Quick Beauty Tips
Forget foundation or a blow-dry—when you're rushing to get the kids fed, nursed, or out the door, even a shower can feel like a pipe dream. Here are creative ways (and times) to squeeze a little primping into your day.
By Marta Topran
- Kids engrossed in craft project
GET A GLOW20 MINUTES
"To give your look a pick-me-up, simply rub a couple of drops of liquid bronzer over your face," says Cristina Bartolucci, the cocreator of DuWop cosmetics. "It's supersheer and just as easy to apply as moisturizer." Then swipe a shimmery peach blush across your eyelids with a blush brush to accentuate the eyes. Finish up by curling your lashes and applying some mascara.
Multi-Mix bronzer, $28, Cargo, Sephora.
- parked in school-pickup lane
Groom Brows10 minutes
"The rearview mirror is perfect for brow plucking," says Bartolucci—use the map light to spotlight the brows. To get a good grip on stray hairs, she adds, "take the tweezers in the opposite direction of the grain to lift the hair, then pull in the direction it grows." Smooth and tidy finished brows with clear lip balm.
Artisan tweezers in Multi-Flower, $20, Japonesque, Ulta Beauty.
- ballet/tuba lesson
Style Hair45 MINUTES
Head to the ladies' room to get your hair in sleek-and-shiny date-night shape. "A flat iron is fast and easy—and makes no noise," points out celebrity hairstylist David Babaii. "While styling, clamp the iron at the root, then slowly lift the hair back, away from your face." For added volume, be sure to lift straight up for the first inch or so.
Styling iron, $120, David Babaii for WildAid.
- grocery store
Soften cuticles2 minutes
While you're waiting in the checkout line, break out a tin of cuticle balm and massage some around neglected, malnourished nails. Jojoba and vitamin E smooth rough, dry skin.
SolarBalm, $10, GoIndulge.com.
- kids tucked into bed, 30 Rock on TV
Revive Skin30 minutes
Apply a face mask to combat oily, dry, or stressed-out skin. (Oily skin benefits from clay-based formulas, while dry skin responds best to something more emollient.) Leave it on while you—finally—unwind with a glass of wine.
Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Skin-Calming face mask, $35, Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins.
- nap time
Spa Yourself90 minutes
When a rare block of free time presents itself, try turning your bathroom into a spa. Scott Vincent Borba, the creator of Borba Skincare, recommends knotting cheesecloth around slices of cucumbers, lemons, and limes. Drizzle in some honey or a burst vitamin E capsule. Then secure the bundle over your shower-head with a strong rubber band. The citrus bundle will help soften skin and strengthen hair. Borba also likes scrubs with shea butter and oatmeal, which "smooth out skin's texture and tone."
Exfoliating body polish in oatmeal and shea butter, $7, St. Ives, Drugstore.com.
- Keywords:
- quick beauty,
- beauty tips,
- makeup trends,
- best beauty products,
- new mom
