As a mom, carving out time for yourself amidst school runs, soccer practice, and cooking can seem more difficult than potty training a toddler. However, having young kids doesn’t mean that self-care should be neglected— especially when juggling a busy life. To help you discover how to incorporate a touch of beauty into your hectic schedule, we chatted with three mompreneurs who shared insights into their daily routines. Their common mantra? A swipe of mascara can work wonders.
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Courtenay Perks
“I prioritize my own needs so I can be my best for my family. You can’t pour from an empty cup. When I nurture myself, that energy flows into my relationships with my children and husband,” shares Courtenay Perks, the creator of Whole Vegan Pantry.
Her skincare routine
“Every morning and night, I cleanse and scrub my face using disposable gauze. After that, I apply a toner made from half a cup of witch hazel and ten drops of tea tree oil, followed by a hydrating moisturizer and eye cream. At least once a week, I indulge in an Epsom salts bath, dry body brushing, and moisturizing with hempseed oil. I let my hair air dry as it stays healthier that way.”
Her quick makeup hack
“Since I’ve been working more, I wear less makeup, which I love—my skin feels great! When I do wear makeup, I keep it quick and easy: light foundation, concealer for my eyes, a brow pencil, lip gloss, blush, mascara, and a dab of liquid eyeliner. This all takes two minutes, tops.”
Her go-to ingredients
“Once or twice a week, I whip up a homemade charcoal face mask using half a teaspoon of charcoal powder, half a teaspoon of bentonite clay, a quarter teaspoon of baking soda, a quarter teaspoon of coconut oil, and a teaspoon of water. After letting it sit for ten minutes, I scrub it off. When I hit the infrared sauna, I apply coconut oil to my hair and rinse it afterward for a shiny finish.”
Her advice for busy moms
“Remember to take care of yourself from within. Drink more water, eat more plant-based foods, and move your body daily. Prioritizing yourself is not selfish—it’s essential.”
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Jennifer Rose Rossano
“Finding time for self-care is crucial,” emphasizes Jennifer Rose Rossano, the voice behind the plant-based parenting blog NeuroticMommy and mother of two. “It’s not glamorous—imagine me not being pampered, but I make it work, usually at night when the kids are asleep. Luckily, I’ve got my routine streamlined.”
Her skincare routine
“In the evenings, I wash my face, exfoliate, then apply toner or indulge in a face or hair mask—whatever I feel like that night. Occasionally I keep it simple with castor oil slathered on my face before bed.”
Her two-minute makeup hack
“To ensure I don’t look like a total mess when dropping my son off at school, I rely on tinted moisturizer and mascara. The tinted moisturizer brightens my complexion, while the mascara makes my eyes pop.”
Her favorite ingredients
“I adore lavender for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, making it soothing for my skin and uplifting for my mood. For my hair, I also appreciate peppermint as it stimulates the scalp. Coconut and jojoba oils are my go-tos for extra moisture.”
Her tip for busy moms
“Remember, ladies: a little goes a long way!”
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Sunny Subramanian
“As an entrepreneur and a single mother of two little boys, self-care is crucial for my mental health,” states Sunny Subramanian, the beauty guru behind Vegan Beauty Review. “I believe I can’t be the best version of myself for others if I don’t prioritize my own needs. I aim to schedule ‘me time’ daily, whether it’s for 15 minutes or an hour.”
Her skincare routine
“At night, I take off my makeup using makeup wipes or jojoba oil on a cotton pad and then cleanse my face with a creamy cleanser mixed with argan or grapeseed oil. After that, I tone and moisturize with shea butter or various beauty oils, letting all those nourishing ingredients soak in while I sleep.”
Her quick makeup hack
“When I’m short on time or prefer a minimalist look, I stick to under-eye concealer, mascara, and tinted lip gloss. These three products instantly elevate my appearance.”
Her go-to ingredients
“I love anything that contains argan oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, aloe vera, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, activated charcoal, and essential oils. I opt for natural ingredients that deliver strong results, whether it’s for hydration, anti-aging, detoxing, or all of the above.”
Her beauty tip for moms on the go
“Two words: dry shampoo. It’s a game changer! Baby powder can also serve as a quick finishing touch or dry shampoo.”
Mom-friendly skincare ingredients
If you’re on the lookout for effective skincare that moms swear by, consider these recommendations by Michele Farber, MD, from Schweiger Dermatology (and always remember to patch-test new products before widespread use).
Rosehip oil is chock-full of antioxidants that help minimize free radical damage that degrades collagen. Use it once or twice daily as a serum—it’s ideal for busy schedules.
Green tea acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, making it a beneficial treatment for acne. Brew three tea bags for a relaxing evening—enjoy one cup and use the chilled bags under your eyes. You might also look for skincare infused with green tea.
Chamomile tea is soothing for sensitive skin and serves as an excellent anti-inflammatory. Seek out products containing chamomile, or treat yourself to a hot or iced cup to sip throughout your day.
Hyaluronic acid is a superstar in skincare; it replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier and is a vital ingredient in effective cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. If there’s one ingredient to rely on, this is it.
