A Skincare Routine For Lazy Girls That Works

The problem with being lazy is that usually certain things either just don't get done, or they don't get done as well as they could have. So you might think that when it comes to being lazy about skincare, if you want the easiest way out, you'll just have to make sacrifices. But that's not the case. There are actually plenty of ways to live up to your full lazy-girl potential while also taking care of your skin.

Sure, you could be spending your down-time whipping up fancy DIY facial masks and scrubs, but Netflix just added another season of your favorite show. If you're going to kill two birds with one stone by taking care of your skin while you watch 12 episodes in one sitting, you don't want to be distracted by the food that's on your face instead of in your mouth. So don't worry about deftly lounging so as to not accidentally rub your avocado mask (which you would rather be eating with some chips, thank you) on your favorite blanket. Trade up to a bottle of water instead. Yes, mindlessly sipping on some water can do wonders for your skin. And if you're up for more ways to take care of your skin without spending extra time, effort, or thought; here are 11 more changes to make and products to try. So go ahead and hit that snooze button one more time.

1. Stay Hydrated

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to stay hydrated. By drinking enough water everyday, you can help your skin look plump and glowing without having to pile on all the treatments and the lotions. To make this even easier, opt for a large bottle that you'll only have to fill once or twice throughout the day, or a bottle with a straw that you can sip on without thinking.

2. Remove Makeup + Cleanse

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, $5, Amazon

Micellar water is a lazy girl's best friend. It's generally best to wash and moisturize your face after removing makeup, but who has time for all of that? Micellar water can take care of all three of those steps at once. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with the water and wipe across your face until it comes back clean. No waiting for water to warm up, no rinsing, no oily makeup remover, no moisturizer. Easy.

3. Keep Makeup Wipes on Your Nightstand

Yes To Cucumbers Facial Wipes, $9,Amazon

If you're ready to just fall into bed, makeup and all, make sure to have some facial wipes nearby. You'll be more likely to take off your makeup before you sleep (which you should always do!) if you can do it from the comfort of your bed.

4. Try A Cleansing Oil

L'Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil, $24, Amazon

Cleansing oils are another great three-in-one if you can't be bothered to take three separate steps to remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize. Simply rub the oil into dry skin to break up makeup, dirt, and other oil; then rinse off. Although it's always good to follow any kind of wash with a moisturizer, an oil cleanser adds enough hydration that you can skip that step and jump straight into bed.

5. Brush Teeth & Treat Zits & Exfoliate Lips

While brushing your teeth, there's an extra thing you can do with both your toothbrush and toothpaste. With the toothbrush, brush your lips to help exfoliate them. Don't forget the lip balm after you've finished! As for the toothpaste, you can use it as a spot treatment to help dry out any pimples you might have. Just dab a small layer on any spots, and let it dry before going to sleep.

6. Look for Treatment Pads

Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads, $26, Amazon

Skin treatments become so much easier to use when they come in the form of a pre-soaked pad. Instead of having to deal with specific instructions and messy oils and serums, all you have to do for a dose of anti-aging or skin-clearing is grab a pad, swipe it over your face, and toss it. Done.

7. Use An Overnight Mask

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, $20, Amazon

Some of the best tasks are the set-it-and-forget-it type. That's exactly what overnight masks are. Instead of having to apply a mask and wait an awkward amount of time before having to messily scrub it off, an overnight mask can be applied and totally forgotten. These masks can add radiance and hydration without requiring any extra time or attention.

8. Skip Unnecessary Steps

Toners? Masks? Serums? Exfoliators? Ain't no lazy girl got time for that! And that's totally fine. You don't actually need a 10-step routine to have good and healthy skin. As long as you're removing makeup, washing your face, and moisturizing (which you can do all in one step with a micellar water or cleansing oil), that's good enough for most days. Of course it doesn't hurt to use a mask or exfoliate once a week, but you don't need to worry about incorporating those steps into your skincare routine on the daily.

9. Hydrate Eyes & Lips

Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Eye, $38, Amazon

Did you know you can use eye cream on your lips for double duty? The extra hydration they offer for the delicate eye area can also be utilized by the thinner skin found on the lips. Additionally, eye creams can help smooth and plump the lips to offer the same sort of rejuvenating effects they offer under-eyes.

10. Use A Day Cream With SPF

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, $14, Amazon

It's always important to apply a sunscreen if you intend on being outside during the day. But of course it's also important to moisturize if you wash your face in the morning. Two steps is one too many though, so opt for a moisturizer that has SPF so you only have to apply one product before getting on with your day. If you can, find a moisturizer with SPF 30 instead of SPF 15 for better protection.

11. Switch Out Your Pillowcase

Spasilk 100% Pure Silk Facial Beauty Pillowcase, $19, Amazon

Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from the skin and cause more friction against the face. These factors can lead to dry skin and premature wrinkles. To save face, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase that will allow your face to get the most out of your skincare routine.

12. Get Enough Sleep

Though I'm sure we lazy girls shouldn't have a problem with this one, if skimping on skincare, it is important to get a good night's rest. This is because, while we sleep, our skin is actually being repaired and renewed. So if you want plumper skin and lessened under-eye bags, focus on sleep instead of products for the easiest (and healthiest) fix. Seven to nine hours is ideal, but try not to sleep for 10+ hours either. Oversleeping can be just as bad for the skin as not getting enough sleep.

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