10 TIME-SAVING BEAUTY HACKS FOR BUSY MAMAS
BY JESSICA BOSCO
We’re sleep deprived, we’re time poor and we’ve got a to-do list a mile long, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to look our best (it just means that it usually gets put in the CBF basket). Here are some tips, tricks and the MVPs (most valuable products) you need in your arsenal so you can still look your best – even if you’re not feeling it.
1. Dry Shampoo: And FYI you’re probably using it wrong.
Ok so dry shampoo isn’t exactly groundbreaking we hear you say, but do you know the best way to use it? Did you know that to get the most out of your dry shampoo you should actually pop it in your hair at night before you go to bed? That way it works its magic during the night soaking up all that gross oil and then you wake up ready to rumble. Now we know some nights the last thing you are thinking of is your hair as you drag your sorry self off to bed, but still, it's good to know if you know you have an early start and no time to wash your hair in the morning.
Tip: If you are going for the on-the-fly option, make sure you tip your head over and give it a good spray concentrating on the roots, wait 10-15 seconds and give it a good jussh (extra points if you can give it a quick blast with the blow dryer).
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2. Goodbye mum hair, hello beachy waves
So if you do manage to find time to wash your hair – but blow-drying it is defintely pushing the friendship then try a little sea salt spray. Sea salt spray gives your hair texture and body and helps it dry naturally and appear as though you’ve just been at the beach. If you battle with frizziness when you let your hair go au natural then this might help, towel dry your hair, comb through any knots, spray it through the mid-lengths and ends and then work it through with your hands…
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3. Get your products working double (or triple) time
Gone are the days when you had time to cleanse, tone, moisturise, serum, prime, foundation etc etc etc so you need to multitask here. Look for tinted moisturiers which will give you hydration and coverage in one – make sure you go for one with an SPF so you can tick that box off too, however if you really want to get serious bang for your buck here go for a BB or a CC cream which will give you all that AS WELL AS offering nourishing skin benefits - win win.
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4. Power palettes
And while some days a little tinted moistuiser is all you need, for those days when you do want to add a little something something in the way of make-up, you're going to want an all-in-one palette that will do your eyes, cheeks, bronzer and even lips if you can. These are perfect for throwing in your handbag (so you can do your makeup/touch ups on the fly) and are great for travel too.
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5. Frame your face
Even when you feel like 💩 it's amazing what a difference having your brows “on” and a slick of mascara can do, but some days the time (and precision it takes to get your brows looking symmetrical) is just not possible, so that’s when the experts can help out. Taking a little time to go and get them done can save a lot of time in the long run – and strange looks. (You can also DIY these, but make sure you’re not rushed for time – and a hot tip, maybe do it when hubby or someone else is home so that if the baby wakes you don’t have to tend to them and leave the dye on for longer than recommended…)
6. Pretty in polish
While Shellac is, in theory, your best bet when it comes to nails as it doesn’t chip as easily as regular polish, it’s not always super convenient to get to the salon let alone when it’s time to take it off (nor are we sure about the long-term effects of the UV lights or keen on the acetone required to remove it). But sometimes you do want a little colour or something on you nails, so opt for softer hues that when the inevitable chips do start to appear, they aren’t as noticeable straight away.
Tip: If you love painting your nails but worry about the chemicals then look for a natural nail polish - look for ones which are '5-free' or higher (they go up to 9 - the higher the better) and basically what this means is they have eliminated many of the harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.
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7. The root of the problem…
No time to get to the hairdresser to get your roots done? Why not opt for a more low-maintenance colour by going to balayage or there are a number of other new colours trends: ask your hairdresser about ribbon highlights, palm painting and tigereye – trust us. These will give you a more natural look at the roots and allow you to stretch out visits to the salon.
8. Playing the part
In the meantime while you’re waiting for that hair appointment and your roots are in dire straights, try switching up where you wear your part – a simple flick to the side can do wonders.
9. Has yet another cup of tea gone cold – again - no worries!
Don’t throw away your green tea bags, pop them under your eyes for a quick pick-me-up. The green tea helps to reduce swelling and those dreaded bags that us mums know all too well.
10. And when all else fails...
When nothing else is working or it's just one of those days – a red lip, dark sunnies or a headscarf (or all three!) will help take the focus and draw attention away from problem areas!
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