Cheap and easy beauty tips for busy mums
Like many busy mums, I often find there's barely time in the day to comb out my tangled hair, let alone paint on a full face of make-up. Weekly manicures have become a thing of the past, and at the end of the month there's barely enough left in the pot for my favourite magazine, let alone a trip to the hairdressers!
Every woman wants to feel pretty and pampered, but when time and money are of the essence, what's a mum to do?
Here are a few suggestions for cheap and easy beauty fixes to fit in with even the tightest of schedules so you can have your beauty fix without having to worry about the cost!
Be fresh-faced in the morning
With even a few minutes to spare before the dreaded school/work run in the morning, it's still possible to look and feel fresh and put together.
Drink a large glass of water as soon as possible after waking to invigorate and rehydrate your body before hugging that mug of instant coffee - it really does help banish tiredness!
Splash your face with cold water after washing which will help to close open pores and give your skin a little glow. If you don't have time for make-up, follow up with a moisturiser at least. My favourite for daytime is Lacura Shimmering Day Cream which costs under £2 from Aldi which (as the name suggests) gives a subtle shimmering glow which is perfect for disguising blotchy skin (people often think I'm wearing make-up when I use this, for the price it really is that good!).
Try a tinted lip balm if you haven't the time to apply lipstick, then you won't have to worry about smudges or perfection and can smooth out dry lips in the process! Palmers have recently brought out a range which look great and smell delicious (try the dark chocolate and cherry version, it's lush!).
Get creative with hair accessories
Many mums simply don't have the time to wash, dry and style their hair every morning (I know I certainly don't!).
Rather than venture out with (literally) "just got out of bed" hair, try using hair accessories such as hairbands, grips, pretty slides and clips to tame your unruly mane.
eHow has a great series of videos demonstrating loads of different ways you can dress up your hair with simple cheap hair accessories. I particularly like this one which explains how to use grips to pin hair up in a pleat:
How to Use Bobby Pins to Style Your Hair -- powered by ehow
Rather than venture out with (literally) "just got out of bed" hair, try using hair accessories such as hairbands, grips, pretty slides and clips to tame your unruly mane.
eHow has a great series of videos demonstrating loads of different ways you can dress up your hair with simple cheap hair accessories. I particularly like this one which explains how to use grips to pin hair up in a pleat:
How to Use Bobby Pins to Style Your Hair -- powered by ehow
Care for your hands while you're cleaning
Are cleaning duties drying out your hands? Give yourself an intensive hand treatment while you work!
Simply slather your favourite hand cream all over your hands before donning rubber gloves. The warmth of the washing-up water will intensify the moisturising effects, leaving your hands feeling silky soft and pampered when you're done.
Pamper your feet while you sleep
Got a pair of old cotton socks and a jar of Vaseline to hand?
Just before going to bed, spread a layer of Vaseline all over your feet and pull your socks over them. The Vaseline will do it's work tending to cracked, dry or sore feet while you sleep, leaving you with lovely soft tootsies when you wake.
If you happen to have a pair of cotton gloves you can try this for your hands too!
Got any more tips?
I'm always on the lookout for time and moneysaving beauty tips, and would love to hear if you have any tips to share! Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions below.
Image credit: Ed Yourdon, via Flickr
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