interiors: real life bathrooms

I know I'm not alone. Every month I thumb through the pages of newly arrived glossies, swooning over the decor... especially the bathrooms. The bathrooms that are hyper masculine, very rugged, all shiny, and on, and on.

But if you're anything like me, your morning bathroom routine is less trip to the spa (like the swooning articles intimate), and more utilitarian. More minutes in bed will always win out, and I've organized my beauty products for optimal timeliness. 

This lucite tray is perfect. It corrals the palettes and blushes, single shadows and loose powders. 

When you visit your local organizing store (I prefer The Container Store for their sheer volume), don't get overwhelmed. Those trays perfectly sized to fit nail polishes? Steer clear; those are too limiting. Every few weeks or months, I like to rejigger my setup based on what I find I'm using most. Buy pieces with flexibility, and that $11 tray suddenly is worth its weight in gold. 

And always add a small clock. It will keep you on schedule as you primp.