12 Quick Beauty Hacks for Busy Mums

Ever tried to apply mascara with a toddler clinging to your leg? This is definitely a daily occurrence in my house! With school runs, meal prep, and endless activities, maintaining a beauty routine often takes a backseat. But taking a few minutes for self-care is crucial- not just for your appearance, but for your well-being too. It is easy to feel that you have lost your identity in motherhood and spending a little time on yourself can help you start feeling like you again.

Here are some quick and easy beauty hacks for busy mums that fit seamlessly into your hectic schedule!

1. Multitasking Products

As a busy mum, you need products that do the heavy lifting. Here are my top multitasking beauty must-haves:

BB or CC Creams

These provide coverage, hydration, and SPF protection all in one. They can replace your foundation, moisturiser, and sunscreen. For full sun protection, apply SPF underneath, but these creams work wonders when you’re pressed for time. You can find some of my favourites in my Lightweight Skin Tints article.

Tinted Lip Balms

For a quick pop of colour without needing a mirror. Tinted lip balms give the best of both worlds providing both moisture and colour to wake up your tired face. Perfect for those busy mornings. Check out some of my most used tinted lip balms here!

Makeup Sticks

Makeup products in stick form are lifesavers! They’re compact, easy to carry, and allow for quick application, sometimes even with one hand! Some of my favourites include the Beauty Pie Eyeshadow Sticks and Pixi On-the-Glow Blush.

Multipurpose Oils

Oils like the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multipurpose Golden Shimmer Oil (£22) give you a glow in a hurry. Swipe it over your arms, legs, and collarbone, and run any excess through your hair for added shine. Squalane Oil is another one of my favourites with so many uses! Find out the 7 ways I use squalane oil in my routine here!

2. Simplified Skincare Routine

A complicated skincare routine isn’t feasible for most mums, but you can still maintain a simple, effective skincare routine with these 5 steps:

1. Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup at the end of the day.
2. Eye cream: Apply an eye cream to target dark circles and puffiness.
3. Serum: Incorporate a serum with essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C for an extra boost.
4. Moisturiser: Choose a lightweight moisturiser for daytime use and a nourishing one for nighttime.
5. SPF: Always use facial sunscreen in the mornings to protect your skin from the sun. Even in winter!

For a more detailed routine, check out my Daily Morning Skincare Routine for Busy Mums post.

3. Hair Hacks: Quick Fixes That Work

Dry Shampoo: Your Best Friend

Dry shampoo is a must-have for those days when washing your hair just isn’t happening. A few sprays can absorb oil and add volume, leaving your hair looking (and smelling!) fresh.

Embrace Your Natural Texture

Instead of spending hours straightening your hair, try embracing your natural texture! I’ve learned to love my waves, saving me time and energy. I wash my hair only twice a week and let it air dry or diffuse.

Overnight Heatless Curls

Wake up with gorgeous curls without any heat styling! My new obsession is overnight heatless curl kits. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for reviving flat waves. I use the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set (£12.99). After a bit of a learning curve, it now takes me just five minutes to set up. In the morning, simply break up the curls with your fingers, and you’re good to go.

Check out this post for more heatless curl ideas!

French Braid for Effortless Waves

Another easy hack is to put your hair into a French braid overnight. You’ll wake up with beautiful waves and no hassle!

4. Overnight Beauty Treatments: Wake Up Looking Fabulous

Maximise your sleep time by using overnight beauty treatments that work while you rest:

Night Creams & Masks

Hydrate and repair your skin overnight with night creams or masks like e.l.f Holy Hydration! Sleeping Mask, Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask or Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask. You can see my full review of the Laneige Mask here (it’s one of my favourites!)

Hair Masks

Apply a deep conditioning hair mask before bed and rinse out in the morning for soft, shiny hair. I love the Van Clarke LifeSaver Pre-wash Treatment (£29.50) and Philip Kingsley Elasticizer (£38).

Silk Pillowcase

This has been a revelation for me. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase has significantly reduced the amount of frizz in my hair. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, helping to prevent breakouts.

5. Quick Makeup Routine: 5 Minutes to Fabulous

Don’t have time for a full face of makeup? Focus on these key areas for a quick, polished look:

1. Brows: Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or gel.
2. Lashes: A coat of mascara instantly opens up your eyes.
3. Concealer: Conceal dark circles and blemishes in a flash.
4. Blush/Bronzer: Add warmth and a natural glow to your complexion.

This routine can be done in under five minutes, leaving you looking fresh and put together. Check out my makeup tips for over 30s for more ideas to improve your makeup routine!

6. Hydration is Key: Drink Up for Glowing Skin

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin looks radiant and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Carry a reusable water bottle to make it easier to stay on track.

7. Healthy Diet: Beauty from the Inside Out

What you eat plays a significant role in your appearance. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your meals for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, are also great for keeping skin supple.

8. Self-Tan: A Quick Glow Up

A self-tan can provide a healthy glow without the need for sun exposure. Here’s an easy way to incorporate it into your routine:

• Gradual Tanning Lotions: These products build up a tan over several applications, reducing the risk of streaks and uneven colour. You can apply it like your regular moisturise but I would still use a tanning mitt to guarantee an even tan and avoid streaky hands.
• Tanning Mists: For a quick fix, use a tanning mist. It dries quickly and can be applied in a few minutes, giving you a sun-kissed look. These are great for your face as they can be used on top of your usual skincare.
• Overnight Tanning Products: Use an overnight tanning lotion that develops while you sleep. Apply it before bed, and wake up with a natural-looking tan. Self-tan has improved so much in recent years and it’s easy to find formulas that won’t stain your bedsheets.

Self-tanning products can be a great way to achieve a healthy glow with minimal effort. I always feel more confident wearing less makeup when I have a tan which is a definite bonus in the chaos of the mornings.

Want more info on fake tan? Check out these posts on tanning tips for winter and the best fake tan products!

9. Laser Hair Removal: Free Yourself from the Razor

Laser hair removal is a game-changer for busy mums. It offers a long-term solution to unwanted hair, saving you hours on shaving or waxing. Once you’ve completed your sessions, you’ll enjoy smooth, hair-free skin with minimal upkeep.

10. Healthy Natural Nails

I love wearing nail polish as much as the next girl. But with two young kids and a full-time job, it can be difficult to maintain. Instead, I focus on keeping my nails in great condition so they look just as good au naturel! Filing and buffing once a week. Along with regular use of nail oil or cuticle cream is enough to keep them in tip-top shape.

Find my full nail care routine here!

11. DIY Lip Plumper

I spotted this budget-friendly beauty hack on TikTok a while ago and it has now become a regular part of my evening routine. Simply use whichever Hyaluronic Acid serum you have at home (I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5, £8.80). Apply it to your lips and then add a thick layer of lip balm. I find Vaseline works best for this. It allows the Hyaluronic Acid to be absorbed fully into your lips, leaving you with a fuller and more hydrated pout in the morning!

12. Find Time for Yourself: Make Self-Care a Priority

Finally, it’s essential to carve out some time just for you. Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation, a relaxing bath, or reading a book, taking time for yourself can rejuvenate your mind and body. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. When you feel good, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of motherhood. If you want more self-care ideas check out my Sunday Reset Routine for Busy Mums!