There are many poetic quotes about mothers - about how we are goddesses and angels and what not. However, as Moms who live in the real world, we know that on most days, we feel more like the evil witch than a Disney princess! A good day is one where we managed to shower and drink our coffee while it was still hot!
However, these changes aren't really unexpected; it's what comes from putting another person's needs before our own. In most cases, this other person is quite likely to be perfectly dressed, in matching onesie, mittens and booties! Then there's the whole hormones rigmarole - a lot of changes happen to your body, hair and skin after childbirth - and we got to deal with that too!
Now all that is very well, but deep down, we still want to look good, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that - it's a healthy sign that you love yourself. And you know what they say, there's no love like self-love!
So this Valentine's Day, resolve to love yourself a little more, and bring out your inner Mom-diva. We know it isn't easy when you have a toddler who loves pulling your hair, or a baby who enjoys spitting up on you, but with just a little extra effort, you can look and feel a lot better!
1. Learn Some Basic Hairstyles
For most Moms, styling their hair is the most time-consuming task, and the most likely to be avoided! Learn at least one easy but stylish hairstyle from each category - braid, ponytail and bun along with a quick blow dry. Choose one that suits your face and your hair texture and length - and learn it well so that you can do it in five minutes. These styles should be good to cover all situations!
2. Go easy on the Cosmetics
If you're a product junkie who buys a lot of makeup - start cutting down. Having too many products can create confusion and you might end up not using anything! Make sure you use at least a sunscreen and lip balm everyday, and keep some more basics for when you need them - foundation, eye liner, lip gloss etc. A concealer is every sleep deprived Mom's friend!
3. Get the right Hair Products
Opt for hair products that contain the least chemicals. We assume you don't have the time to wash your hair regularly, so invest in dry shampoo - it's perfect to freshen up your hair; just brush on with a large brush. You can even make your own, as shown in the picture above from diy-crafts. Use a toothbrush with hairspray to comb down flyaways and stray strands. If your hair is prone to frizz, keep some leave in conditioner or serum - a quick application on your strands, and you're done!
4. Fix Tired Eyes
The biggest tell tale sign of a tired Mom is her eyes! Bags under the eyes and dark circles aren't particularly attractive and fixing them can make you look and feel perkier! Try DIY treatments like chilled tea bags, cucumber slices, potato puree or ice cubes to bring down the puffiness. You can also use a concealer to hide dark circles if they're intense. If everything fails, wear big sunglasses - you'll look super chic and hide your eyes at the same time!
5. Develop a Night Routine
Considering all the stuff Moms have to do during the day, night is the perfect time to help skin rejuvenate. Get everything done now - cleanse skin well, use a good night cream to fight early signs of ageing, use a foot cream for cracked heels and a hand cream for rough hands. This is also a good time for some overnight deep conditioning for your hair. The result - you wake up feeling fresher and looking better!
6. Plan Parlor Visits in Advance
Regular maintenance and grooming is imperative to getting that 'polished' look without much effort on a daily basis. Fix your parlor appointment on the same day every month, so you don't miss out on it. While there, get everything done at once - hair, facial, nails, waxing etc. so you don't need multiple trips. Get someone to babysit the kids for a few hours while you get pampered!
7. Multitask
Moms are experts at multitasking for their families, so now make use of this superpower for yourself! Apply your face pack as you go about your morning chores so that you can wash it off in the shower. While in the shower, you can use the time your conditioner is acting on your hair to tackle body hair. Get products that multi task as well - a tinted moisturizer, or a tinted lip balm so you can skip the foundation and lipstick.
8. Make your Fragrance Last
Being a Mom involves a good deal of smelliness, so be prepared to offset it! Opt for allergy-free fragrances for your kids' sake, and make it last by layering it with a body wash/body lotion/deodorant in the same range. You can also increase the life of your fragrance by spraying it on the back of your knees or other pulse points.
9. Keep Essentials in your Purse
As a Mom, your purse is packed with your child's essentials; add your must haves to it too! Carry along a lip balm, nail file, comb, face wipes, mirror and small vial of perfume. A small tub of cream or lotion can act as a moisturizer as well as to control frizz. If it's hot and humid, a facial mist also comes in handy to feel fresh.
10. Get Rid of Bad Habits
Last but not least, get rid of bad habits that can undo all the good work you're doing - biting nails, combing wet hair, sleeping with makeup, eating junk food or not sleeping enough. By stopping these, you'll also set a good example for your kids, and I'm sure we all agree how important that is!
When your baby is an infant, the cycle of feeding and diapering can be overwhelming, so don't put any pressure on yourself at this time. But as your child grows older, you can initiate small steps to care for yourself; you'll soon realize that they don't really take much time. So this Valentine's Day, love yourself enough to get rid of bad habits and start some good ones - you'll be thrilled with the result!
Lots of Love,