When I was pregnant with my first child, I became a baby-show junkie. My husband couldn't believe A Baby Story was actually programmed on our DVR.

Then, when we were buying a new house last summer, TV time became all about home shows: House Hunters, Curb Appeal, Designed to Sell, National Open House. My remote was permanently positioned on HGTV.

Now, after the arrival of baby No. 2, still at least 10 pounds shy of my pre-pregnancy weight and stuck between sizes, I'm in a wardrobe slump.

So it should come as no surprise that last weekend I found myself sucked into the What Not to Wear marathon on TLC. If you're not already a fan of the makeover show, hosted by Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, you should know that each episode takes one serious fashion victim, makes her toss out most (if not all) of her outdated, sloppy wardrobe and hands over $5,000 and a lot of fashion advice for a closet overhaul.

But the show isn't just about fashion - stylists also give the lucky woman a new hair style and beauty routine. As I watched, I thought, wow, if only I had time in the morning to actually apply makeup as the show's artist Carmindy does.

And then, voila! Sitting on my desk Monday morning was Carmindy's new book, 5 Minute Face: The Quick & Easy Makeup Guide for Every Woman (HarperCollins, May 1, $19.95).

Five minutes? I can't wait to give it a shot. Here's Carmindy's plan:

• 00:00-01:00 Smooth on foundation or tinted moisturizer.

• 01:00-01:20 Pat concealer under your eyes with your ring finger.

• 01:20-01:55 Spot-conceal any redness from tiny veins or breakouts.

• 01:55-02:15 Use powder to set your makeup.

• 02:15-02:45 Sweep on highlighter.

• 02:45-03:05 Apply blush.

• 03:05-04:05 Line your lash line.

• 04:05-04:50 Brush on mascara.

• 04:50-05:00 Slick on lip color.

Even I should be able to find five minutes for this simple routine. Now, if I could just find the time to shop for that new wardrobe . . .

Words of wisdom

Carmindy's not the only one with a new beauty book. We brushed up on three recently released faves to bring you a few tips.

Allure: Confessions of a Beauty Editor

By Linda Wells (Bulfinch Press, $24.99)

5 hair truths:

1. Sign language works better than words with stylists. Point to exactly where you want hair to fall.

2. Fine hair looks thicker when it's shoulder length or shorter.

3. Naturally wavy hair needs jagged ends to keep it from getting too bushy.

4. Long hair shouldn't extend past your breasts.

5. Bangs are universally flattering - unless you have cowlicks or tight curls.

Living Beauty

By Bobbi Brown(Springboard Press, $29.99)

Plumping up thin lips:

"Stick to light-to-medium lip-color shades and avoid dark shades, which have a minimizing effect and make thin lips look even thinner. Choose shiny glosses and creamy lipstick formulas - they impart a sheen that helps create the illusion of fullness." And don't waste money on lip-plumping products. "They don't work."

The New Beauty Secrets

By Laura Mercier (Atria Books, $35)

Ace the base:

"Don't test foundation on the back of your hand. It's a simple way to see what a color looks like, but the skin there is very different from the skin on your face. Apply it right on your cheek . . . The perfect color should practically disappear."

New show? Shut up!

Can't get enough of What Not to Wear host Stacy London? Check out her new show, Shut Up! It's Stacy London, premiering Friday on TLC. The chat show will include celebrity gossip and, of course, fashion tips and talk.

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