Ways To Feel Fresh When You're In A Rush

Sometimes you just don't have time to shower. You oversleep, you get stuck in traffic, or the water heater breaks and you can't. It happens. And the good news is there are some solid ways to trick yourself into feeling clean without actually showering.

I personally loathe going to work or out to an event without feeling super fresh. It makes my confidence plummet and makes me feel convinced everyone thinks I'm gross. Of course, this is pretty much all in my head, but showering is still an important part of my self-care routine. I have less enthusiasm for going out when I don't feel like I've adequately gone through all of my getting ready rituals, like thoroughly washing and blow drying my hair and scrubbing my underarms and nether-regions. Not to mention, my hair and skin are naturally oily, which means some days I literally feel caked in grease when I haven't had adequate time to get ready or I've overdone it on the hand lotion.

That being said, sometimes it's just a fact of life — we don't always have time to spend two hours getting ready (or an hour, or 30 minutes), and we have to improvise. If you've found yourself feeling less-than-fresh in public on more than one occasion, here is a list of seven ways to help you feel like you've showered — even when you haven't.

1. Dry Shampoo

Klorane Dry Shampoo, $20, Sephora

I have sang the praises of dry shampoo on more than one occasion, and I'm about to do to it again. Nothing will make you look cleaner faster — especially if your problem is noticeably greasy hair. My current favorite brand is Klorane Dry Shampoo Powder, because it not only cuts oil on my scalp, but somehow manages to make my hair look soft and voluminous, and sometimes even better than if I'd actually shampooed it for real.

2. Facial Spritzes and Face Wipes

Facial Cleansing Towelettes, $6, Burts Bees

A quick face spritz or wipe product like this will instantly make you feel brighter and more refreshed, as well as remove any excess dirt or oil off your face that could be making you look a little worse for wear. I used to keep a pack in my desk at work so that I could also freshen up throughout the day.

4. Oil Blotters

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $6, Amazon

After facial wipes, oil blotters are a great next step for removing any excess oils that have accumulated on your nose or forehead. These are also useful for days even when you actually did have time to shower but just feel like your skin is producing excess oil.

5. Body Wipes

Comfort Personal Cleansing Bath Ultra-Thick Disposable Wash Cloths (4 Pack), $15, Amazon

OK, we've tackled the hair and face with dry shampoo and oil-reducing products, but bath wipes will really start to make you feel fresh where it counts— your body. Use them under your arms and down south to wipe away sweat and odor and instantly feel less gross. These are great to keep in your underwear drawer for when you have to get dressed on the go.

6. Clinical Strength Deodorant

Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant/Deodorant, Original Clean (2 Pack), $11, Amazon

After you've done all your preliminary freshening, roll on some clinical strength deodorant. It will help keep you clean as well as prevent you from accruing more sweat and odor throughout the day on top of what's already there.

7. Perfume Is Your Friend

Chloe Eau De Parfum, $28, Sephora

I always keep a rollerball of my favorite perfume in my purse precisely for those days when I'm worried I might need a little help in the freshness department. That way, even if I don't have wipes or deodorant on hand — or it's just been a particularly hot and gross commute to work — I at least can feel confident I'll smell nice to others, even when I personally know I'm not my freshest.

Just because you had to skip the shower doesn't mean you have to spend your entire day feeling gross or paranoid that everyone thinks you're dirty. Just keep a few of these basics on hand and you'll be good to go for the whole day.

Images: Pixabay (1)