I’ve gotten a lot of questions the past few years about my makeup and hair routine. This one especially: “How do you have time to do your makeup and hair with four kids?” Well, one answer is that I simply make time for it (whenever possible). I know it’s not something that is important for everyone, but personally, it helps me remember that my job as a mother is important and worth getting myself ready for. (Also, I’m so fair, I look a little sick when I don’t wear any makeup, hehe). I’ve brought this area of my life before the Lord many-a-time, and always seek to hold it with an open hand. There may be a season when some of this needs to go, but for now I’m thankful for these things that brighten my daily routine and serve as a reminder of the beautiful calling that is motherhood and homemaking.
So, here are a few tips I’ve discovered over the years to streamline the process of getting ready, or things that have helped a little bit go a long way. So, hopefully something in here will be helpful!
MAKEUP
- Use Primer
Putting on primer right after my moisturizer has changed my whole makeup game. It was always discouraging to get to the end of the day (or half-way through it) and look like I hadn’t put any foundation on in the first place or realize it’s gone splotchy. It made it feel like a waste of time. But this simple step makes a huge difference. I use this primer from Ulta. [NOTE: I prime my face when I use my powder or liquid foundation, not when I use a BB cream. More on that in a minute.]
Also! Priming your eyelids does the same thing! My eyeshadow now lasts all day and doesn’t crease. I used to use an actual eye primer, but a couple years ago I was watching a makeup tutorial and the gal used concealer instead! This is way less expensive (usually), and can be used for more than one thing (goodbye dark circles). This is my favorite concealer.
2. Use a BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer
I don’t like wearing foundation every single day, and this is a great way to moisturize and as well as help smooth my complexion. Usually these have sunscreen in them as well, which is another plus (like I said, fair skin). One of these is a great, cheaper option, and the other three are a bit pricier, but really nice.
Burt’s Bees
Arbonne (You’ll need to shop through a consultant with this one. Stephanie can help you out!)
Bare Minerals
IT Cosmetics
3. Use GOOD Eyeshadow and Eyeliner
I’ve discovered that not all eye makeup is created equal, especially eyeshadow and eyeliner, and some are way more trouble than they’re worth. It can also majorly slow down the makeup process. It makes all the difference in the world to have good quality eyeshadow that is well-pigmented, and eyeliner that goes on smoothly. This eyeliner from Ulta is hands down my favorite eyeliner I’ve ever used. And here’s one option for a good neutral eyeshadow palette. There are other less expensive drug store options that will work, but they’re hit-or-miss. This one works well.
4.Have Everyday “Go-To” Items
One thing that simplifies the entire process is having your everyday “go-to” items that work no matter what. Then, you don’t really need to put a whole lot of thinking into the process and the more you do it the quicker it gets. I can usually put all my makeup on in about 10 minutes. Here are my daily go-to’s. I’ll link to my current go-to’s or things that are similar. Some things, as you’ll see, I don’t spend much money on, but other things are worth spending a bit more on if it fits in your budget.
- BB Cream
- Concealer
- Eye shadow
- Eye liner (in mink)
- Mascara
- Brow pencil (in blonde. This site doesn’t have it for some reason)
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Chapstick
- Lip stick (sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t)
One other note: if possible, make sure your go-to’s are products you actually like. I know, that’s sometimes easier said than done for those of us who want to use up the stuff we have even if we don’t like it. But it makes the process so much nicer if we enjoy the things we’re putting on. If you’re not sure where to start, consider asking a friend who knows a thing or two about makeup to go with you to pick things out.
Hair
- Wash Less
I know this isn’t possible for everyone, but it’s been a lifesaver for me. I used to wash my hair every other day, but now I only wash it once/week. This saves so much time! This seems to work best with naturally curly/wavy hair (I had curly hair until I started to have kids), and I know some people have a hard time with oily hair. But if you’re interested in looking into alternatives for washing your hair every day, here are some tutorials that can walk you through the process.
Tutorial: How To Get Three Days Out of Your Hairstyle
How To Revive and Refresh Hair for Day Two
Also, this method keeps you from using heat as much. You only use a blowdryer once/week, and heat tools once or twice (at least, I do. But my hair holds curl super well, so mine lasts for two or three days).
2. Use Dry Shampoo
I started using this a few years ago, and it’s been very helpful. I’m a fan of volume, so this helps me keep my hair from getting super flat and gives it some texture. Here is a brand I like. (Also, not everyone is a fan of teasing their hair, but I most certainly am. This helps keep my it off my scalp and makes it easier to style).
3. Have Easy Go-To Hairstyles
It’s really helpful to have some simple, fun hairstyles that I feel good about, but that don’t take much time. If you’re not used to doing your hair, it may take a bit of practice or tweaking to make it look how you like it. If you’re having trouble figuring it out, you can also ask a friend for help. Here are a few tutorials that might help.
Messy Bun
Waves
High Pony Tail
(She has a whole bunch more on her site)
4. Headbands!
Headbands have become a lifesaver, especially since becoming a mom! Sometimes it take a bit of time to figure out what looks good on you personally (since they can sit different places on your head), but it’s a great way to keep hair out of your face and add a little splash of fun to an otherwise simple outfit. I have a tutorial on my Instagram under my Hair Tips highlight.
Well, there you have it! Hopefully one or two of those things will be helpful to you in your daily hair/makeup routine!
Your friend,
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