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Quick Beauty Routines
I went from fashion model to frump in record time.
Once, image meant everything to me. As a former model and
television reporter, I took care of myself and invested in my
wardrobe. Now, I take care of kids and the only thing I've
invested lately is time.
After my daughter was born, I wore the same thing day and night:
leggings and my husband's baggy flannels. My pre-pregnancy
clothes didn't fit right. My hair hung in my face.
A strange thing began to happen…before long, I ceased to mind
wearing the same clothes every day. What's the point of wearing
nice outfits? What's the point of makeup and mousse? I'm not
going to leave the house, I told myself. Who is going to see?
The truth is, the most important person in your household sees
you each day. You.
Maintaining the beauty routine you enjoyed pre-children can help
you remember your distinct identity. I am a professional mom, and
I am always more productive when I dress like a professional. I
wear makeup not to impress anyone, but to please myself.
Taking care of yourself in the simplest ways can help put the
focus back on you. When you take care of yourself, you're a
better mom. And since you're the nurturer, it's up to you to
nurture yourself.
A Mother's Glow
Clean, healthy skin is the first step in any beauty routine. A
system of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing twice each day
works well for most everyone, just don't forget that indulgent
and soothing mask twice each week. No time to mask? Try a masking
cleanser in the shower.
My showers are limited to five to seven minutes, since that is
how long my daughter takes to finish a sipper-cup of apple juice
(currently, the most effective diversion). Shave a few minutes
from your shower with a shampoo-and-conditioner-in-one. I used to
balk at the concept—until I stuffed a sample of Pert Plus in my
gym bag. That product has come a long way.
Making Up
Next, my daughter gets to play with an empty, capped tube of
concealer while I play with my cosmetics. Still, I'm sure you
know first-hand about a 10 month-old's attention span. No time to
waste.
Spend the most time on your best feature. Start with a
cream-to-powder foundation, which covers well without a made-up
look. Swipe the sponge across your face once, then go over any
spots that need a double coat. Determine your need for an
under—eye concealer, which often has a lot to do with the amount
of sleep your children afforded you the night before.
A quick dash of the blush brush is next. A good set of makeup
brushes make application easier, faster, and more precise.
For eyes, remember that neutral colors require less blending.
Take the guesswork out of your routine, too, by using a compact
with coordinated cheeks and eye colors. Brush eyeshadow from
lashline to crease. Apply a coat of mascara, and you're ready for
lips.
Smooth on lip gloss or a neutral shade. Try a shade two or three
shades darker than your natural lip color.
(Spend the most time on your best feature. Play it up.) If you
like to accentuate your lips, grab a neutral pencil. Always start
with a sharp tip for better precision. Trace the "v" in the
center of the upper lip. Line to the corners. Now pencil in the
bottom lip, blend, and apply lip color.
Nail it
We moms do so much with our hands each day. Well-manicured nails
are a great reminder that you take care of yourself. But who has
the time for a manicure?
You do. Keep a nail file in your diaper bag or pocketbook and
shape your nails during down-time…when you're at a dead stop in
traffic or waiting at the doctor's office.
Brush on a coat of fast-drying clear polish before bed. Or, if
you like color, indulge in a weekly nail ritual. I use a
long-lasting nail enamel in a neutral tone followed by a fast-dry
top coat.
A special pampering tip, find the reddest red, and apply it to
your toenails. Then go without socks all day.
Susie Michelle Cortright is the author of several books for women
and founder of the award-winning Momscape.com, a website designed
to help busy women find balance. Visit
http://www.momscape.com
today and get Susie's free course-by-email "6 Days to Less
Stress."
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