Plan a Postpartum Beauty Routine

Taking care of a newborn is an around-the-clock job, leaving new moms with little time for anything else, especially a beauty routine. However, by keeping your makeup and hair routine simple, you may be able to squeeze in a small beauty routine. Keep it simple by focusing on your lips and eyes when you have little time for anything else. Additionally, a fresh haircut can give you an effortless, no-fuss look. Remember that healthy skin and hair is the best foundation. Keep your skin and hair healthy by staying hydrated, taking a multivitamin and by getting plenty of rest.

Steps

Simplifying Your Makeup Routine

  1. Skip foundation. Skip foundation by keeping your skin clean. Clean your face when you wake up and before you go to bed. Remember to follow your face wash with a hydrating moisturizer that has an SPF.[1]
    • Depending on your schedule, cleansing your face can be as simple as splashing cold water on it or using a gentle facial cleanser.
    • Use concealer to coverup bags and dark circles under your eyes.
  2. Try multi-use products. Multi-use products are a great way to reduce the amount of time you spend doing your makeup. Try a tinted concealer with an SPF for coverage. Also, a color stick that can be used as blush, eye shadow and lipstick is another quick strategy for doing your makeup.
    • Additionally, try eyebrow pencils that double as eyeliner.[2]
  3. Focus on your lips and eyes. Do this if you only have time to apply one or two things. Put on a long lasting lip gloss or lipstick to brighten up your skin. Brighten up your eyes by applying mascara or an eyeshadow that complements your eye color.[2]
    • For example, if you have green eyes, brown or gold eye shadow and red lipstick will instantly brighten up your face.
    • If you don’t have time to do your eyes, then use an eyebrow pencil to fill in your eyebrows. Use the pencil to fill in gaps or spaces in your brows.
  4. Carry a touch-up bag with you. Place your makeup essentials in a small bag that can fit inside your purse or the diaper bag. This way, you can quickly touch-up your look when you are on the go.[3]
    • Make sure to carry a reliable lipstick, eyebrow brush, mirror, and hairbrush in your touch-up bag.

Doing Your Hair

  1. Get a haircut. Once you feel like venturing outside, the first thing on your to-do list should be to get a new haircut. Getting a haircut is an instant way to freshen up your look. It also makes styling your hair au-naturel much easier.[2]
    • Have your partner or a close family member watch your baby while you get your hair cut, or ask them to come along with you and the baby to your hair appointment.
  2. Stock up on hair accessories. Hair accessories are a great way to style your hair when you have little time to spare. Therefore, make sure to stock up on headbands, hair clips, bobby pins, and headscarves.[2]
    • The sleek ponytail is a quick way to style your hair on-the-go. If you need to control flyaways, then use a styling cream.
  3. Use dry shampoo. At times, you may not even have time to wash your hair, especially during the first couple weeks after having your baby. However, do not fret. Instead, use a dry shampoo to give your hair a clean look. Apply the shampoo to your roots. Use a brush to disperse it throughout your hair.[2]
    • You can also use cornstarch or baby powder to degrease your hair. Make sure to start with a small amount and add more if it is needed, especially if you have dark hair.

Maintaining Healthy Skin and Hair

  1. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is necessary not only for an optimal recovery, but also for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Therefore make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.[3]
    • It is recommended that women drink 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water per day.[4]
  2. Take a multivitamin. Multivitamins are also a great way to maintain healthy skin and hair. Make sure to take a multivitamin or a postnatal vitamin daily.[5]
    • Postnatal vitamins are a great choice for mothers that breastfeed.
  3. Rest whenever you can. In addition to water and vitamins, sleep and rest are crucial to maintaining healthy skin and hair. Therefore, make sure to rest and/or sleep whenever your newborn is resting.[6]
    • Watch a movie, read a book, and/or take a nap whenever you get the chance.
    • If you cannot find the time to rest, do not be afraid to ask your partner, family members, or friends to watch your newborn while you rest.
  4. Shower daily. Because new moms are so busy taking care of their newborn, they tend to skip their showers. However, skipping showers can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. So, make sure to squeeze in a block of time every day to take a quick shower.[3]
    • Ask your partner to watch the baby while you shower, or shower while your baby is sleeping.

Sources and Citations