streamliningsolutions

your beauty routine in Fine order the well-organized kitchen clean by the clock Set up an eFFicient laundry room 12 Secret weaponS For an organized cloSet 12 new uSeS For old thingS

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contents

cover photograph by bob hiemstra

your beauty routinein fine order

FOR THE BEST SKIN-caRE aND MaKEUP RESULTS, USE YOUR PRODUcTS IN THE RIGHT SEQUENcE.written by elizabeth passarella photograph by jonny valiant

Serums help prevent environmental skin damage. Use on a bare face, as they should be closest to the skin.

The skin around the eyes is thin and dries out quickly. apply a rich eye cream first to allow time for it to sink in.

FoR noRMAL sKInPick an all-purpose,

nongreasy lotion. FoR oILY sKInUse a light-as-air formula

that is oil-free.

FoR DRY oR sensItIVe sKInchoose an extra-gentle, fragrance-free lotion.

Use a mild wash to take off makeup and dirt and prepare the skin to absorb treatment products.

FoR AcneUse a benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic

acid salve nightly.

FoR PIGMentAtIon choose a lotion with kojic acid and alpha hydroxy acid.

FoR noRMAL sKInPick a lotion with retinol and

peptides to stimulate collagen. FoR oILY sKIna nongreasy cream adds

moisture but won’t clog pores.

FoR DRY oR sensItIVe sKIncalm an irritable complexion with an ultra-hydrating cream.

EYE CREAM

ANTIOXIDANT SERUM

MOISTURIZER WITH SUNSCREENHydrate last to lock in moisture. added SPF lets you skip a step.

CLEANSER

TREATMENT

MOISTURIZER

apply to a naked face so active ingredients are directly on the skin and can be more effective.

This final step hydrates and soothes.

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CARING FOR YOUR SKINMoRnInG RoUtIneIf you have normal or dry skin, simply splashing water on your face is adequate. acne-prone or oily skin might need gentle cleansing. Then apply products in this order.

eVenInG RoUtIneconcentrate on more thorough cleansing and treatments targeted to specific skin concerns.

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photograph by bob hiemstra

FoR DARK cIRcLes AnD sPotsUse a finger to pat on a creamy

cover-up that is lighter than your skin.

apply eye makeup before other cosmetics so colored speckles don’t fall onto concealer or foundation. Shadow goes first, then liner, then mascara.

LIPstIcKWhen you want the most

pulled-together look, pick a stick or a stain to coat lips

in a uniform color.

LIP GLossFor the sheerest effect, go for see-through, light-reflecting gloss to make lips look full.

If you’ve gone with a natural look, simply smooth hairs into place. When you’re wearing more color,

apply a defining powder, then brush to blend.

EYES

CONCEALER

FOUNDATION

POWDER

LIP COLOR

choose one to give your cover-ups staying power.

This goes on nearly last so you don’t smudge it while working on the rest of your face.

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APPLYING YOUR MAKEUP While you may not wear a full face every day, putting on cosmetics in a smart sequence creates the most natural effect.

BRonZInG PoWDeR For a sunny glow, concentrate on

the tops of the cheekbones and the tip of the nose.

FoR BLeMIsHesDab oil-free moisturizer onto spots first; then apply a pore-clearing formula with salicylic acid.

To minimize redness or discoloration, blend on a lightweight foundation with your fingers.

sHeeR PoWDeRFor skin that gets shiny or to help set concealer, dust on a translucent formula.

BLUSHEnliven a shallow complexion with a color that is one shade brighter than you think you need.

BROWS

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the well-organizedkitchen

a STREaMLINED SETUP WILL MaKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPacE—aND TaKE THE LEaST OF YOUR TIME.

written by deborah baldwin and donna paul photograph by mark lund

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under the cabinetsTap into this underused, valu-able real estate and add light-ing or a cookbook holder.

basketsThings get lost on deep shelves. Try putting them in baskets that you can pull out easily.

cutting boardKeep one on your counter for quick prep like cutting up an apple or making a sandwich. any mess you make can be taken straight to the sink for cleanup.

utensil jugWhen it comes to keeping essential tools handy, there have been few improvements on this age-old catchall.

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cookbooksStoring them in the kitchen instead of on the bookshelf in the living room means you’ll have all your recipes at hand.

paper rollHang a roll of paper as a tear-off shopping list or a bulletin board for notes to yourself and your family.

the StrategieSkeep neceSSitieS within reachYou don’t want to waste precious time during dinner prep looking for things. Make a place in the hot zone (around the stove and the sink) for the essentials: oil, vinegar, knives, cutting board. Move special-occasion cookware out of cabinets in the zone so what’s left can be neatly organized and easily spotted. and ask not where ingredients and tools fit; ask where you will be using them. Keep the basket of potatoes near the cutting board, sugar and flour near the stand mixer, and your best-loved pan on the front burner.

uSe under-cabinet Space

Under-cabinet lighting strips (attached with screws or double-stick Velcro) keep the focus on the task at hand. Go with a battery-operated version so you won’t have to deal with cords. an under-shelf cookbook holder pulls down when you need it and folds back up when you don’t.

put the wallS to workInstall racks or pegs to keep favorite utensils, the dinner recipe, pot holders, and dish towels in plain sight. Oversize Post-it notes or hanging rolls of paper are useful for all kinds of reminders.

make recycling eFFicient, tooHaving a bin for bottles and cans next to the one for regular trash, instead of in the garage, streamlines end-of-meal cleanup.

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clean by theclock

EaSY STEPS TO TacKLE YOUR WHOLE HOUSE— NO MaTTER HOW MUcH (OR HOW LITTLE) TIME YOU HaVE.

written by maria shollenbarger photograph by monica buck

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kitchenKitchen cleanup isn’t easy. The main culprit: grease. Before you start fighting it, move small appliances off the counters to clean underneath them and ensure that bacteria (kitchen enemy No. 2) won’t flourish underneath the toaster oven or the coffeemaker.

iF you have…

15 minuteS, do the FollowingSpray disinfectant in the sink and let it soak. s

Meanwhile, spritz the counters with disinfec-tant. Then scrub the sink with a sponge, rinse well, and dry. Return to the counters and wipe them dry with a fresh cotton or microfiber cloth.

Sweep or dry-mop the floor using an electro- sstatic mop or cloth. This will pick up dirt and hair.

clean the refrigerator handle. It takes only sseconds to wipe down with disinfectant.

30 minuteS, add the FollowingWet-mop the floor—an all-purpose cleaner s

and a damp microfiber mop will do the trick.

Wipe down appliances with a microfiber cloth. s

an hour, add the FollowingWipe cabinets from top to bottom with a s

soft sponge and a solution of warm water and dish soap.

a Few hourS, add the FollowingFreshen the refrigerator’s interior by clean- s

ing it with a solution of three tablespoons of baking soda and four cups of warm water. No self-cleaning oven? Wipe down the inside with an all-purpose cleanser. Use a plastic scraper (or an old credit card) to get bits of food off the racks and drip pan.

Dust and degrime your cabinets. Remove scrumbs from inside with a vacuum attachment or a damp cloth.

photograph by sang an

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bathrooma haven of mildew and mold, this is a room you want to be sure to keep clean. It takes a little effort to scrub the toilet and clean the grout, but flushable wipes make a lot of the work a snap.

iF you have…

15 minuteS, do the FollowingWith a flushable wipe in hand, clean the s

sink (the room’s focal point) and its fixtures, concentrating on the grime-friendly seams where the two meet.

Grab another towelette to clean the edge of sthe bathtub, the toilet exterior, and the toilet seat. Finish up by shining the mirror with glass cleaner and a cloth.

30 minuteS, add the FollowingSquirt bowl cleaner around the inside edge s

of the toilet and let it sit for a few minutes. While it’s soaking, use a wipe or a fresh cloth and all-purpose cleaner to clean the seat around its base and hinges. Return to the bowl and give stubborn rings a scrubbing with a sponge or a brush.

Deep-clean the toilet, part two: If your bowl sis porcelain, try rubbing a natural pumice stone on lime, rust, and hard-water stains. Keep the stone very moist and it shouldn’t scratch.

an hour, add the FollowingUse a wet mop with a pivoting head to s

get into awkward corners between the sink, the toilet, and the tub.

a Few hourS, add the FollowingSpray the shower walls and the tub with all- s

purpose cleaner. Scrub from the top down so the tub floor gets the full benefit of a soaking to dissolve buildup.

Wipe down lime scale–laden shower doors swith lemon oil. To dislodge mildew and mold, apply hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle (wear rubber gloves to protect your hands). Let it soak in for five minutes, then scrub with a grout brush.

photograph by monica buck

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family roomIn everyone’s favorite flop spot, clutter reigns supreme. DVDs, crayons, chew toys—they all find their way here. Dirt also collects quickly in this heavily trafficked zone, so floors and furniture need a bit of extra attention.

iF you have…

15 minuteS, do the FollowingTour the room with a laundry basket in tow, s

picking up any clutter to put away later.

Grab two electrostatic or microfiber cloths sand quickly dust things at eye level.

Fluff pillows and fold throws. These small sadjustments result in a big visual impact.

30 minuteS, add the FollowingVacuum or dry-mop the floor. It’s time- s

consuming but important to remove dirt, which can damage carpets and hardwood floors. concentrate on the areas around doorways, which harbor tracked-in dirt.

an hour, add the FollowingUse the vacuum’s brush attachment to get s

dust off furniture. clean under and behind cushions, then flip them. close the curtains and use a vacuum attachment to clean. For blinds, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

a Few hourS, add the FollowingTo minimize streaking, use a glass cleaner s

and a lint-free material, such as an old T-shirt, to wash windows. clean with vertical strokes on the inside and horizontal ones on the outside so you’ll know which side has any remaining streaks.

Use a damp eraser pad to spot-clean the swalls, removing dirt, stains, and scuffs.

Get behind, underneath, and on top of tall sfurniture with a long-handled duster. Roll back rugs and clean the floor below.photograph by sang an

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bedroomIt’s probably the easiest room to get—and keep—clean. Yet this lightly trafficked area presents one big problem: dust.

iF you have…

15 minuteS, do the FollowingShaking out or changing sheets kicks up s

dust, so do those tasks first. Spray sheets with linen spray before remaking the bed.

Spritz an electrostatic or microfiber cloth swith dusting spray and make your way around the room. Start with the perimeter, then hit the interior.

30 minuteS, add the FollowingTackle the floor. If it’s wood, run a damp s

(not wet) microfiber mop around the edges of the bed and all other exposed areas. Vacuum the same zones if you have carpeting.

an hour, add the FollowingGet under the bed and behind it, using an s

electrostatic dusting tool. It will clean hardwood floors and also pick up some dust and hair from carpeting.

a Few hourS, add the FollowingUse a microfiber or electrostatic cloth and s

a glass or all-purpose surface cleaner to clean panes, frames, and windowsills in one fell swoop. Wipe down light switches and fixtures. Use an eraser pad to take any scuffs and stains off the walls.

clean out the closets—otherwise the dirt sand dust in there will eventually find their way out into the rest of the room. Vacuum or mop the floor. also dust the shelves and wipe down the doors with a damp microfiber cloth.

photograph by burcu avsar

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set up an efficientlaundry room

HOW TO cREaTE THE MOST EFFEcTIVE SYSTEM FOR SORTING, SOaKING, WaSHING, DRYING, aND FOLDING.

written by amanda hinnant

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tranSporting and SortingAvoid having to pester your loved ones for their dirty laundry by putting a few receptacles in strategic locations throughout the house to make trans-porting and sorting clothes easier.

a hamper, a basket, or a bin should go in seach family member’s bedroom or bathroom. Make sure the hamper has soft edges that won’t scratch paint or chip doorjambs.

Set up a central three-bin sorter in the slaundry room where people bring their individual hampers. Laundry that doesn’t make its way into the sorter doesn’t get washed. Use one bin each for lights, darks, and hand-washables.

Keep dry cleaning away from the laundry sroom to avoid confusion. a bag with handles, kept in the closet, works well.

dabbing, pouring, reStoringKeep everything you need near the washer, on a shelf at eye level or on a rolling cart that slides between the washer and dryer.

arrange products from left to right in the sorder you use them. For example, start with stain removers, then follow with bleaches and detergent, then fabric softener, and finally spray-on starch and distilled water for ironing.

Boxes or baskets on the shelf make sgrouped items more accessible and less likely to topple over and leak.

consider corralling all wardrobe-related sitems (sewing supplies, shoe polish, spot remover) on this one shelf. If there is room, rags, paper towels, and household-hint books can find a home here, too.

dryingFor clothes that might shrink in the dryer, s

get a folding drying rack or a collapsible mesh sweater dryer to avoid creases.

a set of pant stretchers will dry pants and smake creases down the legs so you can spend less time ironing them.

FoldingWhen clothes are dry, preferably when they s

are still warm, hang them up or smooth them out and fold them right away. avoid having them sit and cool in a crumpled state.

clothes that should be folded include: sT-shirts, sweaters, jeans, sweats—basically anything knit or stretchy.

Folded clothes are easier to transport (no sHansel-and-Gretel trail of socks).

Make sure your folding surface is high senough, so you don’t have to stoop and strain your back.

Lone socks should never leave the laundry sroom. Have a collection bag for such socks or pin them to the bulletin board.

hangingHanging certain garments as they emerge s

from the dryer can save on ironing time.

clothes that should be hung include: screased or pleated items, button-down shirts, khakis—anything that wrinkles easily.

Wooden hangers with a rod work for most sitems. choose padded hangers for fragile items, hangers with rubber clips for skirts, and flocked hangers for anything slippery.

Get in the habit of bringing empty hangers sto the laundry room. You’ll have a supply on hand, and you can rid your closet of extras.

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photograph by mark lund

ironingKeep an ironing board for the s

few garments that must be pressed.

Get a wall-mounted rack that keeps the sboard out of the way and holds a hot iron, so you won’t have to wait for it to cool before putting it away.

FiniShing toucheSnow that you’ve made your laundry room more efficient, make it—dare we say—more inviting with these last additions.

an iPod or a radio. s

a rug or a carpet swatch to stand on. It sabsorbs splashed water and cushions your feet.

a bulletin board. Tack up care labels, extra sbuttons and thread, stain charts, and product samples.

a trash can for lint. s

Streamlining StrategieSeven if your laundry room is a well- organized sanctuary perfect for sneak-ing in quiet time, you don’t want your whole day to be dictated by the dryer’s timer. try these tips to be more efficient.

Set up a laundry schedule. Pick a day sor evening for each category (lights, darks, bedding, and towels) and stick to it.

Get a shallow tub for hand washing, ssoaking, and pretreating clothes, which requires less water than using the sink.

Do a full load of only towels to avoid scoating your clothes with lint.

Dry loads one after another so you utilize sthe heat remaining in the dryer.

Keep the dryer’s lint filter clean. Lint slows sdown drying time.

clean your washing machine every few smonths to get your clothes cleaner. Fill the washer with hot water, add a gallon of white vinegar, and run a cycle.

check your washing-machine hoses once sa year for cracks and bubbles. Replace as needed to avoid leaks.

The dryer hose should be emptied once sa year to prevent fire. after you remove the hose, shake out the lint, then pass an old towel through it to collect any lint that is clinging to the inside.

after every wearafter every wear after 1 to 3 wears

after 4 to 5 wears

after 3 to 4 wears after 4 to 5 wears after 4 to 5 wears

after 5 to 6 wears after 2 to 3 wears

bras

jackets and blazers

swimsuits

jeans

khaki shorts and pants

tops and dresses

dress pants

skirts

t-shirts, tanks, and camisoles

the when-to-wash-it guideBaRRING STaINS OR ESPEcIaLLY HOT DaYS, REFER TO THIS cHaRT TO FIGURE OUT WHEN TO SUDS YOUR DUDS.written by sarah jio illustrations by aimee miller

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12 secret weapons for an organized closetEaSY TIPS aND FOOLPROOF STRaTEGIES FOR cONQUERING THE cHaOS aND INSTILLING ORDER FOR GOOD.written by jane burdon

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1 1 hangersThere’s a good reason wire hangers are free: They’re basically worthless. If you want to prolong the life of your clothes, don’t keep them on wire or flimsy plastic hangers. Wooden, padded, or flocked (shown) hangers are the best ways to maintain the shape of a garment.

3 hooksBelts invariably get tangled up or lost on the closet floor. an over-the-door hook or hooked belt rack holds them with minimum fuss.

2 double rodsYou don’t have to get out the power drill or call a handyman to add a second level to a closet. Hanging rods that hook over existing rails are a smart, inexpensive, and instant way to create extra room for short hanging clothes.

4 baskets and binsPut all your purses in baskets or bins and you’ll never be on your hands and knees searching for a runaway clutch again. Plus, they keep wayward straps and chains from looking messy.

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6 clear shoe boxesPlastic shoe boxes are great for footwear, but they also make perfect pullout drawers for underwear. Offering visibility, you won’t have to open each box to figure out which one holds your favorite pumps and which one houses your unmentionables.

7 plastic boxesRather than stuffing jewelry in the top drawer of your dresser, store it in your closet. Keep similar pieces in small labeled boxes within a larger container that can be put on a shelf.

5 shoes on the doorUtilize the back of your closet door with an ingenious rack that can hold 10 to 12 pairs of shoes.

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10 shoe pocketsSimilar to hanging shelves, this organizer has cubbies that each fit one pair of shoes, keeping your kicks off the floor and easy to see.

9 hanging shelvesIf you don’t have enough shelving in your closet, suspend a hanging rack from the rod. It’s perfect for storing sweaters, jeans, and accessories.

8 shoe platformIf you store your shoes on the floor, get a better view of your collection with a slanted platform that rises from front to back. Make sure the platform has something to catch heels and keeps shoes in place.

shelf dividersThese will prevent leaning towers of cashmere (even if every sweater isn’t perfectly folded) and keep unruly items in their place.

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11 valet hookOutside your closet, install a hook for hanging dry cleaning before it goes into the closet. You can also use it to hang coats or outfits for parties, vacations, or the next day’s work.

products shown are available at bed bath & beyond. learn more at realsimple.com/closetproducts.

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a double-Sided tape aS belt Securer

Don’t let your too-long belt tail get caught between your

legs. Keep it in line with a small bit of Scotch. Neat.

wine bottleS aS boot SupporterS sGive slouchy boots a lift (and preserve their

shape) by slipping an empty bottle into each.

f caSt-iron pan aS recipe boardHang a skillet on a kitchen wall and you’ll have a convenient magnetic spot to display recipes, important reminders, and anything else your brain is too, well, fried to remember.

12 new uses for old things

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a parchment paper aS muFFin liner

When you’re out of those pastel (and predictable!)

paper guys, line each cup with a large square of

parchment, allowing for ample overhang for a fresh-

from-the-bakery look.

knobS aS File pullS sMake hard-to-maneuver files easier to remove

from high shelves with the help of pretty knobs (available at home stores). Punch a small

hole in the file with the tip of a pair of sharp scissors, push in the knob, then secure it from

the inside with a small screw and nut.

f cupcake carrier aS knickknack organizerFor the 359 days of the year when you’re not hauling cupcakes, use the cups to store jewelry or craft supplies.

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a rice aS cell-phone dryerSo your phone fell into the

sink? Try your own cPR (that’s “cell-phone resuscitation”): Dry

any visible droplets, pop out the battery, and stick both the phone and the battery in a bowl of rice overnight. The rice will soak up

most of the remaining moisture.

oven mitt aS heat guard sWhen you don’t have time to let your styling

tool cool (say, you’re headed for the airport or going straight to work from the gym), stash it in

a heat-resistant mitt before packing it up.

f tea Strainer aS Sugar duSterFill the mesh basket with confectioners’ sugar and tap to sift the sweet stuff onto baked goods.

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a muFFin pan aS toStada moldFlip over the tin and nest tortillas between

the raised cups (stick to flour or whole wheat; corn tortillas will crumble). a 12-muffin pan

can support 4 to 6 tortillas, depending on their size. Bake at 375° F for about 8 minutes

and voilà—perfectly crispy shells for taco salad or guacamole.

Silicone cutting board aS place mat sNo more crying over spilled milk from tumbled

cereal bowls, thanks to this nonslip surface.

f magnetic kniFe Strip aS key StationFinally, an end to the “Where are my car keys?” morning scramble. Hang a magnetic knife rack by the front door and slap your key ring against it right when you get home.

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find more helpful ideas at realsimple.com/organizing-tips.

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