Tips on how to look your best when you have a baby/ young child?

[PerfectPeony2]

Just that really.

I feel like most days I look like I’ve been pulled through a hedge backwards. It’s too easy to not wear any makeup and put on comfortable clothes when you’re at home. But then it puts me off wanting to go anywhere as I hate going out without makeup. DD is very full on and I never have much time.

Any tips on how to get ready quickly? Or beauty hacks? My hair all fell out but has grown back, it’s at an awkward length and looks terrible. Even when I put it up!

Following as I’d like to know this too! I said to DH last night that I want to make more effort but I have no energy, time or nice clothes 🤷‍♀️

Let me know if you find out

I guess it's different for everyone, because it depends what your baby/child is like and what your lifestyle is. I have a 9mo and work full time, so my husband knows that means I need time to do hair and makeup in the morning and he is on baby supervising duty. (Not that I'm the default, but I'm usually first downstairs with DS which is where I do makeup)

On non work days, I put on tinted SPF as a minimum to leave the house, and do my hair. It's a long bob so very quick to straighten or twist up in a clip (bought some nice clips and also some nice hair grips for decoration). But I only have to wash it every 3-4 days luckily. And I have a quick makeup routine, but that depends how much makeup you like to wear. What I struggle with is thinking of outfits quickly (I have LOADS of clothes) - I've got a couple of apps for this but I need to find the time to catalogue all the items (Stylebook and Cladwell). Until very recently I didn't fit into all my old work clothes so I was wearing a lot of the same things though, which did make it easier.

But really your DD might be a lot more demanding than my DS, I don't know. So really I guess I'd say it comes down to putting yourself first more - whether that's by your partner doing more, or prioritising over other stuff, or whatever. It is hard to carve out the time, but it's so much better when you feel like "yourself" and that you matter as well.

Following because I'm about to have a baby and I'm worried about this exact thing!

Personally I find that having a simple wardrobe of casual clothes that go together well really helps. Also having regular haircuts and a good hair care routine that involves a blow dry after every wash if possible, I have a revlon hot air brush that is so easy to use.

Simple , but always painted and shaped nails help too. Even if it's just a quick file and coat of clear nail polish.

Dry shampoo and hair cut so you just can let dry (if your hair type allows) - pick makeup that fits into a five minute routine and make time for it no matter what or gradually stop giving a shit like me - going back to work helped as I got to dress up then and slum it at the weekends

Obviously it depends on your DC age but I find it best to do my hair and make up while my 14Mo is eating her breakfast, even if I'm not going out until later that day, it's the one time she sits still long enough, and have noticed if i don't do it then, the day gets busier and i think oh sod it!

Thanks all!

DH is always up and out early so it’s only me in the mornings. DD gets up 6 at the latest so she never up after me.

Current routine is I have my make up bag downstairs and do a quick foundation/ blush/ eyeliner and mascara.

One thing I need to do is get my hair coloured as I haven’t for ages. But I can never wear it down because she pulls it.

I’d like to have acrylic nails done every 2-4 weeks and potentially eyelashes, but I’d feel guilty trying to justify the cost!

I go back to work soon but a bit concerned about clothes not fitting..

Watching with interest!

I got a fringe cut in about 4 weeks ago in preparation for my hair falling out after birth and inadvertently looking like I've hacked the thinnest fringe in existence into my hairline. Although I was a bit worried it would add more effort in terms of styling, so far I've found if I just blow dry it properly then I don't need to touch it for a few days and it gives the illusion I've made an effort and styled my hair every day! Have a 2 week old and a 2 year old.

I had an upstairs baby chair and later box of toys. It went to the bathroom when I showered and to the side of my vanity whilst I chucked on the bare minimum of makeup.
Lived in skinny jeans and T-shirt’s: smart trainers or ankle boots.

Never won any style awards, but was always ready to leave house by 9am; it’s what kept me sane.

NannyPear

That’s such a good idea. I think I may have to visit the hairdresser and get them to cut me one but not sure it will suit me. I got one of those hair mascara type things that tidies it up but within a few hours it’s out again. My holiday pictures after I’d been in the pool were frightening..

No one tells you about the hair loss and dodgy looking short fringe you will get a few months later!

I wash my hair at night and use baby kiss big hair to dry it - not perfect but looks a lot tidier than air drying!

Also a mum uniform of skinny jeans/denim skirt, shirt and jumper with smart/casual shoes - no trainers but suede shoes in winter and Birkenstock’s in summer.

Make up done while the dc eat breakfast- minimal foundation, powder, mascara.

T-shirt, not shirt - I don’t have time for that level of ironing!

It's really hard.

1. My body shape and size changed. Even if the clothes fitted, they no longer suited my shape. I was also breastfeeding or pregnant for years on end and so needed access to boobs/wearing crap nursing/maternity bra.

1. I was no longer comfortable (as in up/down/floor/putting into car seats/changing nappies comfortable) in the clothes and shoes I wore before.

1. I didn't have the time to do hair and make up.

1. I didn't have the emotional capacity to think about how to address any of the above for ages after I had kids.

I think I worked out what was a priority (in my case being comfortable), and then worked from there out.

Guilt about money is maybe helped by having a monthly budget on clothes and grooming?

Following with interest!! One thing I try to do is keep on top of my skincare. I find that helps me look better without makeup. So every night a decent clean with Liz Earle (or the Superdrug rip-off), night serum, night cream and eye cream. Occasionally an oil. Quicker wash in the morning then a day serum.

One thing I need to do more is get my hair cut. I think that would help too.

Don't feel guilty about spending money on your appearance for a start off.

When the kids were tiny I focused on eating really well which had the benefits of helping to lose the baby weight and giving you decent skin too.

Wear clothes that suit you, try and take time to do hair and makeup, even if it's only ten mins.

I have a 4 month old, so it is fairly new to me, but I make an effort to wear nice and comfortable (breastfeeding friendly) clothes. For me, it is mainly jeans and a nice shirt with flats or Superga trainers. I roll up the sleeves and/or trouser legs and do a French tuck, and I think it looks like I’ve made an effort. If feeling really fancy, I wear a bit of jewellery.

I do my makeup while baby is sleeping or while singing or playing with him. I do foundation, blusher, highlighter, brows, mascara and lipstick/gloss/balm. Nothing that requires precision...

My hair is in a low bun as I’m shedding loads at the moment and my baby pulls it if down or in a ponytail. I haven’t had a haircut for ages but probably will once I stop shedding.
My hair was cut mid-pregnancy to be really low maintenance for a while, so it is just long with a long fringe so I can put it all up or braid it.

I still can’t fit into some of my old clothes, so I have bought new as I would be miserable if I didn’t have something nice to wear now. And I have prioritised buying good nursing bras as they really mean a lot imo.

I think the easiest way to do it is to keep minimal. I had to get new clothes anyway as I had gained weight pre pregnancy and lost a lot after, so I stuck to neutrals that can be easily put together. If I dont feel good in an item it goes to charity, dont be tempted to wear it again!

I wear a lot of make up but my routine is only 5 mins. Use the big hair so that takes 5 mins too (I confess I dont have regular cuts maybe one a year I think confidence makes me pull it off!) Nails are kept short and clean. Jewellery is good quality and minimal so comfortable.

But it also depends on your child. Dd was never messy as a baby so I didnt have to worry about getting dirty clothes. She would happily play on the floor for 10 mins with toys whilst I do hair and makeup. Shes 3 now so even easier, she will pass me stuff from my make up box etc.

managedmiss you are so right! why do we feel guilty? I know I do but the products/supplements I buy keep me sane so I really shouldn't feel guilty - thank you.

OP when mine were tiny, I always allocated 2 hiurs to get all of us washed, dressed, fed and me made up - that way I kept calm and somehow managed to keave the house looking reasonable. it is bloody hard though - lots of distraction techniques - toys, ipad, finger food . I do remember doing my make-up in the kitchen whilst DD in high chair.

I’ve had my hair cut so I can just wash it, put some product in then air dry (curly hair).

On work in the office days I actually wash & do hair & make up at work so child free. We have really lovely modern clean shower rooms at my work, I’m very lucky.
On working from home days I don’t bother. I literally don’t even brush my hair . I shower in the evening after baby in bed.

On weekends DH and I take turns to watch baby / get ready. If DH not around I either have to wait until nap time (10am) to get ready or bribe baby with finger foods.

It’s a nightmare and I look a right mess most of the time.

Wash and straighten my hair in the evening before bed with some hairspray (shower next day with a shower cap on).

Makeup is just practice you get quicker and quicker.

When in doubt chuck some sunglasses on

I always wash my hair/ shower in the evenings now as I simply can’t in the morning.

Skincare is taking my make up off with micellar water and putting on a bit of Nivea or Aveeno (got the baby one for DD and I’m hooked!).

Make up is body shop foundation which isn’t too thick, then I put on a bit of blush, eyeliner and mascara. Makeup bag is currently downstairs in the living room but doing it when DD is having breakfast is a good idea!

I’m still breastfeeding so I always find myself in a strappy top, with a dress over the top and leggings. I just feel gross a lot of the time as my stomach has an extra fold now and it makes me pretty self conscious.

I comfort eat a fair bit. I’m a size 12 which I’m fine with but I don’t carry the extra weight well on my face.

How much a month so you think is reasonable to spend on your appearance?

I think the Mum guilt sets in and I think - ohh this £25 set of nails could buy DD a new toy/ go in savings/ new clothes for her..