I’ve got everyone fooled. Well, really I don’t. But I like to think that
I’ve fooled everyone into thinking that I have it all together and I’ve
got this motherhood/career thing totally figured out. It’s all a hoax,
actually.
I read this quote the other day and I chuckled out loud: “Let us be
grateful to the mirror for revealing to us our appearance only.” I don’t
know about you, but I’ll drink to that. If my appearance
reflected everything going on in my mind at any given time, I’d probably
be walking around looking like a circus clown.
I live by the doctrine that just because you have a lot going on in your
life, doesn’t mean you have to look like it. Here are some ways to
keep yourself looking graceful and polished as you work and carpool and
change dirty diapers.
Stay Hydrated. I really have to force myself to drink
water, but I feel so much better when I do. I have less
stomach/digestion issues and I feel much more energetic. It also keeps
your mouth feeling fresher. Let me tell you though, it’s so annoying
have to go the bathroom often when you’re out all day with the kids!
The pros outweigh the cons though.
Keep Your Nails Short and Sweet. I love nail polish,
but my lifestyle right now does not allow me the time I need to maintain
them. If this is true for you too, keep your nails trimmed short and
neatly filed. If you have time for a coat of clear or a nude shade –
even better. Neat nails go a long way to make you feel and look
polished. Alternatively, have you seen these new press on nails? Supposedly, “they
are quick and easy to use, as you simply size your nail, peel off the
adhesive and place on firmly. The nails are flexible and durable so you
can file and shape them to your preference, and they look completely
natural.” You should totally try them and let me know what you think!
Get a Haircut. I’m not saying to chop all your hair
off, but if you have a good cut, you won’t have to spend as much time on
your hair. If you’ve been thinking about the Big Chop, for example, I
say go for it. Can you imagine the time you would save?! If that’s too
drastic for you, find a signature style that you can rely on when you
don’t have time to wrestle with your hair. My signature style is the
bun, of course. Hats and scarves are a big help as well.
Minimize the Makeup. I’m no makeup expert, and I
certainly don’t have perfect skin but I recommend that you keep your
daily makeup routine simple. Concealer for under eye circles, a light
powder if necessary or tinted moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss. I’ve
recently started using blush as well and I love how it makes me look
more awake and vibrant. Makeup is very personal. You may prefer to
skimp somewhere else and dedicate more time to your daily makeup
routine. “Makeup is a personality. You never tell someone what they should do to make themselves feel beautiful.” – Sam Fine.
You might find these tips from Sam Fine via Afrobella helpful if you’re trying to find your makeup personality.
Invest in Cute Flats. If you’re like my bestie and
co-author, you’d rather wear heels than flats any day. But if you’re
like me and have an almost 2 year old to chase, you probably need some
practical, cute flats to run around in. Practical does not have to mean
frumpy. I love these that Kim picked up a couple weeks ago.
is co-authored by Kim Jackson and GG Renee with the intention of
connecting with women through messages of self-love and personal
freedom. We believe that true beauty starts on the inside and
radiates outward, so maintaining emotional health and balance
should be an essential part of every woman’s beauty regimen. We
use this platform as an opportunity to share our personal
experiences, and to help other women who are seeking guidance to
find their own truths and live fabulously
As a mom of 2 (30 & 15) and grandma of 1, I've been telling my co-workers & friends with kids, this for years…You have to WILL yourself to make time to keep up your appearance and I guarantee it soon will become second nature and there's a big payoff with you feeling a whole lot better about yourself because you're still being a great mum but don't feel like you're being "sucked dry" by the family!
I am a believer in short nails. especially since my nails are always a mess!!
Love the title to make motherhood look easy, because we all know its far from being easy lol
My cousin is a newly mother and she actually does theses steps; exect for the flat shoes and hair cut. Yet she always look good and fashionable
Ashley L.
My kids are a bit older, 9 and almost 14, and I agree with, and have practiced all of your tips. (Except for the heels. Gotta have my heels!) As far as nails are concerned, I wish gel nail polish had been around sooner. The color stays shiny and is MUCH less prone to chipping than regular polish and looks good on short and long nails. And my teenaged daughter has tried the Sally Hansen press on color. She loves it, it looks good and stays put.
If you have more than one kid of a capable age, 8 and upwards, get them to help you take care of the other kids and just let them think its a game. Forget babyborn, how bout you help mummy with baby real.
obviously you wouldn't actually trust them with a new born, but getting them to keep their younger siblings entertained helps them to bond AND gives you some YOU time, which is always much needed as a mother. Its what my mum did with me and my brothers and I think we turned out alright.