This Tired Mom’s 10-Minute Makeover

Oh, sleep, how I miss you. I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night. (Was there a time??) When I was pregnant, sleep loss was due to snoring (SO loud I woke myself up), having to pee a million times a night, or just being super-uncomfortable. Now it’s because little Ozzie needs to eat or have his diaper changed. I’d pick the latter every time (he is pretty darn cute), but the lack of sleep definitely takes its toll!

We’re just getting used to being a family of four, and while we are blissfully in that newborn baby omgilovehimsomuch phase, time seems to be a luxury of the past. Time to sleep, time to clean, time to cook, time to relax, and most definitely, time to sit down and do a long makeup routine. BUT . . . I’ve been doing this makeup thing for a long time  I know which products you can skip and which products make a world of difference. So I decided to come up with an easy 10-step routine for tired moms. If you have 30 seconds, do step 1. A minute? Add step 2. The entire process can be done in under 10 minutes, so you can do as much or as little as you have time for. No eyeshadow, no concealer, no liners, no extra fuss. Just the bare minimum to a fresh face so it’ll look like you’ve gotten your full 8 hours . . . when you’re going off of 3.

Step 1: Moisturize

Don’t skip moisturizer! Regardless of your skin type, hydrated skin is so important for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and even the appearance of blemishes. Use one with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration like Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream from Peter Thomas Roth.

Step 2: Shape Brows with Anastasia Brow Wiz

If I could do only one thing to my face, it would be filling in and shaping my brows. You can see my natural brows are pretty dang thin due to years of over-plucking. Fuller brows frame your face, making you look younger and less tired. Brow Wiz is the absolute fastest way to get fuller brows, with a thin pencil (perfect for drawing hair-like strokes) on one end, and a spoolie on the other for blending. (I’ve got both my mom and sister hooked).

Step 3:  Kiehl’s Youth Dose Eye Treatment

Dark circles? Bags? Puffiness? Not to mention fine lines and wrinkles? Yup . . . tired moms know allll about these under-eye problems. Enter this eye cream that “instantly smooths and brightens, while reducing the look of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles under eyes in as little as two weeks.”  Sign me up! It also acts as a primer for concealer . . . I love a product that does double-duty.  

Step 4: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

I used to think primer was mainly used to keep foundation on as long as possible . . . and then I tried this stuff. Woah. It brightens your skin making it look better instantly — I was blown away from the first time I tried it. This primer reduces redness, and minimizes the look of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. It also has broad spectrum SPF 15 for extra sun protection.  

Step 5: Clinique Chubby Foundation Stick

The fastest way to even out your skin tone and conceal blemishes? Using a foundation stick and blending with your fingers. This stuff is super-easy to apply . . . just swipe on areas where you want coverage and blend. Use a little or a lot for sheer to moderate coverage. I used it as concealer as well as foundation, and it blended perfectly. (Great product for on the go, too).

Step 6: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush

“There is not a single woman I know who doesn’t look better with blush.” – Shana, on what the most important makeup product is. I agree.  Blush brightens the face, and adds a youthful glow to otherwise dull and tired skin. My long-time favorite blush is Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Blush. It’s easy to apply, long-lasting and comes in a ton of shades (Exposed is a perfect nude that is universally flattering). 

Step 7: Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

This powder reflects light to blur imperfections but isn’t super shimmery. It reduces shine but doesn’t create a chalky finish. It’s 100% talc-free and feels weightless on your skin  And you know how loose powder tends to get everywhere?? This powder has a custom cap and sifter that were created to dispense the perfect amount of product every time. LOVE this stuff.

Steps 8 & 9: Tightline 3-in-1 Mascara & Lip Injection Extreme

Tightline 3-in-1 Mascara: If I were to use ONE mascara, it would be this one. I use it daily, whether I layer it under other mascara or wear it alone. The brush is super-skinny so you can get right into the base of your lashes without the product getting everywhere. It acts as a tightliner (it lines your upper lash line without actually having to use liner), which makes your lash line appear thicker and your eyes brighter. Lip Injection Extreme Gloss: Technically a serum, this stuff works amazingly well as a gloss. Swipe it on and feel a tingle (it eventually goes away) that plumps your lips by promoting blood flow, creating the perfect natural pink lip. You can layer it over other lipsticks but it looks just as good on its own.  

Step 10:  BECCA Highlighter in Opal

My favorite highlighter, BECCA’S formula, is easy to use and doesn’t leave glitter all over your face. Dust it along the tops of cheekbones, on the inner corner of your eyes and down the bridge of your nose for a lit-from-within glow. (Don’t skip the inner corners of your eyes . . . having highlighter there helps eyes appear brighter and more well-rested.) Apply the highlighter above the apples of the cheeks and blend up into the temples.

Results

Now if only there was a shortcut to a well-rested brain. (Don’t let anyone tell you “mom brain” isn’t real.)

Shop the 10-Minute Makeover

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for the Beauty Insider Rewards Program – it’s free to start but you can qualify for higher tiers based on how much you spend. You’ll get perks like discounts and promotions, free makeovers and more! I’m kind of a sucker for the trial-sized products you redeem once you earn so many points. It’s totally worth it to sign up!

A huge thank you to Sephora for sponsoring this post! Looking good helps you feel good, and this new mama is grateful. If you want more recommendations – check out my 25 favorite Sephora products! And a huge thank you to our readers, as always. Your support is so appreciated!

XOXO,

Scotti