As a mum of two young children, if I was to describe my beauty routine in one word it would be this: fast. Between wiping sticky hands, changing nappies, coaxing the eldest into clean clothes, and practically wrestling both of them into having their teeth brushed each morning, there is very little time left for me to enjoy any rituals that can’t be conducted in 60 seconds or less. I like quick make-up products, a snappy (but effective) skincare routine and styling my hair is a very swift process. And it’s not just parents who will relate—between hectic jobs, caring for others and busy social lives, there are so many of us who struggle to find the time to look after ourselves.
However, I’m four years into motherhood now and despite still operating on more nights of broken sleep than not (my dark circles show it) I have managed to cobble together a few key moments throughout my day to still enjoy something of a daily beauty routine. (Thank goodness, or my job as a beauty editor would be hanging precariously in the balance.) For me, these non-negotiable parts of my day not only help me to look like a woman who has her life together, but they help me to feel like one too—offering little moments of calm amidst the never-ending chaos.
