I probably spend more time on my hair than anything else. I just cut it but it is still long, like right at my hips, when I straighten it. In the shower I wash my hair first, leave conditioner on until the very end, exfoliate and smooth (everything) then moisturizer (in shower kind). I have very little body hair, fortunately, and what I have is very light and fine, probably from years of waxing some areas.I would like to have laser hair removal some day so I don't ever have to shave or wax again. Coconut or argan oil in my hair, while very wet, because it helps shape and smooth the curl. Sometimes I condition with pure virgin olive oil overnight then wash out in the morning. After my shower I keep my hair in a towel for an hour or two until I style it. It stays wet a long time, so I drink coffee and check forums while waiting. Sometimes I watch a whole movie with my hair in a towel. I call it multitasking.
If my color is fading I spend extra time using red color restoring shampoos and conditioners. I don't like to color often so I only do my roots, when needed, but try to limit full hair coloring to every 6 months. Color restoring keeps my hair color while limiting damage. I have been red for awhile and it is hard to maintain otherwise. I do not wash my hair every day but co-washes are ok for everyday, only if needed, but still strips the color. If it looks good, when I wake, I put a bit more oil in it, finger comb it, then use a turbie twist towel to keep it dry while I shower.
I put my contacts in after the humidity clears, moisturizer on my face, lip balm or coconut oil on lips, brow filler/color, then take my hair out of the towel to twist it. I usually let it continue to dry naturally but I have a ceramic, ionic dryer and ceramic tourmaline straightener when I want it smooth. On a typical day when I do not have to go anywhere I take my time. I do my nails a couple times a week but sometimes I leave my fingernails bare but not my toes. I do wear earrings and hair accessories most days, even when I am not going out. I like to play with different hairstyles but I usually end up pulling it up if I don't feel like dealing with it, even after an hour of straightening sometimes, since it starts to bug me when it is in my face while I am on the computer. I like slouchy caps lately and wear them often now that the weather has cooled. It also hides roots when I am slacking. Sometimes I wear a flower clip or dangling hair jewelry. I am a fan of the single side braid and will weave sparkly things into my braids.
https://www.etsy.com/market/slouchy_hat
If I have somewhere to go I can speed up the whole process by drying on cool setting with a diffuser and I spend some extra time on a brown/black mascara so it doesn't get on or under my contacts. I find rushing it leads to wiping it all off, removing contacts, rinsing and repeat. Oh and sometimes I use bronzer over powder if I am going to an appointment since I am a bit pale these days. I don't really mind looking pale though.
I will use a light, shimmery, full body bronzer, or even a light self tanner, if I am going out for a special occasion. Red or dark purple lipstick looks fine on me but only for dark places and only if I am wearing all black or something red. I also have black lipstick and nail polish for "dark places".
I have worn white mascara and nail polish too, with violet/blueish lips and I liked the look. Don't ask where...
If I do go out to a club or bar I will go with red, or shades of purple, lips (sometimes) but I skip bronzer and focus on making my lashes long and dark (blackest black). My cheekbones tend to look prominent even when I don't do anything to them. I don't do well with fake lashes but I like to pair two different mascaras (false fibers) that make people think I have false lashes on. But that is only for events and parties. I actually like nude shades of everything because it looks like I am not really wearing makeup so I would wear those for a day event. I am fortunate that I basically earn my money sitting at home so I do not have to do any of this to go to work in a professional environment anymore. I can spend my days makeup free so washing my face at night takes very little time or effort. I spend about 10 minutes on my teeth in the morning and again at night. I floss every day. I have electronic gadgets for my teeth. Sonic toothbrush and waterpik. I love them and recommend to everyone.
This all sounds long and complicated when I read over it but it really is all done at a relaxed pace and doesn't take a lot of effort really. At least not more than I feel comfortable putting into it. I do have to take a
medication (off label) before I shower due to a water allergy but it is not the worst kind of water allergy one can have and I live a normal life with it. I take 30-40 minute showers after I numb myself. The meds make me a bit more spacy and imaginative so I start to commune with water.
When I have somewhere to be I have to set a timer so I am not late. Even though the meds can make me lose track of time but the effect does not last all day only the first couple of hours.
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Originally Posted by Starfall
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