This post will give you 12 easy tips to feel pretty as a stay-at-home mom with minimal effort!
First off, why care?
Glad you asked.
With a hundred million things going on in a day (most of which involve feces and spit up) why put any priority on how you look?
Well some days, the answer is don’t. Some days, staying in the same clothes you woke up in until the time you fall asleep or manage to get a shower, is perfectly fitting.
But if you’re anything like me, you feel better when you put a small amount of effort into your appearance for the day. You mood, confidence, and even your joy will increase. Being a stay-at-home mom is not a prison sentence and how we present ourselves will reflect our love and contentment in this season at home. And it is true, our appearance falls on our priority list when we’re busy keeping humans alive and helping them thrive. So we need quick and easy ways to love and care for ourselves that will benefit the whole family.
So here are a few tips I’ve found that make looking pretty without trying hard possible in this crazy, wonderful mom life.
These super easy tips will make you feel pretty as a stay-at-home mom!
Stay-at-Home Mom Beauty Essentials
Cream Based Makeup Products
Replace you powders with cream based “stick” make up products. These few products have turned my makeup routine into a >7 minute process- A cream eye shadow sticks, a bronzing and blush stick and a hi-lighter stick. You can run these across your facial features and blend them with a sponge, a brush or even your fingers. You can apply them all before blending too. The cream eye shadow literally gives me a smokey eye in 2 minutes. I rub it on my eye lid, gently tap with my index fingers and voila! The cream based products are also healthier for your skin. My favorite line is Clinique because they are oil free and amazing as you age. A little contour and blush is sure you make you feel so pretty, even as a stay-at-home Mom!
Moisturize you Face
Moisturizing will give your face a glow that makes you look and feel awake. Recent studies show that washing your wash too much cause cause even more breakouts. But moisturizing with a gentle product will quench your skins thirst and give you a fresh glow. Another immeasurable benefit is your skin is going to thank you in 20 years! So do it. If you plan on wearing foundation, try mixing it into your moisturizer for a soft and natural make up look.
BB or CC Cream
BB Cream is a game changer. It’s lightweight and loaded with benefits like moisturizer and sunscreen. BB cream is usually light coverage but different brands will vary. Some BB creams even have salicylic acid if you’re dealing with breakouts. This will even out your face and give you a bit more color without using full on foundation everyday. I literally squirt it into my hands and rub it on my face and neck like lotion. No special brush techniques needed.
Find you Feature
All of us have some God given feature that makes us stand out. Maybe you have gorgeous lips or chiseled cheek bones. Perhaps your eye brows are fluffy and thick which make your eyes pop. Study and examine your facial features and determine what you want to hilight to make your natural beauty shine. This will help you cut your make up routine into a few steps when you’re simply elevating your look rather than changing It altogether. Youtube how to accentuate that specific feature. Can’t wait for you to try this.
Self Tanner as Contour
This tip truly removes the need for make up. Self tanner hides blemishes naturally and you’ll wake up looking like you’ve been bronzed by the sun on vacation. The tanner will last about 4 days if you wash your face regularly. Use this trick if you have lots of events or places to go on any given week.
Simple Jewelry
Another effortless way to look put together! Getting in the habit of putting a small pair of diamond studs or cuff earrings along with an extra ring and bracelet makes you radiate femininity. We might be doing dishes, reading books and making beds but we must feel proud as we do it…Even if your wearing workout clothes for the day, throw on a gold necklace and your ready to go.
Clean, Manicured Hands
Your hands are such a beautiful part of you. They work so hard and take care of precious babies everyday. Show your hands some love too. Keep them moisturized (especially after washing dishes). Clip your nails and cuticles on a regular basis. Throw nail clippers in a small bowl by the kitchen sink so it’s as convenient as possible. IF you have time, its always nice to have painted nails but this isn’t necessary for a manicured hand. And if your budget allows, a professionally manicured hand will boost your confidence. Having pretty nails is like a frame that displays the beauty of your wedding ring so, don’t go hanging Monet without a frame ladies.
Cute and Comfy Wardrobe Items
Doesn’t it seem like we either buy super comfy clothes or completely dressy ones? Start to add casual but cute items to your wardrobe you can throw on and feel like you aren’t wearing workout clothes everyday. Yoga pants and leggings are a staple in every mom’s wardrobe. Find tops that go with leggings but aren’t loungewear. I personally LOVE Sadie Robertson’s style. Its very casual but also so cute and put together- perfect for everyday looks as a stay-at-home mom. Find someone whose style inspires you and go off of that…but be realistic. What you wear speaks and will affect how you feel. If you wear pajamas everyday, your atmosphere will feel sleepy and unproductive. If you struggle with tiredness, try taking on the day by changing the way you dress.
Clean your Kicks
SPEAKING of shoes… I could buy them all. But I don’t. This mama is on a budget so I have to work with -and- get the most out of what I’ve got. I’ve had the same pair of all white tennis that go with everything. Because these are such a staple in my wardrobe, they get worn quite a lot. It makes ALL the difference when I give them a quick scrub down with baby wipes or a dish rag. If you wear sneakers, try cleaning them and washing the laces. You will feel like you’ve got a brand new pair of kicks! Spray Scotch guard on your shoes after you’ve cleaned them to make them stain resistant. This is such a practical way to keep yourself looking cute without feeling the need to buy new shoes every season.
Smell Delicious
You may or may not be a person that recognizes every detail, but I can guarantee you notice when someone smells…not their freshest. It literally changes everything to smell yummy. If you’re changing anywhere from 3-10 diapers a day, its hard not to feel like….a dirty diaper. Find a body spray you like and freshen yourself a couple times a day with a sprits. If you have a favorite essential oil, get the roller version and re apply a few times a day. Trust me, smell plays a huge part in how you feel about yourself. Your kids and hubby will even appreciate this and eventually associate your smell to you, which is just cute and sentimental <3
3 Hair Style Rule
Someone I knew once said, “Your hair is your greatest accessory.” I find that to be SO true. So an easy way to look cute without trying hard is to find 3 hair styles that you like on yourself that are quick and easy. Mine are half up/half down, a low bun with a few pieces pulled out and a side braid. None of these require heat and are super simple. Having a few easy ways to change up your hair will expand your look big time.
Get the Stanley Cup so you Drink Enough Water
This sounds funny but after I caved and bought the cutest light pink Stanley cup, my water intake went from maybe 1 cup to filling that thing 3-4 times a day. Of course, it doesn’t HAVE to be a Stanley but….ok yes it does. And as if you don’t hear this piece of advice enough, it is simple and effective. Staying hydrated will keep you awake and moving. It’s good for all your organs including your SKIN. I don’t believe drowning yourself as a daily goal is healthy like you hear nowadays. (A gallon a day??) Drink when you’re thirsty. Just don’t forget to do it you busy Mamas!
I’m all about what works and if possible, whats easy. These 12 simple things will not only make you look pretty in your stay-at-home mom era, but feel pretty…and thats an amazing thing! Your kids will feel proud to have a Momma who takes care of herself and who displays confidence even at home. Your hubby will also notice and love it! But always remember your family needs a present mommy, not a pretty one. So start inward and let it reflect out.
Stay happy Mommys!
Leave a comment and share the <3
