As the days start to get shorter, it gets harder and harder to get out of bed and out the door in the morning. Waking up and feeling energized is tough when it’s still dark outside, which means you’re likely hitting the snooze button more than once this time of year. When that happens, you need ways to speed up your routine that still make you feel pulled together and help you cross everything off your to-do list.

This week’s roundup of buys includes three items I consider no-brainers that are perfect for time-crunched mornings. When I’ve snoozed too much or am too groggy to think straight, I can reach for them without a second thought.

It’s time to rise and shine.

1. MALIN+GOETZ Detox Face Mask (£42)

Face masks are a big part of my skincare routine. I use one most mornings, depending on what my skin needs. But some days, I don’t leave myself enough time for a 20 or 30-minute treatment. While using up some samples I’d been hoarding, I revisited this foaming mask from MALIN+GOETZ I hadn’t used in a couple of years and was pleasantly surprised by the softness and glow it gave my complexion in just five minutes. The main ingredients include vitamins C and E, camellia leaf and squalane to deep clean the skin without drying it out.

2. COS Crew-neck Merino Wool Top (£45)

When I think of speedy dressing, I think of COS (previously featured here, here and here). Their well-made basics scream “quiet luxury” to me and are so easy to mix and match. Now that autumn temperatures are starting to arrive, it’s time to pull out these long-sleeve merino wool tops I’ve worn far too many times to count in the past two years. Incredibly soft and lightweight, they’re the perfect layering piece to go under a dress, vest or blazer. They’re just sheer enough to add some subtle sexiness without being so see-through they can’t go to the office.

3. Puppia Soft Vest Harness B (£22 and up)

Getting Scoop out the door first thing in the morning (or any time he needs a walk) is so much quicker thanks to this step-in harness from Puppia. With a velcro enclosure and a buckle, it stays securely on while the mesh fabric makes it breathable for warmer days. The edges are also soft so they won’t chafe your pupper while the placement of the D hooks between their shoulder blades ensures no discomfort from pulling. Best of all, I can throw it into the washing machine whenever it gets dirty and it air dries in no time.

Something to try …

As we enter a new season, it’s time to clean out all of those unused items you never wore this summer. I’ve become of big fan of Vinted for their simple, fee-free selling platform that’s helping me streamline my wardrobe and make some extra cash.

Last week on MIDDI …

MIDDI Must-have: ghd Hair Straightener Petra Canan Trudell · Oct 2 Read full story

MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.