Makeup for busy moms

Today, I have streamlined a makeup routine for all you busy moms out there. A little makeup can go a long way, for not only helping you look rested and radiant, but giving you a moment to actually relax. I know a lot of moms who look forward to their morning beauty routine, just because it gives them an excuse to sit alone, clear their head and relax for a few minutes while they prepare themselves to take on the day.

If you can spare five minutes from your busy day, then you can do this. I have designed this routine to be quick, efficient and toddler-proof, using multi-purpose products that will make you look more awake and refreshed. The most important rule is to skip any unnecessary steps; if you have clear skin, skip foundation. If you have full or natural eyebrows, skip filling them in. This is the key to getting things done quickly.

Let’s get started on your five-minute face. Firstly, always protect your skin. When you are on the go, you can forget to apply your sun protection, which can lead to premature aging. The last thing you want on top of your busy life if to accelerate the appearance of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Whether you choose to apply it in the form of moisturiser, BB cream or foundation, be sure to keep it in your routine. Even a quick run to the grocery or picking your kids up from school can expose you to the sun’s harmful rays, which over time, can be damaging.

Tip: If you have an infant or toddler, I recommend skipping heavy foundation. They can reach out and grab your face, scratching your skin with their tiny nails. Your makeup will end up under those delicate fingernails of theirs, so the less you have on, the better. Opt for a lightweight tinted moisturiser, powder foundation, or skip it completely if you don’t need the coverage. Definitely avoid heavier cream or liquid formulas.

If your skin is clear but you have dark circles, only apply concealer under your eyes. It shouldn’t be lighter than your skin tone since there won’t be any foundation for it to blend or fade into; just your bare skin. I like liquid concealers for this step because they’re the easiest to blend and look the most natural.

Tarte’s Shape Tape or LA Girl Pro Conceal are my picks. Lightly set under eyes with powder to reduce the chance of your concealer creasing. Perk up your cheeks with a sweep of blush or bronzer; a little colour on the cheeks will help to add definition to your face and lift your complexion, making you look more awake and healthy. Opt for a baked blush, or one that has a nice luminosity to it, so you won’t have to highlight separately.

Sweep a bit of your bronzer over your eyelids with a fluffy blending brush. This will add some definition to your eyes without much effort. If you want to, you can apply a liquid or pencil eyeliner to your upper lash line to add definition to your eyes. Create whatever style you are comfortable with, whether that’s smokey liner, winged cat eyes, or classic liner. If you can’t manage doing eyeliner, that’s okay. Just curl your eyelashes if you need to, and apply a generous coat of your favourite mascara. Focus on the roots of your lashes, and wiggle the wand upwards and outwards. This will create depth at the base of your lashes, which can actually look like eyeliner. Fill in your eyebrows if you need to with either pencil or powder, and set them with a brow gel if the hairs are unruly.

Lastly, apply your favourite lip colour. Whether that’s a bold red or pretty pink lipstick, a tinted lip balm or a lip gloss. The look we created is neutral enough to work with whatever lip your heart desires.