.jpg "Does your beauty routine change when you become a mom? 2")
That cliché of the harassed mother in a tatty tracksuit rushing to the shops for bread and milk with dirty hair and no make-up is a cliché for a reason… it’s happened to so many of us. There simply isn’t time to spend 20 minutes perfecting our winged eyeliner anymore.
Most women, when they fall pregnant for the first time, have visions of being the glamorous mother who curls her lashes, blow-dry’s her hair and steps out in heels, all with compliant babe in arms. They think it’ll be easy. But it’s not. Trying to get dressed and out of the house in the morning, while juggling a baby and all its demands, makes it near impossible to put on a full face of make-up, let alone blow-dry your hair and choose an acceptable outfit. But that’s no excuse in becoming that cliché – you simply need to change your routine. Babies are unpredictable but if you try these tips, you can get out of the house looking and feeling good.
Save time by washing your hair, shaving your legs and plucking stray eyebrow hairs the night before. Instead of blow-drying, let your hair air dry and experiment with upstyles the next morning such as a sleek ponytail or a French plait.
In the mornings, after baby has been fed and is happily ensconced in sleep, or staring at a hanging mobile, take your chance to jump into the shower.
Don’t skip your body moisturiser. Your skin tends to get very dry post-pregnancy, so it’s important to keep it moisturised. A time-saving alternative is to use body oil such as Bio-Oil or Neutrogena’s Body Oil, which contains a nourishing sesame formula. These oils can be applied to your skin or a few drops added to your bath.
When it comes to your make-up, it’s a good idea to invest in products with multiple uses.
Opt for a moisturiser that does it all – Garnier BB Cream contains SPF 15 and it hydrates and brightens skin, evens out skin tone and smoothes fine lines.
Avoid liquid foundation and opt for a pressed powder foundation. M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation provides full coverage and takes seconds to apply.
It’s a good idea to invest in false eyelashes. They instantly open up your eyes and take the hassle out of applying mascara every day, plus there’s no risk of smudging.
If there’s one make-up essential you can’t skip it’s blusher. A stroke of colour on your cheeks will instantly liven and brighten your skin. A bright lipstick adds instant glamour, but how do you keep the colour on all day? Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are easy to apply, won’t bleed into lip lines and last for hours. For subtle colour, try Clinique Chubby Stick – it moisturises lips while providing a sheer tint.
38 Responses
I loved this article.
Motherhood makes me look back and think I had way too much time on my hands, I didnt use constructively enough :)
I am at the end of my pregnancy and found myself not really worrying too much about my skin but now am in desperate need of a pampering! If you are great at organizing your time, then you should not have a problem doing so when baby is around. It’s always good to take care of your skin even if you do not wear make-up. Thanks for the great tips!
Time saving products and routines will definitely be essential when you’re a mommy :)
Thank you for the article… very useful information… taking care of one’s skin is an absolute priority.If you have dry skin instead of applying pressed powder you can opt for a touch of concealer where its needed most.
Great tips, thanks!
You have to make the time. Taking 15 min out of a 241380 minute day is not unreasonable at all. In fact or would be unreasonable not to. In order to be the best mothers we can be we need to be healthy and happy and it will follow that baby will be happy if mommy is happy. Not only will that 15 to 20 min it takes to do you daily beauty regime make you look good, which in turn makes you feel good about yourself. It will also give a much needed and well earned break from mommy duty to just be a woman! Let dad look after after the little one for a while it will lead to a happier overall environment!
HI, Nadia i use the Garnier BB cream every day and it gives my skin a natural glow yet gives me a medium coverage which hides little marks or lightens bigger ones i recommend it i just love using it but i still use abit of moisturizer underneath or a tiny bit of Vaseline as i have very dry skin.
Its possible to look good as long as you put in effort.
Any mom will be familiar with this….
Hi Nadia
It depends on how much coverage you need / want – you can wear the Garnier BB without foundation, and it will offer sheer coverage. If you prefer fuller coverage or have blemishes that you want to cover, you’ll probably prefer to apply some foundation over it.