Polished new mum look - is it possible?

[Muppet7410]

DC2 is 2 weeks old. I look like 💩!

Is there any way I could look slightly polished but would only take 2 mins to do?

I'm 35, hereditary dark circles (emphasized by 0 sleep), fair skin (few acne scars), long dark brown hair.

Thanks in advance!

mothers with babies aren’t exactly interesting 💤

You don't sound too scintillating yourself sweetheart...

Showering daily is a necessity not a luxury Op, especially if you're still bleeding slightly and/or breastfeeding. You have to make that a priority.

Bit of good bb cream, mascara if you have time/energy.

Showering daily is a must, for hygiene surely? Lochia, keeping any wound clean and breastmilk leakage / sweat? I think when DS was a newborn I sometimes showered twice a day (only 5 minutes body showers, no hair washing).

I'm in a similar position but trying to plan ahead as DC2 is due in a couple of weeks! Looking back at pictures of myself with newborn DS I didn't even look tired (even though I was!). I think being younger had something to do with it.

I usually use all the bare minerals powder make up which is faffy and takes ages, so I've bought a good quality tinted moisturiser to use instead - Laura Mercier. I also have a sample of the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue which is lovely, I'd recommend either. Also an industrial strength concealer - I find Benefit Boing the best. Those, mascara and brow make up will be all I'll be wearing make up wise and I'm hoping they'll make me feel human.

Other than that, lots and lots of water and plenty of healthy food - protein, fresh fruit and veg.

I turned to the good people of mumsnet to help with ridiculous dark circles under my eyes (8 week old and two other children to chase after). Someone recommended I use a corrector. I got a Revolution corrector pallete from superdrug (free delivery if you sign up to their reward card too) and it's incredible. I always do something make up wise even if I'm staying at home all day, so a quick shower, face moisturiser, corrector and a slap of mascara is my routine. I look presentable and feel like I'm on the ball.

Leaving the house takes a bit more work because of wardrobe issues. I'm the same size now as I was pre pregnancy but all my clothes look weird on me. Why is that?? (sorry - a bit off topic there!)

@Wavingwhiledrowning That body shape thing happened to me too. Same weight, but things that I could wear pre-pregnancies look shite now

I'm expecting my second and struggled the first time, partly because I have awful skin and use EL double wear but felt it was too heavy for walks to the park, baby groups, etc. Anyone got recommendations for something lighter that has similar effects to DW without the made up look? I'm thinking of trying double wear light.

Be gentle with yourself. You have just produced another human being. I felt I was "vanishing" and out of control when DS was born. I got a bit fixated on preserving my autonomy by learning to drive (nuts, I know). Might you be feeling a bit like that too? Or is it really just style advice you are after?

I’m impressed by the mums who have managed to still be presentable after having a baby. I really do salute you all

Define presentable?

Imo i was perfectly presentable. Hair brushed and tied back, teeth cleaned etc. Took 5 mins. Shower/bath in the evening when dh was home. Comfy, stretchy clothes to accommodate baby weight and shape change

I never in my life felt the need for make up, nails, eyebrows etc. It’s not me, and I am not comfortable with it. I still think i look fine though.

Seconding the recommendation upthread for the ‘can I breastfeed in it?’ Facebook group.

@goingslow it feels like I'm wider? When I look in the mirror I feel like I look like a great big rectangle. I'm a size 10/12 so I'm not actually big, but somehow my body looks like it is. So annoying!

@reallyanotherone the thread was about being presentable/polished.

There were days I just didn’t have the energy and it took all of my strength to breastfeed and be awake, particularly around the cluster feed periods when my son would be feeding for hours and the gap between stopping and starting the next session was not long at all. So on those days I know I didn’t shower as I needed to sleep as and when I could get it, I really wasn’t a priority.

I’d definitely do things differently now as I felt like a zombie for a long time and I’d make myself do ‘me’.

Those who can’t heluevr you can’t find 5 mins to do hair left their babies to cry. Ignore them if you want OP, I’ll say to them I can’t believe you allowed your new babies cortisol level to rise so you could do your hair you vain weirdo.

Haha my baby has never been left to cry while I'm getting ready. Infact they have laughed at the noise of the hair dryer. Watched the wateright of the shower from their baby chair seat and been talked to while I'm quickly putting on basic makeup.

Watched the water from the shower*

Also you can make so many funny games wih your baby while drying your hair. Try hiding your face with all your wet hair and blowing it away then pretend scaring them. They find it hilarious.

you vain weirdo

strong words.

I can’t believe you allowed your new babies cortisol level to rise so you could do your hair you vain weirdo.

^

Mine is 2 weeks old so isn’t quite at the laughing at the shower/hairdryer stage yet. Also won’t be put down when asleep without waking and screaming. I do manage a shower every day as DH has the baby and the 5 and 3 year old while I do it but I think people forget that all babies are different. Just because one is happy in their bouncer while they shower; doesn’t mean they all are.

Huge congratulations on your little one! Feeling myself was so important to me when my little one was born. Nothing over the top but I had to shower and wash my hair daily, quick 5 minute make up routine (often one handed!), clean comfy clothes, often a simple accessory like a scarf. It just made me happier and more able to cope! Xxx

I got a swinging chair and my baby goes in that for 30 mins while I get ready for the day. She's gone in it everyday since she was 3 weeks old and I think having that routine helps. I change the toys on it to keep it interesting and she can still see me in the bathroom so she's happy in there.

If you don't want to buy one there may be a toy library near you that might have one to try.

Water water water for dark circles.

Really cut down on sugar. I know it's hard when you're tired but it really helps with skin and energy levels in the long term. Ditto caffeine.

Eat full fat stuff, great for your skin.

Get nails and hair done - mobile people who come to you. Makes life so much easier!

My children are older now but I actually found it easier to spend time getting ready when my dc were newborns compared to when they were toddlers. At least newborns stay in the same place you put them! Pop them in the bouncy chair...two minute shower, and a very quick make up routine. I can do a full face in four minutes.

You need my two hero products, Laura geller balance and glow and burts bees lip shimmer, both can be used without a mirror if necessary.

The short answer is no, mums that do with very young babies or more than two children under 8 look great...is for a reason, like childcare (grandparent who has the kids when your at home not doing work) or doesn’t pull as much weight as the other partner, so more time to spend on yourself ...that’s on a regular basis though obviously, I’m not taking about mums who now and again look great but mums who constantly do.

Those who can’t heluevr you can’t find 5 mins to do hair left their babies to cry. Ignore them if you want OP, I’ll say to them I can’t believe you allowed your new babies cortisol level to rise so you could do your hair you vain weirdo.

Yeah, OP. Having greasy hair is a way of showing the world you're a proper mum who doesn't neglect her baby's cortisol level