Low maintenance beauty regime for late twenties mum of 2

[Francois]

Morning

This is my first post in s&b but have been lurking for ages. I'm hoping for some recommendations for a fairly low maintenence beauty regime that i can carry on when #2 is born rather than last times approach of do nothing for months and wonder why i look so knackered 6 months later. I also dont know what i should be using to try and counter the signs of ageing. - when do you start that?

I have combination skin and currently use neal's yard palmarossa face wash but its quite drying at the mo so would like a nice face wash and moisturiser. Also any general hints or tips on how you look not half dead in that lovely newborn phase much appreciated, as well as any hints to control post partum hair loss!

Thanks in advance!

Hello. When is DC2 due?

I would go for something very simple, like a clarins day energizer range.

I am due with DC2 also, and am hoping the routine I manage to create with DS will see me through!

So here is what I have found has kept me sane:

Always shower/hairwash whilst DH is still here in the morning, even if it means dragging myself out of bed.

Try and do as much as you can in shower, ie facial wash. I have cleaned my teeth in shower at times if I think it'll help!

Use products that double up. So a very moisturising shower gel and also an exfoliating shower gel, which I alternate.

I swear by use a quick drying hair towel, like this one. Shaves off drying time of my hair. I also use a powerful hairdryer, Parlux, and then 5 mins with my BBH.

Simple make up routine helps too, Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser is supposed to be excellent.

Go to a simple skincare routine - ie cleanse, tone, moisturise. I would recommend Elemis and Liz Earle. Liz Earle cleanse and polish takes a minute and will remove your make-up too. Then use the Liz Earle toner (don't skip this step). Then use Elemis pro collagen marine cream. PCMC is great as it is anti ageing but lightweight (im only mid twenties and I can use it), can be used around the eyes as your eye cream, can be used as your night cream, is instantly absorbed and smells gorgeous. That routine is balancing, will keep your skin plump, and is nice and quick. If after 4-5 weeks of doing it you feel your skin needs something 'more' then add in an oil or serum (I only use decleor but see the serums thread on here)

Thank you very much, had a quick look at the Clarins stuff and seems nice, plus not as £ as Neals Yard. Baby due in April so trying to purchase all the nice things before SMP kicks in!
I did use Liz Earle a while back but didnt love it, maybe I should look at it again, I was very early twenties when I did. Whats the advantage with toner? I have read mixed reviews on whether its essential or not.
Also took a quick peak at the Elemis, that's definitely one to be sneaked in past the husband I think but like the fact its just one cream rather than 3 different ones which I can never be bothered applying!

Thanks again.

Hi I am a 25 mother of 2 young girls, and I too needed something quick. I use EVELOM cleanser, it is expensive, but my skin has never been so fresh looking. You can use just that, but I also use astral as a moisturiser. EVELOM you only need to use in the eve so it does last. They do an eye cream too, for fine lines, as you are young you won't need anything heavy going, they gave me samples, it was nice. As for the day time I love garner bb cream, as I am very pale this is good,and it gives you a beautiful glow. I let my hair dry naturally, but it is shoulder length, so may not be possible for you x

Well, the LE C&P isn't my favourite - I like the new elemis version (the Pro radience cream cleanser) - but it seems to be pretty universally loved (the elemis one is richer - balmy like the eve lom - and smells nicer, imo).

Toner is important for two reasons:

1. It restores your skin's PH balance to the optimum level for cell renewal (water can strip your skin and confuse it). It takes your skin 14 hours to restore the PH level on its' own, toner can do it for you in seconds. Use an alcohol free one (I use a cheap one (olay - it is blue and costs about £2) after masks etc and a quality one (decleor) as my final step before my serum morning and night).
2. It removes any residue from your cleanser, which can cause clogged pores.

I don't know a professional beauty brand that doesn't recognise the importance of toner. They are also great used cold (ie after being in the fridge) as compresses for the eyes and face - really wakes your skin up and feels great during hot weather/ stressful periods.