Almost Effortless Beauty Tips for Busy Moms

Before kids I could spend a good two hours fussing with my makeup, hair, and picking out just the right clothes for the day. Now, I just don't have that kind on time to invest. Let's face it, having three young boys, I have spent many a day in yoga pants, messy clipped up hair, no makeup or leftover raccoon eyes from the day before. It has taken me a long time to come to the realization that, though my children are very important to me, I need to be important to me as well. I have also discovered that on days I get up and "put myself together", I feel better about myself and I am happier, overall, during the day.

This is probably where you all start to roll your eyes or laugh while spouting out your "yeah rights" or "who has time for that?" The truth is, I was the same way. I soon realized that it doesn't have to take hours to look and feel good and I can do it in only a few minutes. So here are some easy beauty tips and tricks to help you look and feel beautiful with little effort.

GET DRESSED:
            You don't have to be uncomfortable to look stylish!


Choose clothing the night before
To avoid grabbing that go-to pair of yoga pants or comfy sweatpants, I like to choose clothes the night before. This makes it easier because I don't have to stand there in the morning trying to figure out what to put together. I don't make these types of decisions very well early in the morning, anyway. By choosing clothes the night before, it reduces frustration and keeps me from surrendering to those oh-so-easy and comfy yoga pants.

Dark Denim and Leggings
You can do so much with a pair of leggings (read here on what to avoid) or some dark denim jeans!
Dark denim is really versatile and can go from casual to dressed up better than most any other item of clothing. For a casual look, pair your dark denim with a fitted t-shirt and some cute sneakers or sandals. For a more dressy look, pair your jeans with a lacey top and some cute flats or heels (if you are feeling extra bold).

Accessorize
Accessories can make a huge statement and are probably the easiest way to look put together. Add dangling earrings with a slicked back ponytail, a long gorgeous charm necklace with a fitted t-shirt, or a cute belt cinched around the small of your waist with a loose fitting top. All of these are little things that make a huge statement.

HAIR:
        There are a few tricks to getting great hair without a lot of fuss and you don't have to be queen of the curling iron to have good looking hair.


dry shampoo
Luckily someone realized that women sometimes don't have time to wash their hair in the morning and invented this fabulous product. Dry shampoo generally comes in a spray can similar to aerosol hairspray. You spray it on your roots and rub in to combat greasy hair and get an extra day without washing. This is a must-have for busy moms! I really like the Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo. It works great and smells good too. It also costs less that $3 a can.

easy but stylish hairstyles
-slicked back ponytails are really in right now. This is great news for busy women! Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic and secure with a bobby pin or use a specially designed hair wrap to make it look polished and give it that extra detail.

-buns both messy and sleek are easy to achieve. Try the Spin Pin by Goody to get the look with less time and effort or try a sock bun.



-Try a cute headband or decorative hair pins/clips if your hair is short to give it a little something extra without having to spend a long time styling it.

SKIN & MAKEUP:


pre-moistened facial cleansing cloths
It is so important to wash your face twice a day. Unfortunately, I'm sometimes so tired that I just want to crawl into bed and deal with it in the morning. This is really bad for your skin but, there is a way do it in less time. Lots of skincare companies sell pre-moistened facial cleansing wipes. They clean, tone and leave your face refreshed. I love Olay Regenerist Wet Cleansing Cloths that also offer exfoliation.

Try a BB or CC cream
These are revolutionary products that have taken the cosmetics world by storm. BB cream (Beauty Balm) or CC cream (Color Correcting) are multipurpose products that will do the job of a moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, concealer all in one. They can definitely save time. Read here to find out the difference between the two.

Go for a five minute face
Don't have time for a full face? Grab your BB cream, mascara, blush and a favorite lipstick or gloss to add a little color to your face and make yourself feel a little more alive.

TIP: can't find the time while juggling the little ones and all their stuff? keep a small makeup bag in your purse or diaper bag and apply it after you've gotten in the car and the kids are bucked up. I have done this numerous times and it works like a charm!

Have some great beauty tips or tricks for busy moms? Post them in the comments. I'd love to hear them!