You are exhausted. Really, properly exhausted. The sort of exhaustion that makes you reheat the same coffee in the mug for the third time. But, although you’re extremely tired, you still don’t want to be “just Mum who wipes noses and finds missing shoes”. Fortunately, you do not have to follow an elaborate twelve-step regime or waste hours in the loo. All you need are a handful of good shortcuts.
Start Small – Just Three Basics Will Get You There
Don’t worry about complex routines. Simply remember these three basics:
Cleanse, moisturize, protect. Morning and Night. Done!
Find a gentle cleanser that you can use in the shower so it doesn’t feel like another job. Next, find a simple hydrating moisturizer that matches your skin type. Finally, find a sunscreen to wear EVERY DAY – whether it’s just dropping off at nursery or driving the kids to school.
A Five-Minute Kit For Every Day
Think of makeup as support rather than a source of stress. Think of a 5-minute kit that sits in one handbag: a tinted moisturizer or light foundation, cream blush (for a fast application to both cheeks & lips), brow gel, and mascara.
This is all you’ll need to look rested even when you’re not. Find a place where you get ready each morning. For some mothers, that will be the bathroom. For other mothers who may be in the back of their car while they sit in line waiting to pick up their children from school.
Hair Tricks For Those “I’ve Had No Sleep” Days
Dry shampoo is basically a mother’s best friend. Spray dry shampoo at the roots, turn your head upside down for a quick massage, instant volume, and less oil = instant “I planned this” and less “I gave up”. Remember only two easy hairstyles: a low bun and a high ponytail. Both can be very stylish in only 10 extra seconds. Using a small amount of conditioner or serum to smooth the hairline = instant intent. Add a hair clip or headband, and you are instantly “put together” again.
How Accessories Can Help Make You Feel More Like Yourself
Accessories do much more than makeup. A simple pair of oval glasses with a stylish frame, small hoop earrings or studs, and a simple necklace can make you look stylish and put-together while wearing leggings and a hoodie. They become your uniform on those days you are too exhausted to think, but still want to feel like a person with a personal style of your own.
Be Gentle With The Person Looking Back At You
The biggest shift in beauty isn’t something in a bottle. It’s the way you talk to yourself. Recognize the negative self-talk that says: “I’m showing signs of aging”, “my eyes are puffy”, “my tummy is softer”. How would you ever say those things to your child? Most likely not. Try saying “I look tired today because I’ve been working really hard” instead of “I look awful today.” Same face, different story.
You don’t have to strive for perfection. You simply need to find small rituals that remind you there is a woman under the “Mom” badge and she deserves to feel good.
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This is a contributed post.
