One-Minute Ways to Get Gorgeous

“When you need a quick fix, spray and liquid serums add an instant boost of shine,” says New York City hairstylist Riccardo Maggiore. “They also smooth and seal the hair cuticle to eliminate frizzies and static electricity.” Just warm a few drops of the shine serum between your palms, then smooth right onto dry hair, concentrating more toward your ends and avoiding your roots (otherwise hair could get flat or greasy). ON WOMAN'S DAY: Beauty Rules to Break

Few beauty tricks produce such dramatic results in such a short time. Just grab a traditional metal lash curler and hold tightly in your hand to warm it for about ten seconds, then gently clamp near your lash roots and pulse three times, moving the curler down your lashes a bit more with each pulse to create a smooth curve. Apply mascara afterward to give the curl staying power.

They may take a bit longer to apply than lipstick or gloss, but lip stains keep your pout looking rosy for hours (even through eating and drinking) and can easily make up for the lack of other makeup. “A little goes a long way, so dot just a little bit on your lips and then mush them together to transfer the color,” says celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles, who notes that stains are now available in a wider array of flattering hues than ever before.

Bronzer is possibly the best secret beauty weapon to come around in years. It gives anyone an instant healthy glow, and the new formulas are almost goof-proof. Just avoid one with sparkles, which “can make you look overly shimmery and orange to boot,” Stiles says. Sweep up some matte bronzer using a large, fluffy brush and lightly dust it on the zones where the sun would naturally hit — your nose and cheekbones, as well as along the hairline.

Right after you get out of the shower, gently push your cuticles back using a hand towel. Then paint your dry nails with clear polish. If you want to add color, forget about sitting around waiting for your polish to dry; these days, there are tons of high-tech nail formulas that set within seconds. Choose a light neutral or metallic polish; they will dry the quickest and are the easiest to slick on. ON WOMAN'S DAY: Quick Hair Solutions

On days when you don’t have time to mess around with a curling iron but don’t want to resort to yet another ponytail either, try this instant upgrade: Pull your hair back into a sleek ponytail and secure with a clear elastic hair tie (or one that blends with your hair). Then twist the tail and coil it around the base to form a pretty ballerina bun. Secure with three or four bobby pins, and mist on medium-hold hairspray to keep flyaways in check.

It was designed as a way to prep skin for foundation, but the latest primers have proven to be miracle workers unto themselves — and they’re way quicker to apply than a whole face of base. To see the benefits for yourself, smooth a silicone-based primer onto your face, starting with your nose and then working outward over any areas where you have visible pores or excess shine. Set with a little translucent face powder and you’re good to go.

Overslept and missed your appointment with the treadmill? Nothing a minute with the blush brush can’t fix. “Peachy blush is a surefire complexion perker-upper,” Stiles says. “The color is universally flattering for any skin tone and it adds light and life to the face.” She suggests using a formula that’s sheer so you can build up the color gradually without overdoing it, and one with just a hint of shimmer for luminosity.

Setting your hair in hot rollers can have an amazing effect, but who has the time? Here’s the quickie way to give your hair some sex appeal: Flip your head upside-down and blow-dry your roots for about 45 seconds. Then mist your roots with light-hold hairspray, flip your head back up and smooth hair back into place. You’ll have gorgeous volume, as if you just got a blowout (even if, in reality, you’re overdue for a shower). ON WOMAN'S DAY: Commercial Break Beauty