I will do anything for a little more sleep these days-- including being crunched for time on an almost daily basis. I've had to adapt my morning makeup routine to accommodate my current schedule so I'm using products that work double time with me.

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The Bag: My current makeup bag is actually the Glossier pink pouch. It's big enough to properly fit makeup brushes, but still small enough to fit in some of my bags. It's also transparent and padded so my powders are protected from drops, and I always know what I have with me. Also, because it's plastic, applying makeup near a sink isn't a big deal. Am I putting too much thought and emphasis on the makeup bag? Probably.

The Products:

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium // this provides light coverage (hence "tint") which is perfect for letting my freckles show through. It's also so insanely easy to apply, it's almost impossible to not have enough time for it. The little squeeze bottle is mess proof, so applying it in cramped spaces isn't a problem. Fun fact: I draw cat whiskers and a nose on myself every morning.

Glossier Stretch Concealer in Medium // I mostly use this on my under-eyes, since it's rare I get a good night's sleep these days. This not only fits my skin tone, it lasts all day too.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in Prosecco Pop & Luxie 504 Large Angled Brush// I apply this on my cheekbones and then swipe some down the middle of my nose and cupid's bow.

MAC eyebrow pencil in Spiked & EcoTools spoolie brush

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise in Blackest Black

Glossier Coconut Balm Dot Com // I use this primarily on my lips because of how prone they are to drying up and cracking in the winter. This is a universal skin salve, so I use whatever's left on my fingertip on either my knuckles or cuticles. This stuff is amazing and can do it all. Also, it smells like paradise!

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I add or swap things out occasionally, but these are my tried and true staples. The total prep time is under 5 minutes, which is perfect for doing your makeup in a parking lot. Because, you know, sleep.

Grounding myself has been an uphill battle lately. It's like the chaos of my world can't be calmed; I have this gigantic cloud of things to do and things to worry about circling me. For a while, I'd given up trying to fight it, but I've recently started listening to what actually makes me feel good. 

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Progress is Progress

You'd be surprised at what completing tasks can do for your wellbeing. I was the first to guess that avoiding reality with tv and books would do the trick, but getting rid of some of the mental clutter is even better. It doesn't have to be anything big. When I've had a particularly rough day at work, or when I find myself having a panic attack, small and mindless tasks work wonders. I'll give myself a manicure and/or shave my legs. If I'm pressed for time or the former don't apply, I clean up a room, make the bed, or organize something. I know those seem insignificant, but they don't require laser-sharp focus and they're time consuming enough to allow a few (much-needed) deep breaths. At the end, you'll have something to show for it. Anything helps, and if you can only bring yourself to do so much, make it count. You'll come home to a cleaner space or not have to worry about chipped nails "on top of everything else." 

Find your zen. What can you do to maximize your positivity? What makes you feel most like you? We're slowly decorating our apartment, so finding something that really ~goes~ with our space feeds my positive energy. Every time I add something new, I'm able to enjoy our space that much more when home. Over time, the apartment we're coming home to is really reflecting who we are. I also recently cut my hair off because I just wasn't feeling the old 'do anymore. I haven't looked back since cutting it off. When you really take the time to listen to what you need, there is no hard thought involved. You just know. I woke up one day and said, "this isn't me anymore." A few hours later, I was in a salon saying, "shorter, please."

Treat Yo' Self

Yes, one of the many life lessons brought to us by Parks & Rec. Get yourself something unnecessary-- anything you know will make you happy. That thing you've always really wanted, but could never justify. Try this for justification: it'll make you smile. Just do so within your means. I was talking to my dad one day about how he'd spent an entire week's paycheck in one outing. I was confused because it went against everything I'd been taught about saving for a rainy day. His response was: "I work hard. You see me leave at 5am and come home at 7pm. What's the point of working so hard? I'm gonna do something for me every now and then because I earned it." That day he went out and bought name-brand groceries and then stopped off at Barnes & Noble for a craftsman magazine. Basically, my dad taught me that it was okay to treat myself. It might not make your chaos shrink, but it'll give you a reason to smile.

One of my favorite perfume lines, these perk me up right away. They never leave my side.

On a similar note, do something for yourself. It's recently been rainy and cold-- the exact environment I thrive in. All I wanted to do instead of spend every waking hour at work was to enjoy it. My boyfriend and I went out and had a mini coffee date. Technically, yes, we bought the coffee. But that wasn't the point. The point was spending that hour the way I wanted to spend it.

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There's a certain empowerment in looking back and realizing that you. are. getting. shit. done. You are working through the rough days, getting closer to the end. Making the most of this time is about all you can do, and although it's not pleasant, it also doesn't have to be a complete loss. Let yourself enjoy what you can, find a reason to smile, do what you can. You're doing your best.