A Self.com poll found that 23 percent of readers wished they could shave time off their beauty routine, and I'm with them! During the lazy days of July and August, it's a lot more fun to sit by the pool/go for a jog/enjoy a picnic than stand in front of the mirror fussing over your hair and makeup. I like to wear sunglasses so I don't have to fuss as much. Got to take them off? Try these simple look-great-fast tricks that I've gleaned from the experts we feature in SELF.

• For color that lasts, blot lips before applying lipstick or gloss. Pigments adhere better to a moisture-free mouth, which means you won't have to apply coat after coat (as if you had time anyway!) Oh, and don't forget to choose a formula with SPF. Lips burn, too!

• Speaking of lipcolor, if your gloss gets runny in the heat, stash the tube or pot in the refrigerator overnight. The chill will thicken the formula.

• Fight a case of the frizzies by aiming your blow-dryer at wet roots until dry. Smooth hair with your fingers; then blow remaining strands, from midshaft to ends, using a round brush. Twirl the brush through each section five times for salonlike sleekness.

• Hide dark circles by applying a dot of concealer on the inner and outer corners of your under eye. Blend inward from both directions so you'll get coverage on the sides, where shadows are most prominent.

• Make mascara application less messy by forming an O with your mouth. Holding this expression helps relax eyes so you blink less and avoid smudging.

• Prevent stained teeth by rinsing with water for up to a minute after having coffee, tea or berries.

For more look-great advice, check out the Beyond the Beauty Pages blog on Self.com.

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