I’m a huge believer in natural beauty and embracing what you’ve got - and there's a very good reason for this. In the midst of prepping school lunches, provisioning breakfast, umpiring the constant wrestling (and that's just my husband, ha ha), getting the kids to school on time, myself to work on time, and generally keep my shit together, even I, a seasoned professional makeup artist, don’t find time to spend more than 10 minutes in front of the mirror doing my make up and hair. We can't all be Victoria Beckham.
When I was a new mum just showering seemed like a full blown logistical challenge - where the hell in my zombie-like-sleepless-stupor was I going to fit that in to my morning? I recall answering the door to a courier with a breast hanging out of my Bonds maternity singlet for heavens sake ... that's what state of mindless, deranged madness I was in. So I appreciate that beauty and makeup aren't always top of the priority list for new mothers and busy mothers on the run.
I do however, remember wanting to feel just that little more put together. I didn't want the streets of Bondi Beach to see what was really going on for me. I was pretty keen to hide the feeling of total life upheaval and chaos. So presenting a brave, "half decent", fresh looking face was all about faking it until I made it. Yep, the new job title of "Mum" was one I had to grapple with and fake until I got my training wheels off and learnt to ride with confidence. Finding my groove in Motherhood took some practice - and that's the understatement of the year.
DID YOU KNOW WE'RE RUNNING SPECIAL MOTHER DAUGHTER MAKEUP WORKSHOPS?
Scroll to the bottom of this story to find out more.
Below I've outlined 10 cheeky cheats for faking it 'til you feel like you're making it as a new Mumma. These tips also apply to seasoned Mothers trying to get out of the house amongst the morning chaos and busy women everywhere. They are designed to help you just feel that little bit better about yourself. Put on a brave face, get out there, and get amongst it ...
I like to put on a bright shade of lipstick or lipgloss. You'll be amazed at what magical wonders a bright lipstick does for a woman. It screams "I've got my shit together". Even if I’m not wearing any other makeup, it instantly brightens my mood and elicits compliments everywhere. Hell yeah. I've got this!
Product Recommendation
My current lipstick obsession is with NUDUS, an incredible Australian certified organic lipstick that is not only safe as it's 100% natural, but is genuinely incredibly nourishing. Love a multi-tasking product. Amazing colour. Truly hydrated lips.
I'm so obsessed with this lipstick I've dedicated a whole blog post - click here to read more about this game-changing certified organic lippy.
CLICK TO BUY
Enter the code 'AMANDA10' to get $10 off your first purchase.
I can hear the exasperated cries of "is she serious, curl my lashes". And yes, I am. Takes all of about 5 seconds and will open up those peepers like no other product. Curl lashes then load up on mascara.
Product Recommendations
100% NATURAL PRODUCT LOVERS (& SENSITIVE EYES)
I'm actually loving Ere Perez 100% natural waterproof mascara. Generally I steer clear of waterproof - please avoid in other chemical brands - but I figure this is 100% natural, so whatever is in it that's making my lashes waterproof ain't that harmful.
CLICK TO BUY
Enter the code 'AMANDA10' to get $10 off your first purchase.
BIG VOLUME BUDGET LASH LOVERS
L'Oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara
KEVYN AUCOIN EYE LASH CURLER
The easiest way to embrace your natural beauty is to have amazing skin. Start with the true foundation of any good makeup - and that's a simple but effective skin care regime. I notice a massive difference and feel more confident to leave the house without makeup, when my skin is well cared for.
I'm 44 and can say with all experience and confidence that reaching 40 came with some significant changes to my skin. Fine lines, jowls (WTF!?), hooded eyes, deepened nasolabial lines (yes, that really is what they're called), pigmentation and crepey neck syndrome. Now is the time to start really taking care of your skin. After 30, the body no longer produces collagen. Bummer.
Click here to watch a HOW TO VIDEO on my basic skincare regime.
I personally love 100% natural skincare - I need all the help I can get, but don't have time for complicated regimes. Being 100% natural, with no hidden chemicals, means that these incredibly potent formulas actively work to heal skin. They are a natural cosmeceutical. Yes, please.
My simple, daily skincare regime.
1. Vanessa Megan Pettigrain Cleanser
2. Vanessa Megan Rose Water
3. Vanessa Megan Natures Elixir Face Oil (NEO)
4. Weleda Skin Food for desperately dry hands, lips and any scaley skin.
Once a week I'll add
5. Vanessa Megan Prebiotic + C Brightening Exfoliant
6. Vanessa Megan EPI Cell Serum to my simple routine. Best kept secret to healthy, glowing skin.
CLICK TO BUY
Enter the code 'AMANDA10' to get $10 off your first purchase.
A really good tinted moisturiser or BB cream will even out your skin tone (which makes you look younger) and gives your skin extra glow. It's lightweight and subtle.
Product Recommendations
For everyday use, I'm reaching for more natural products.
Below are my current favourite 100% natural options that I have tested and wear myself:
NORMAL - DRY SKIN
INIKA Certified Organic BB Cream
Enter the code 'AMANDA10' to get $10 off your first purchase.
NORMAL - OILY SKIN
La Mav BB Cream
Enter the code 'AMANDA10' to get $10 off your first purchase.
ALL SKIN TYPES - VERY SHEER COVERAGE
Josh Rosebrook Tinted Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30
Enter the code 'AMANDA10' to get $10 off your first purchase.
Uber time poor, throw on a fabulous pair of sunglasses.
Check out Claire Fabb's Style by Yellow Button blog.
It is a brilliant resource - and beacon for inspiration - particularly for women over 40.
Have a little more time, fill in your brows. Brows tend to disappear as we age and filling them in a little really does frame the face and make you look younger. And I don't mean "draw them in" god no. Please don't do that. It looks like sh*t. Look I know that's offensive to some but I'm here to tell it how it is. Just feather in the gaps.
Product Recommendations
BEST FOR PUMPING UP THE VOLUME FAST
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow
MAC Cosmetics Brow Set (pictured in Clear and Beguile)
BEST FOR DEFINITION
Benefit Brow Zings Duo
BEST 100% NATURAL PRODUCTS
Eco Brow Defining Wax
Lily Lolo Eyebrow Duo
Enter the code 'AMANDA10' to get $10 off your first purchase.
What works for you to help you get out of the house quickly each morning, looking mighty fine, or half decent will do too? Love to hear your tips! Comment on our Facebook Page
But wait there's more .... Click here for PART 2 of my Top 10 Beauty Cheats for Mum's just trying to keep it together.
Please share this post with your family and friends there's a Facebook Share button at the bottom of this page.
With love and power to you girls,
Amanda
xxx
AND ... DID YOU KNOW WE'VE SPECIAL MOTHER DAUGHTER MAKEUP EVENTS FOR MOTHERS DAY?
CLICK HERE to register your interest in attending a special Makeup Workshop specifically for Mothers and your daughters. All ages are welcome.
