8 Beauty Tips for Busy Moms

By CASI DENSMORE-KOON 

Before I was a mom, you could find me primping in the mirror for hours. Now, I am lucky to even look in the mirror other than to make sure I don’t have any stains on my shirt as I walk out the door. Most of us have no time for any kind of beauty routine, especially with a baby or a handful of kids, like I have. I decided to snap a quick iPhone picture of my favorites inside my make-up bag so I could share how you can still have time to apply make-up — even if it means wearing the baby in the carrier while you do it.

Let’s be honest – when you become a mom you hardly even remember how to use a flat-iron and you quickly forget what your weekly manicure pre-children feels like. For me, getting an hour out by myself to get my hair or nails done is like Christmas. It just hardly happens anymore. You are lucky to even have time to be reading this now, right?

Check out 8 quick beauty tips for easy ways to look and feel pretty in just minutes. Time to makeover your beauty routine Mommas!

Start with a Fresh Face

For sleep deprived mommas, keep skin cleansing wipes next to your bed so you don't let your skincare routine get away. A good beauty routine starts with fresh, clean skin. I place my nighttime creams on my end table so I always remember to put it on and have no excuses to forget. Keep your daytime moisturizer near your toothbrush so you can remember to slab some on even if you don't have time to apply makeup.
Try my favorites:
The Body Shop Cleansing Facial Wipes, $14.50
Fresh Soy Moisturizer, $42
Lumene Vitamin-C Pure Radiance Night Cream, $19.99
Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra Life Eye Care, $11.70

Hello, Bright Lips

As you can tell from my own products -- I love a pretty, bold lip gloss or lip stick. Bold, rich colors also last longer which means, less time re-applying! When you throw on a bright colored lip, you will instantly look polished and classy.
Try my favorites:
Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Lipstick in Vigorous Violet, $8.99
Mac Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum, $15
Smashbox Lip Enhancing Lipgloss in Starlit, $19
Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Valentina, $22

Have Fun With The Eyes

If you have a tendency to not focus on the lips and you would rather spend time playing up the eyes -- have fun with different color eye-shadows. A quick-smoky eye is always the way to go.
Bobbi Brown Eye Collection, $75

Don’t Forget the Brows

When you step in front of the mirror to apply makeup, almost all forget about the brows! Make it a habit to create a strong brow. It will make you appear less tired and give more shape to your face.
Try my favorites:
Make Up Forever Aqua Brow, $20
Benefit Brow Zings, $30
Anastasia Brow Gel, $22
Benefit High Brow, $20

Beauty in the Kitchen

You would be surprised how many beauty tips begin right in the kitchen. My favorite? Olive Oil! It isn't just for cooking. It is a great for dry skin and works as a wonderful moisturizer. Just put on a dab after you wash your face, massage into your skin and in an instant you will see the difference. It feels like you just left the spa! Quick tip -- stick to extra virgin olive oil. I learned it contains the most antioxidants.
Photo Credit: iStock

Bronzer and Self-Tanner

Add a little color to that pretty face! I know I always look much better with a little glow. Think back to your long days at the beach when you worked on that golden tan -- ah, that pretty golden, sun kissed look will instantly brighten you up. Try a moisturizer with a self-tanning component -- a double product saves time and money.
Try my favorites:
Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion, $8.99
NARS Mini Blush and Bronzer, $24
Mai Couture 2 in 1 Blotting Bronzer Papier, $24
Bare Minerals All Over Face Color, $19

Pearly Whites

Apply teeth whitening strips before bed. After all, your smile is the key to your beauty. Top your bright whites off with that bright bold lip and everyone will me wondering how you manage to pull yourself together on no time.
Crest 3D Whitestrips $24.97

It Just Takes Five, Maybe Ten Minutes

Biggest mom tip ever: Get up and get yourself showered and ready before the kids. I know, the extra shut-eye is precious but you will thank me! Pulling out your makeup bag really doesn't take more than ten minutes. It doesn't take hours, just focus on each area of your face - give your eyes 2 minutes, lips 20 seconds, and mascara only takes about a minute. After those few minutes in the bathroom, you will feel fresh-faced and pretty - ready for the day.

Source: Babble