Nestled right in the heart of motherhood lies the beautiful, chaotic reality called ‘mum life’. Endless to-do lists, sleepless nights, endless rounds of washing, feeding, playing, nurturing—not to mention holding down a job or caring for your home. There are never enough hours in the day, and often the first thing to slip is your own personal care.
Keep it Simple, Mum
The first rule of living a busy life is simplicity. A beauty regime needn’t be extravagant; simplicity is the key to sail smoothly. Stick to the basics – cleansing, toning, moisturising and sunscreen. If makeup is your desire, go for multi-tasking products, like BB or CC creams, tinted lip balms or sticks that can be used both as a blush and a lip colour.
Prioritise Your Beauty Routine
Often, mums feel guilty for taking time out for themselves, but remember: prioritising your self-care is not a self-indulgence; it’s a necessity. Even if you can squeeze in only 10 minutes a day, use this time wisely. It could be for a quick skincare routine, some gentle stretches, a breath of fresh air, or even just applying a dash of mascara, lip liner and lip gloss.
Plan Ahead
Being prepared is the key to maintaining a beauty routine on a busy day. Pack a small pouch of essential cosmetics that you might need for a touch-up throughout the day. This could include travel-sized moisturiser, compact powder, lip gloss, and mini perfume. Having this ready to grab as you’re heading out the door can be a real game-changer.
Regular Haircuts
Regularly trimming your hair does not only maintain a neat appearance, but it also keeps your hair healthy and manageable. Choose a low-maintenance haircut and style that complements your natural hair texture. It’ll instantly make you feel more polished and put-together with minimal effort.
Skincare is Key
Great skin is always a plus and is often the foundation of any beauty regimen. Keeping your skin healthy might seem like an uphill battle when you’re busy, but it doesn’t have to be. Drinking plenty of water, protecting your skin from the sun, having a balanced diet, and maintaining a basic skincare routine can go a long way. Remember, you don’t always need high-end products; consistency and products that suit your skin type are far more valuable.
Delegate When Possible
Last but not least, delegate tasks when possible. Maybe your partner can help with evening chores, giving you a few precious minutes for skincare; perhaps your older child can help with younger siblings, giving you a quick window to refresh your makeup.
No beauty routine, no matter how simple or involved, will ever compete with the joy and fulfillment of motherhood. However, maintaining some semblance of self-care plays a vital role in reinforcing self-esteem and positive body image. This doesn’t suggest that the correlation between beauty and self-esteem is absolute.
You are beautiful the way you are in your unique arduous journey of motherhood. And there is no harm in wanting to enhance that beauty, in a way that resonates with you, amidst the chaotic life of being a mother. This is to remember that “you” existing beyond the spectrum of just a mum is perfectly normal, and it’s important for your mental and emotional health. Your beauty routine is not about vanity, it’s about you allowing to validate your individuality and self-care, every now and then, amidst your busy mum life.
