Let’s just cut the crap and admit that while we may consistently say (to the point of believing) that we’re too busy to do half the things on our daily beauty routine, it all boils down to pure inertia. Laziness and lethargy and the guilty pleasure of stepping into the elevator as opposed to taking the steps often over-rules better judgement and common sense. Let’s try and make these minor adjustments and hope for significant change.

Too lazy to exercise?

Not all of us are tied by our umbilical cord to the gym. Nor do our sneakers supersede our high heels in wardrobe hierarchy. When it comes to working out, we consider breathing an aerobic exercise and blinking facial yoga. Unfortunately the muscles are harder to convince and a little bit of movement is necessary to carry the human body a long way. Walks in the mall are an expensive yet effective exercise for the sedentary. Take the stairs as opposed to the elevator. And if you want to score extra brownie points with the family then make it a point to pick and drop your kids to school. The wait in the sun is sure to build your mental and physical stamina. If you don’t have kids then offer to take the neighbour’s kids. Try not to lose them.

Too lazy for sunblock?

"But we hardly go out in the sun!" Yeah, let’s stop fooling ourselves now. Even the dumbest amongst us know the impact of a thinning ozone layer and if it can melt glaciers then it surely can cause irreversible sun damage to our skin. But we’re too lazy to apply sun block, especially when it tends to compromise the shade of skin and look we aim for. Let’s face it: we’d rather spend an extra ten minutes contouring our cheekbones than protecting our skin. The solution is simple: look for foundation that incorporates a sun block in its formula. All BB creams do and they may not give your skin the coverage you’re looking for they will lend it some protection.

Too lazy for regular pedicures?

So, you just can’t bring yourself to a regular pedicure, even if it comes with the added attraction of a foot massage (what sort of person are you?)! But you know you’re no Meena Kumari and the beauty and maintenance of your feet, you believe, will never find you a prince on a train. But listen, you still need to take care of your feet. There’s nothing more unsightly than unkempt toe nails and when the stars in Lux ads say, "log hamara chehra hi toh dekhtay hain" they tend to forget that hands and feet are the next in priority, if not equally important. Here’s where a tiny drop of olive oil every night will help you go a long way in preventing cracked heels, dry and brittle nails and overall foot health.

Too lazy for nightly cleansing regimes?

There should be no squirming out of this one. Going to bed with make-up is like leaving the house without brushing your teeth. It’s gross. When you tell yourself that you have no time to cleanse, tone and moisturize then introduce yourself to cleansing wipes. Most over-the-counter options should be enough to wipe your face of all the oil and grime that has accumulated over your make-up all day. You’re obviously going to brush your teeth before going to bed (okay, maybe it’s not so obvious) but make the extra effort to floss and gargle your entire palate clean with mouth wash. How about night cream? Just tell yourself that the deeply nourishing cream laden with oils and antioxidants and massaged into your face and neck will help you sleep better. That should be enough to push your lazy backside up into action.