[EDITOR'S NOTE: Part of a series devoted to Mamiverse attending Festival People en Español Presented by Target in San Antonio on September 1-2. The inaugural festival promises to celebrate Latino contribution to art, music, lifestyle and culture. Join our Twitter parties for a chance to win fabulous prizes! RSVP here.]
Whether you work as a freelancer or you’re a stay-at-home mom, you probably spend most of the day in pajamas, or sweatpants and a pair of woolly socks. Speaking through personal experience, it can be a challenge to put your best face forward when you don´t have to dress up to go to the office. But you can and should look beautiful, even if nobody but your baby will see you. Don´t do it for others, do it for yourself! I assure you a little makeup can do wonders for your self-confidence.
USE A LITTLE MAKEUP HELP
No need to go around the house sporting the latest trend or channeling your inner Olga Tañon—playing up your best attributes goes a long way.
Tinted moisturizers will help if you have acne or brown spots after pregnancy. It won’t conceal imperfections completely but will hydrate and illuminate your skin. Try e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($3) or Josie Maran Argan Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($38).
If you have strong cheekbones or want to add some color to a pale complexion, opt for a soft bronzer instead of blush. Carrying a 10-pound baby or playing in the park with your toddler will keep your face flushed; a bronzing powder is perfect to offset the redness. Try Burberry Beauty Warm Glow Natural Bronzer ($48) or wet n wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder ($3.99).
Read Related: 10-Minute Makeover for Busy Mamis
Avoid looking washed-out by using a lip stain instead of regular lipsticks. Balm-like stains or cocoa butter can help if you have chapped lips. Try Vincent Longo Lipstain SPF 15 Lipstick ($23), Smashbox Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm ($23) and Covergirl Outlast Lipstain ($7.44).
Most women don’t realize how important well-kept eyebrows are. If you’re not used to wearing makeup at all, having your brows done is a must. Fill them in with powder, gel or shadow for a natural finish, brush it up and you’ll look and feel well-groomed. Try Sonia Kashuk Brow Kit ($9.99) or Laura Mercier Brow Definer ($20).
KEEP IT SIMPLE
You may have to trade your lipstick-filled drawers for a toy-chest, but that’s no excuse for not having your own beauty kit. Now it’s possible to streamline with all-in-one palettes for face, lips and eyes. Think of them as an investment; it’ll save you money in the long run plus you won’t need to carry tons of cosmetics in your diaper bag. Try e.l.f. Mini Makeup Collection ($15.09); Cabana Glama ($36) and Feelin’ Dandy ($28), both from Benefit Cosmetics; Dior Au Natural Nude Look Palette ($59); or Too Faced Glamour to Go ($22).
If you’re concerned about you baby’s safety, switch to natural and organic products. They could be a little pricey, but mascara made with fruits or lipstick infused with essential oils is worth the splurge. Try brands such as 100 Percent Pure, Tarte Cosmetics or Lavera.
GROOMING: YOUR NEW BFF
Your kids need their mami’s time and attention but you will be a better mom if you make time to pamper yourself. Take some time every week to keep your eyebrows in top-notch condition, shave your legs or do your own manicure while your kids nap. If you rarely leave the house, this (along with your baby’s sweet giggles) can brighten your day in seconds. Try Burt’s Bees Natural Manicure Gift Set ($11.99); Gillette Venus & Olay Razor ($8.99); and Tweezerman Petite Tweeze Set ($25).
Last but not least, fragrances are a nice way to feel beautiful without having to resort to makeup. Try fresh aromas, nothing overpowering, and include it in scrubs, lotions and colognes. After all, a woman without perfume is a woman without a future… right, Coco? Try Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Splash ($125) and Güd Body Mist in Floral Cherrynova ($5.99).
I still remember watching my neighbor cleaning her house when I was a child. She would wear chemises and slippers but her ruby-colored lips were part of her “signature” look. For Ms. Ana, makeup was a sort of antidepressant. Don’t be afraid to use it!
Mamiverse is thrilled to attend Festival People en Español presented by Target, an event celebrating Hispanic entertainment, culture and community. We are hosting three Twitter parties this week and Tweeting Festival related content with the hashtag #TargetAtFestival. The participant who tweets and retweets the most using the hashtag #TargetAtFestival including a link to our Twitter party events on FB, or a link to one of our People en Español-related articles from today through the end of the Festival by midnight September 2 will receive a $100 giftcard. Join in our Twitter Extravaganza! Click here to RSVP.
Even when I stay home all day, I “dress up” to work. At least, I get out of my jammies and take a shower and do my hair and put on some decent clothes. You don’t know when the mail carrier or your neighbor will come and knock on your door or when you will receive an unexpected visitor. Plus, it helps me get in the mood for writing and I am more productive.
Me too! It always makes me feel better!