In a fast-paced world where everyone is obsessed with staying efficient, we want things done quickly and with minimal effort. This pursuit for convenience more often than not leads us to a route of low maintenance solutions that ironically becomes more time-consuming in the long run. We can liken this to fast-fashion products. Sure, they are made quicker but after a few washes, they tend to fall apart. Much like quick-fix diets, this habit has its rebounds.

But what if we take a turn and embrace the “high-maintenance” in the short term to achieve a lasting “low-maintenance” in the long term? Cause the great paradox of living effortlessly is putting in the effort now to reap the rewards of simplicity later. Imagine cutting your morning routine from ten steps to five!

Here are five high-maintenance things you can do to achieve long-term ease.

1. Microblading

Eyebrows are a crucial part of facial harmony; it frames the face, thus, enhancing its features. This is why many of us really take the time to perfect our brows in the morning, and I bet we can all admit at one point or another that we threw caution to the wind in being late just to leave with our brows “on fleek”. What if I tell you that there’s a way to have perfect brows everyday without the work?

Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing procedure that inserts pigment in your skin to create the illusion of eyebrow hairs. It gives you natural looking and well-defined eyebrows. The results can last up to 30 months, given you take care of it or get regular touch-ups. Full, defined, and symmetrical eyebrows every day of the week sounds like a breeze!

2. Eyelash Extensions

More than the practical function of our eyelashes, we’re more keen on the aesthetic flair it adds to our look. It balances our facial features and makes our eyes stand out from the rest of our visage. And sure, mascara helps, but what if I tell you you can take one step off your routine and still have a defined lash line everyday?

Eyelash extensions are single lash strands applied by professional estheticians to mimic the look of natural, fuller eyelashes. It can last up to two weeks depending on how you take care of it. More than eliminating the need for mascara, eyelash extensions make you look put together without any makeup.

3. Hair Glaze

Hair is undeniably one of the biggest contributing factors to how you look. Good hair makes a hell of a difference to your day. But, like all good things, it also takes time. Hair Glazing is a fool-proof way of ensuring you have lustrous, healthy-looking hair every day. It coats the hair-shaft with a semi-transparent layer that enhances the hair color, reduces frizz, and leaves the hair looking healthy without causing damage. It’s the perfect way to make sure every day is a good hair day.

4. Gua Sha

Contouring has long been a staple in our makeup routines. It helps make our face appear symmetrical. It sculpts and defines the facial structure by adding depth and dimension making features chiseled. But on our busy days, who has the time to do this lengthy step? What if I told you there’s a way to look snatched even as you’re getting up from bed?

Gua Sha gently scrapes the skin to get rid of stagnant energy that might be causing inflammation. It is usually made with stones such as rose quartz and jade. The way it works is it essentially drains the lymph nodes which reduces puffiness and relaxes the muscle. It also boosts circulation and improves the skin’s elasticity. Imagine waking up looking lifted and defined!

5. Teeth Whitening Strips

Oral hygiene is arguably one of the most important things to look out for, not merely in the aesthetic sense but for its effects in our health. There is nothing more confidence-boosting than having white and clean-looking teeth but, the truth is, we won’t always have time to visit the dentist. A brilliant way to go around this little hiccup is whitening strips. They are strips with gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that you can apply to your teeth. The gel breaks down the stains by bleaching the teeth.

The path to a life that combines high-maintenance effort with long-term ease is not about shortcuts or quick-fixes. It’s about making conscious choices to invest in things that truly matter. These are just a few examples of what you can do occasionally to do less daily. And a reminder of the many ways we can take care of ourselves.