How to manage manic mornings without sacrificing your face
As women, we are queens of multi-tasking, but as mothers, we are supernatural beings operating on a whole other level. That’s why I believe that adopting some of these beauty hacks into your everyday or weekly routine will have you feeling more confident and radiant sans eight hours of sleep.
Some of these tips I have worked out myself as a single mum (juggling a toddler and a new business), and some I have collected from other busy mums and adopted myself. Pick and choose whatever works for you. Let’s be real though, some mornings, everything gets thrown out the window, and we are lucky if we manage a sip of coffee on our flight out the door. There’s always tomorrow...
My top 15 tips
1: Wash your hair the night before.
I have been a fan of this hack since before I became a mum. Mornings are precious, and the fact I have always preferred to shower in the evening makes it very achievable for me. Once the baby or kids are down, treat yourself to a shower or bath (maybe even a hair mask) and let your hair dry naturally. I find that having clean, smooth hair makes me feel more human in the morning, when there is time for little else.
2: Opt for a long-lasting manicure – builder gel has been a game changer.
We’ve evolved from shellac gel manicures, and there is a new gel in town – builder gel. Take it from someone who has incredibly weak, brittle nails, builder gel (BIAB) has been my saving grace. My nails look presentable for at least three weeks now. Builder gel grows ‘out’ with your nails rather than unsightly chipping.
3: Have skincare and beauty products lined up – where you can see them.
Work out what your must-have beauty essentials are. Perhaps it’s a super nourishing balm that is multitasking. Maybe it’s a highlighter cream or stick to make you feel more human and less zombie. Maybe it’s brow gel. Whatever your hero product is – have it somewhere that is handy.
5: Take the time to learn how to apply makeup properly.
YouTube is a great place to start. Instead of saying you have no idea how to do your makeup (I hear this a lot), there are literally thousands of accessible resources at your fingertips. When you have five minutes (probably not in the morning), YouTube how to apply blush for your face shape – that way, when you’re in a rush, you can apply it confidently in mere seconds. Some of my favourite makeup gurus are Lisa Aldridge, Charlotte Tilbury, and French makeup artist beauty Ali Andreea. I find these women all do approachable, fresh and user-friendly makeup applications, nothing too young, complicated or ‘fad’ – all very achievable. In a previous life, I trained as a makeup artist. This was before the days of YouTube, where makeup and beauty trends moved at a slower pace. These days, new beauty trends emerge on the daily. It’s impossible to keep up, but I also think it’s not necessary to stay abreast of all the trends. My advice is to find what makeup look works best for you – your personal style, eye shape, face shape, and favourite features. That way, you will always be able to look and feel your best with a tailored makeup application.
6: Invest in skincare that makes you feel good.
Find skincare that nurtures your skin and is as natural yet effective as possible. It’s not a new expression, but with a healthy complexion, not only will your makeup application be more seamless, but your skin will feel good and you’ll feel more confident when going makeup-free. Shop our beautifully natural and wonderfully affordable skincare range from Bopo.
7: Micellar water is your friend on those manic mornings.
Try to always have large cotton pads and micellar water on hand. A generous dose of Micellar water, a quick swipe over your sleepy eyes and face, and you’re at least somewhat awake!
8: What feature do you like to enhance?
When time is of the essence, opt for just one feature that you like to enhance. For me, it’s brows and, if time allows, cheekbones, too. You’ll be amazed at the difference simply grooming your brows can make. I change up my blushes depending on the season and my mood. Cream blushers are quick and low maintenance, and you can use the same product to swipe on your lips. For powder blushes, I recommend investing in a quality brush for seamless application. Trust me, a quality makeup brush makes all the difference, and you don’t even need to be precise with your application. There has been a lot of attention on Japanese cosmetic brand – Rephyr, who do a line of makeup brushes, and they really do live up to the hype. I have been using the #5 brush for my blush application, you can also use this one for bronzer. The Rephyr #5 applies blush and bronzer seamlessly by collecting just the right amount of pigment, so there is less chance of looking like a clown when you’re rushing out the door.
9: Tint your lashes and brows
It’s the easiest way to wake up and do nothing. A good lash and brow tint should last for at least a month. So when all you have time for in the morning is a slap of moisturiser, you’ll feel ‘done’. And if you're feeling really on the ball – reach for your clear brow gel and give your brows a quick swipe, and grab your eyelash curler and curl your lashes for an instant 'awake' look (quicker than applying mascara).
10: Spritz some scent
Fragrance is a big player in the beauty industry. These days, I find that a particular scent can elevate my mood in an instant – this goes for beautifully scented body products, too. I recently noticed the transformative effect of scent when I sprayed my legs with coconut oil and felt transported to the tropics (it was mid-winter in Wellington, and nothing could have been further from reality).
If you’re into natural scents, we carry the incredible Serene natural roll-on perfume range, which is affordable, handbag-friendly, and designed to work with your mood. I am super fussy with scent and can honestly say that I love every scent in their range. Apply your favourite scent before bed as a treat, or keep in your handbag to apply while out and about. A spritz of scent is the quickest way to boost your mood.
11: Minis for the handbag
I’ve recently found that having a cosmetics pouch that contains a few essentials in travel size ready to go for when I’m able to make a yoga class (it might be Pilates or the gym for you) allow me to make the most of some ‘me’ time. I can wash after class with my favourite products, apply serum, moisturiser and the rest. I try to always keep this cosmetics ‘grab bag’ replenished. A cheat is to throw any beauty testers or freebies you receive in your grab bag.
12: Under-eye gel masks
I’m a fan of the Mecca-branded under-eye gel masks. They are a good price pint and really do work. I keep mine stored in the fridge, so they are chilled and ultra-effective for de-puffing when I need them most. After cleansing your face in the AM, you can quickly and easily apply under your eyes for 15 minutes while you make breakfast, change nappies, make lunches, and maybe yourself a coffee. Remove and feel instantly awake.
13: Utilise your evenings or weekends
It seems obvious, but instead of feeling like you have to follow your usual skincare or beauty steps when most mornings do not allow, take extra time in the evenings or your weekends to pamper yourself with an exfoliation, face mask, hair mask, nail care.
14: Claw clips are back!
Hands-down, the best invention for bad hair days. I’ve been using mine more than ever. I also find that when I am nearing my next hair appointment and a bad hair day recurs daily, they help me feel more pulled together ;)
15: Concealer is your friend
Opt for a shade lighter than your regular foundation for your under-eye area. Concealer disguises a manner of sins in seconds. Apply from the inner corner out in small dots, then tap lightly to blend. Don’t pull the product across your skin. Treat your delicate eye area with extra TLC.
Concealer tip: take your concealer and apply a light stroke under your eyebrows along the brow bone, being careful not to bleed into the brow for an instant eye lift and awake effect.
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