Five quick beauty pick-me-ups

What are your favourite quick beauty pick-me-ups?

It’s fair to say the pre-baby beauty routine takes a back seat when you have children. Both spare time and spare hands become very limited (mine did, much to my dismay). Some things I am still evangelical about doing, like using hot cloth cleansers even when I’m exhausted and having a shower every day, even on the terrible days – it’s makes everything better, doesn’t it? Other things take more time, like straightening my super curly hair (hello dry shampoo and messy buns).

But some days you’re tired and weary and just want to feel more human, don’t you? So for tired mums – especially ones who have about two seconds for beautifying before a small child will need your attention – here’s five of my favourite really quick beauty tips:

Smooth, smooth legs: Hands up who’s less hot on the hair removal since having children? Guilty as charged…especially in winter when there are things like fleece-lined black opaques. But Saltwater and skirt season is just around the corner, and shaving my legs is one thing that instantly makes me feel all smooth and glam on the down days (who’s seen this quote being passed around? So true!)

I’ve been trying out the new Wilkinson Sword Intuition Moisture razor, which has been a revelation to me after years of only using men’s disposable ones. The Intuition is a razor specifically designed for women, and busy ones at that, and means you can have that lovely smooth leg feeling with much less fuss.  It’s a 3-in-1 design that lathers, shaves and moisturises in one easy step, so less things to think about (how clever is that?)

The head of the razor pivots which means it’s easy to get a closer shave. It also comes with a frame that attaches to the bathroom wall, meaning there’s no forgetting to take it in to the shower. There’s even an indicator which tells you when it’s time to change the blades which takes away the guesswork.

Do you want to try it out for yourself? Wilkinson Sword is giving away thousands of Intuition razors – all you have to pay is £1.50 for a razor worth £7.79.  You can get your hands on an £1.50 Intuition razor by texting INTUITION to 84010 followed by a space and your name, postal address and post code and the full T+C’s can be found here  (let me know if you do)

Red lipstick: After years of people telling me bright colours and ginger hair don’t mix, I now wear it everywhere – playgroup, supermarket and around the house. It takes seconds to put on but makes me feel instantly powerful and all-conquering, and distracts from my tired face.

Putting on mascara: I can’t think of many days I’ve not worn at least one coat, as it opens your tired eyes and makes everything better (especially if you’re very pale, like my very pale self).

Painting your nails: Painted fingernails are like a badge of honour for mums. They say ‘Aha, look at me! I actually had time to paint them, let them dry and not get them smudged by either a child or going to bed early.’ Everything looks great with a bright colour – from pushing someone on the swing to changing the TV channel.

Drinking water: I know it’s easy to reach for the caffeine when you’re exhausted – you’ll often find me four cups of tea down by 8am – but water is so much better. It’ll wake you up, do brilliant things to your body and make you feel more…magical. It also staves off those awful mid-afternoon tired headaches.

What are your favourite quick beauty pick-me-up?

Thanks to Wilkinson Sword for working with me on this post. More info on how I work with brands is here.