We all know women are the ultimate multi-taskers, especially moms. I know my mama was always late because an older brother forgot his trumpet or baseball bat at home, and I can hear Mama’s voice, “Lord have mercy, Jesus!” I can’t count the number of times we were almost there, wherever “there” was, and she had to turn that big Oldsmobile around on a country road and backtrack.
It’s not any easier today for you, moms, with all that you juggle, but there are a few things that can help you succeed as that superhero the family knows you to be. If you can’t rush that sleepy-headed toddler or slow teenager, you can speed your beauty routine up a bit. Shave a few minutes off your morning hair and makeup ritual with ease, thanks to these innovations.
No need to waste time digging around for all of those tubes, bottles and containers of makeup when cosmetics have become multi-taskers as well. Simplify your steps with one of the many duos of foundation and concealer packaged together. One of my favorites is Lancome Teint Visionnaire which is not only in a compact bottle, but the lid pops up with a stowaway concealer.
Keep all your hair accessories — headbands, bobby pins, ponytail holders — at arm’s length on your vanity along with a can of fierce hairspray that can be your BFF on those bangs when the toast is seconds from burning.
Even bronzers have gone the way of no-fuss, hassle-free and consumer-friendly with space age gadgets that contain bronzer, brush and lid all in one and tuck away neatly in your bag. I encourage gals-on-the go to be gals-in-the-know. Bronzer doubles as blush, cream eye shadows can be recast in the role of eyeliner (such as the Estee Lauder Double Wear Creme shadow I love that stays with you all day), and makeup kits are so helpful when a last minute ironing assignment cuts short your beauty routine. Too Faced, Smashbox and Sephora Collection all impress me. They are organized when you are not, expand to hold everything for the face, and the best thing is that they fold away neatly.
Don’t forget about transitioning your newfound time-saving tips from A.M. to P.M. because you still have to fix dinner, oversee homework, and perhaps sneak in time for “Downton Abbey” before you hope for eight hours of sleep. Keep your nighttime facial scrub, moisturizer, serum and bedtime beauty arsenal in its own designated space so you don’t have to rummage through sunscreens, your child’s Dora the Explorer toothpaste, or your husband’s totally unnecessary Golf magazines. After all, hasn’t your day been hard enough?
Use a weekend day once a month to place essentials in labeled, transparent containers. Bring forward top performers that never let you down, and edit out the old, unused or fussy things. You can thank me later — or not. Just knowing your life is a little easier is more than thanks enough!
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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