeks without a single chip. They survive typing marathons, grocery hauls, and weekend brunches — and still look fresh.

Pro tip: a nude or milky shade hides grow-out so much better than bold colors.

How to do it: Shape your nails, buff lightly, apply base coat, two layers of color, and a glossy top coat. Cure each layer under UV/LED light as directed.

Close-up of pink gel manicure. beauty hacks — Flawless nails that last for weeks.

6. Keratin Hair Treatment

If frizz was a personality trait, it would’ve been mine.

Keratin changed everything — my blow-dry time is literally cut in half, and even when I let my hair air-dry, it looks like I actually tried (spoiler: I didn’t).
If you live somewhere humid, this is your sign.

How to do it: Wash hair with clarifying shampoo, apply keratin product section by section, blow-dry, then seal with a flat iron. Don’t wash or tie hair for 72 hours after.

Model with sleek, glossy brunette hairstyle. beauty hacks — Frizz-free and full of shine

7. Teeth Whitening

A bright smile instantly makes you look more put-together.

Even on no-makeup days, white teeth give you that clean, fresh vibe. I do it at home every few months and it keeps my coffee habit in check… sort of. Anyway, thank you Crest Whitestrips.

How to do it: Apply whitening gel to trays or strips, wear as instructed, and avoid coffee/tea during treatment days for best results (I know it’s hard, but trust me, it worths the effort.)

bright, white smile & pink lipstick. beauty hacks — A smile that lights up any look.

Final Thoughts

High-maintenance habits aren’t about spending hours every day — they’re about investing once so you can relax later.

Start with one or two that make the biggest difference for you, and you’ll be shocked at how much easier your mornings feel.

📌 Wanna see more? Check out this posts:
– 7 Day Express Glow-Up Before a Trip
– Self-Tanning Routine 101: The Ultimate Guide to Achieve a Golden Goddess Glow
– Back to School Outfits 2025: 7 Chic & Affordable Looks for Highschool & College

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The 7 High-Maintenance Steps That Keep Me Low-Maintenance