How to improve your look in a short time

There are never enough hours in the day, and with today's hectic schedules, that means something's got to give--and more often than not it's your beauty routine. Whether you've overslept or have a last-minute party to attend, fast beauty moves with a big impact are essential. The secret: Always be prepared. With the right products and tools already on hand, you'll never be left scrambling while the clock's ticking. Make those precious minutes count with these simple tips, tools and techniques.

* BEAUTY DILEMMA You're racing the clock to get to work on time--and you still haven't put on any makeup.

Fast fix :When you're running late you want products that you can apply in minutes and on the go, if necessary. Spend your time wisely by focusing on just a few key cosmetics to be used in all the right places. First up, a concealer, applied anywhere that redness or discoloration needs to be camouflaged. Next, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to perk up tired lids. Add one swipe of no-run mascara to upper lashes only and finish with cream blush, rubbed with your fingers onto the apples of your cheeks and then dabbed onto your lips for a hint of color.

* BEAUTY DILEMMA Your hair looks a bit worse for wear--and you've got no time to wash it.

Fast fix You don't have to be stuck with less-than-stellar locks if you're short on time. Instead of washing and blow-drying it, use a little hair powder (even baby powder) on dry strands. Apply close to the scalp or sprinkle on a brush and comb through. The powder will absorb your hair's excess oil and make it look less greasy.

Getting hair up and off your face can instantly make you look more pulled together. If your hair is long, twist the back up and pin it to hold. And don't overlook the ponytail, pulled up high or in a low chignon; it's easy and lends polish. Just make sure to smooth the ends with no more than a dime-sized drop of styling cream or glossing serum. For shorter hair, part it on the side and tuck behind the ears. Clip on a stylish barrette or pull on a colorful headband for a fun and fast hair fix.

* BEAUTY DILEMMA A very noticeable pimple has erupted--just in time for a big event.

Fast fix Face it--there's no right time for a skin flare-up. "For a blemish, the ideal remedy is a color corrector that will help neutralize the red," Dorf says. Use the corrective concealer sparingly just over the red areas to even out the color; then, using a brush, lightly pat a regular concealer (in a shade similar to your skin color) on top of that. These two products combined will offset and help correct the color of any problem spots. For staying power, finish with a light dusting of loose powder tapped over the area.

* BEAUTY DILEMMA You made it to that lunch-hour Spinning class, but it left you with little time to beautify before heading back to the office.

Fast fix Start by washing your face with a pre-moistened cleansing cloth to get rid of pore-clogging dirt, oil and sweat. Then apply a tinted moisturizer. This complements your natural, after-gym flush, giving you an even healthier glow. Use a concealer under the eyes to brighten and finish with a swipe of glossy lip color.

* BEAUTY DILEMMA You just got a call to confirm your attendance at an after-work party--you know, the one you'd completely forgotten about.

Fast fix "For a last-minute soiree, there's nothing that creates a sultry look quicker than the smoky eye," Dorf says. All you need is a blending brush and a dark eye shadow in a shade like deep brown, navy or steel. Smudge the shadow onto your upper and lower lash line and flare out around the corners for a dramatic evening look. Add a dusting of allover radiance-boosting powder and a swipe of dramatic lipstick with a touch of sparkle.

Speed tools: you need Eye brush and shadow.

* BEAUTY DILEMMA You have no time to get your nails done--but need them to look manicured ASAP.

Fast fix You can pull off groomed nails in no time; the key is to use sheer, light and fast-drying products. First, remove any old chipped polish with polish-remover wipes (keep these stashed in your purse or desk drawer). Then paint on just one layer of sheer polish (colors like champagne, beige and pale pink work best) and, if you have time, one layer of topcoat--both of the fast-drying variety. Some products even have the color and the topcoat in one.

RELATED ARTICLE: FAST AND FABULOUS

Here, the quickest beauty fixes, from salons and spas nationwide:

The blowout There are an abundance of walk-in salons where you can get your hair sleek in a relatively short amount of time--and at a reasonable price. You don't have to have your hair washed either; just ask the stylist to spray it damp.

The fast tan When you're feeling pale, a quick self-tanning treatment might be just what you need. Many salons offer spray-on tan treatments that take just minutes to apply and dry; you can be in and out in as little as 15 minutes.