Beauty essentials for new mums sounds like a list someone made to torture sleep deprived ladies in their postpartum state. I promise it’s not (just keep reading).
A newborn baby keeps you busy and can quite quickly rob you of the time you’d normally spend on self-care. It’s quite common be at a loss for how to look even slightly presentable in the 2 minutes and 37 seconds you have to spare each morning for yourself.
It took me a couple of weeks to perfect my look (and I never really looked glamorous – just presentable), but it’s time to share my secrets for looking like a well-rested, natural beauty!
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7 Low Effort Beauty Essentials for New Mums
Dry shampoo
Let’s face it, when you’ve got a newborn there’s barely any opportunity to wash your hair. I always to tell my first-time-mum friends to pack dry shampoo in their hospital birth bag (and to continue use throughout the following year). A quick spray before you leave the house can really revitalise greasy roots, or application the night before can be really effective in heinously unwashed cases (don’t ask me how I know). You’ll probably be using more dry shampoo than traditional shampoo during the first year of your baby’s life, so stock up when opportunity strikes!
A cool headband
Not only is it hard to find time to wash your hair it’s also difficult to find an opportunity to get your roots done! I found a cool headband to frame my mum-bun would make it look like I had my roots on show because it was a conscious and stylish decision, rather than the fact I was someone who’s skipped a few appointments at the salon!
A moisturiser base
I’m currently using this moisturiser/primer combi on days I go foundation free. You can apply it without a mirror, I’ve found it to have a slightly mattifying finish and it smoothes my skin and minimises pores. Don’t get me wrong, you can tell I’m not wearing foundation, but it definitely helps trick people into thinking I have great skin (when that’s really not the truth!).
Brown mascara
Unless you naturally have really dark lashes (if you do, that’s fine use black mascara instead) brown mascara will help soften your look when you’re not wearing any other makeup. If I could only use one item of makeup for the rest of my life it would be mascara, it changes your whole look. If you go for something volumising to make your lashes look thick and full, mascara can give the illusion of being wide-eyed and awake.
Beauty Sleep in a bottle
Just in case you thought I wasn’t serious, you can literally get Beauty Sleep in a bottle. If your new bub isn’t playing ball and letting you have a good night’s rest, then fake it with these vitamins! Packed with chamomile and lemon balm to help you wind down before bed, these capsules help you nod off in an evening and also contain magnesium to make you feel a bit more awake in the morning. Nothing’s a substitute for the real thing, but this kind of beauty sleep comes close!
Lip balm
Famed for their egg-like packaging and celebrity fan eos has been both the name and the balm on people’s lips for some time now. In the early days, your lips can get really dry from all those newborn kisses, and you can’t wear lipstick because their little faces would be covered in it! Lip balm with natural ingredients help to keep your lips hydrated, even when you can’t keep them away from your gorgeous newborn’s head. My advice is to pack some lip balm for your hospital bag and a spare in your pram bag. You’ll get through a lot!
Micellar water
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but baby wipes are no way to cleanse your face of an evening. They can be drying and (gasp) ageing, which is bad all round! Take your makeup off with Micellar water, then cleanse again at the bathroom sink. I like Micellar water with oil in because I think it removes eye makeup slightly better and feels a bit more moisturising on my skin.
These little additions to your makeup/pram bag are really simple and subtle but can make a world of difference to how you feel when you face the world in those early months.
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Haha love the dry shampoo..I wanna use it whenever I can!
A tinted moisturiser to keep you moisturised and to help you glow whatever the weather (and to hide your tiredness!) Clinique do a great tinted moisturiser and it has added spf as well!
Eyeliner for me. I use the Avon glimmerstick and it makes tired eyes look awake!
Oh I do love eyeliner!
I’m a huge fan of “The Ordinary”. Really amazing products, but very affordable!
Me too! I love anything affordable that feels luxury!
A good moisturizer
Excellent choice!
Dry shampoo is amazing
a good lip balm, or vaseline lip care is essential for me
A good shower gel/wash that exfoliates or moisturises!
Lip balm, one small enough to put in my pocket
A two in one shampoo and conditioner saves time
a decent shower gel
Perfume is my essential
My beauty must have is a good quality body lotion that also smells great…..Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin is my favourite at the moment ?
lip balm, it’s pretty essential.
Mascara I couldn’t be without it
Love dry shampoo tinted moisturiser and a coat of maacara – im ready in a jiffy
At the end of the week my hair is usually 75% dry shampoo! It is a must have essential in my bag
I’m obsessed with Nivea lip butter. I’m a bit of a lip balm fiend and this is the best one I’ve found so far, plus they all smell so lovely.x
Brilliant choice, I love primer, for anyone that hasn’t used it, give it a go!
Tinted moisturiser – two jobs in one – I need that in my busy life!
My lippy is my essential item, feel undressed without it
I can’t live without a decent hand cream
I always use a good moisturiser I think it’s important to keep your skin healthy
My must have low maintenance beauty must have is JML Mineral Magic: 3-in-1 self-correcting mineral powder. It only takes seconds to apply and gives you an instant lift.
Primer for me I think your make up looks better but I also can’t be without my lipstick
Never go to bed with your makeup on however tired you are!
Dry shampoo, With a little one I’m lucky if I can quickly pop in the shower never mind washing my hair properly
Has to be lipstick for me as it is easy to apply, takes seconds and looks good
Good quality moisturising handwash – I’m finding the Bayliss & Harding brand really good, great fragrance without being overpowering and not drying. It’s often on special too!
A good moisturiser
Coconut oil! It’s so versatile . A great essential for everyday skincare .
My ultra lazy recommendation is to use vaseline for lipgloss!