Mommy Makeover

Whoever coined the phrase, "the joys of motherhood" had a sick sense of humor. Until recently did I realize they were just being sarcastic! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Isabella but motherhood isn't on my good side--yet. And whenever I have "those" moments, it just brings a smirk to my face; if only I could get my hands on whoever thought of that phrase, I'd give them a piece of my mind.

However, the irony of joy from being a mom shouldn't let one look beat down; nor should one give in and wear ugly-mom-shoes. Yes, they're comfortable but if they're ugly... just don't do it. And since we're all waiting to win the Lotto... in the meantime, I thought of some economically friendly mommy makeovers. Hopefully these will help make over all of our beings by bringing out the best in us (I like to think of myself as a whole. When a part of me is "sick," it affects all of me--physically, spiritually, emotionally. Thus, treating the entire body, mind, and soul makes the most sense to me.)

• I believe inner beauty brought outward is THE best makeover. When you're genuinely happy and elated, your face is more radiant. After much agony of why I have been so miserable lately, it hit me that I was spiritually ailing. I was starved of spiritual sustenance because I had been just filling up on desserts, whip cream, light and fluffy appetizers.. frequently but not enough. The answer? Set aside time to talk with God--literally. Yes, prayer can be done in the car during your commute, while you shower, while your baby is screaming or throwing a tantrum but on top of those moments, you need solid time with God. Jesus started the day in prayer, in an isolated and dark place. Many times, I have a hard time falling (or staying) asleep. Now, I've decided to take that as a cue to pray and read the Word. It takes discipline and practice but almost anything in world does, so why should we not here?
  
• So you're smiling ear to ear because God's given you a sense of peace that transcends all understanding [through prayer and petition, Phil 4:6-7]. If you yellow teeth from all the coffee you've been drinking, you need to use Crest WhiteStrips. Just a few minutes a day will make a huge difference!
• Get a good haircut. This is one of the areas I don't believe in going cheap on. It doesn't mean you have to pay $70+ for a haircut but do keep going to the hair stylist that does a good job, even if you have to shell out 70 buckaroonies.
• Good Suds. There are sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners available on a budget nowadays. The sulfate chemicals (basically detergent) found in most shampoos are harsh on hair and it strips your hair of its natural oils. I covet nice shampoos but I'm not quite convinced they are worth $30 for a month's worth. Loreal has a sulfate-free line that I've been enjoying. And by looking at my hair, I'd say it's doing a good job at protecting it and keeping it glossy.
• Be pimple free; we're too old to look pubescent. I've talked about this before and I just have to reiterate the importance of skincare. More than the actual lotions/creams you use, wash with a gentle but effective cleanser and use moisturizer! Also take care of your skin by resting up and drinking lots of water. Those two things are free: cha ching!
• Be comfortable in your own skin. Another "freebie" but this comes with age and wisdom it seems. For me, it's come post-Isabella. When you look like you're not trying too hard, I believe you're at your sexiest. That even applies to your actual clothing. I still like to wear heels but it just doesn't make sense to wear those on a daily basis when out and about with the stroller. I suggest finding some comfortable flats (the key is finding one with a flexible rubber sole!). And wear clothes you don't have to fuss around with: no tugging, fixing, or pulling. You look more ridiculous wearing that shirt, blouse, dress, pants than you think you do.
• Have a laugh. Seriously. Be able to laugh at yourself and then LAUGH! Those feel good endorphins will be swimming all around and it's contagious so don't be surprised if your babe is giggling too!

And there you have it. My budget friendly makeover, voila! You are the fabulous self you know you are.

The Mommy Uniform

I swear there's this secret cult of mommies everywhere that make it look like they have it all together. [But it's not really a secret because they're easy to spot.] In my area, they wear the uniform. It usually consists of a Juicy tracksuit or some other type of exercise wear (but they do really exercise??) like yoga pants, a sleek sneaker like pumas--nothing bulky basically, a designer handbag, shades and/or a baseball cap (but not for an athletic team of course). A good number of them also sport nice jewelry--bigger the better and shinier is best. I secretly aspire to be a part of this cult.. I'm just waiting to be initiated.

My real topic though is the face and the "uniform" I choose to wear daily. I'm not a makeup pro by any means so I don't often takes risks or do anything edgy. Instead, I find what works for me and pretty much stick to it until I find something better. I'm sure any makeup artist will agree (or will they?)... since the skin is the canvas for your makeup, you need to take care of it first. Instead of investing in nice makeup, I'd invest in some solid skincare. As you can tell, I'm all about cult followings. I proudly use La Mer serum and cream for the face, Guerlain eye serum and La Prairie eye cream currently. [I'm on the lookout for something new though and welcome any suggestions.] Yes, a bit pricey in the beginning but really, these products last a long time and every now and then if you get so lucky, you can get a deal on them! [Saks has Friends and Family starting THIS Thursday, April 16, and cosmetics are 15% off. I'm headed there today to put some things on pre-sale! **that's how serious i am**]

For makeup, I have a pretty standard ritual: I mix a dollop of Neutrogena's Dry Touch Sunscreen, spf 70, Revlon's Skin Brightener (it's like an illuminator that I think is sadly discontinued), and Laura Mercier's Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer. It applies pretty sheer but you can adjust the proportions to give the coverage you like. Next, I use Makeup Forever's eye concealer under my eyes and a little on top then set it all with Laura Mercier's Loose Mineral Powder. Blush is next and I use NARS Orgasm; and really, I've found it's in the technique of application and the tool you use that's really key. I used to brush it over my entire cheek and... not.a.good.look. You end up looking chubbier that way in my opinion. Just a dab on that round little circle near the highest point of your cheek looks best (is that called the apple??). I line my upper lid (right under your lashes) with Chanel's waterproof pencil [I'm also on the lookout for a cheaper version of this.] and finish it off with Too Faced's Lash Injection-Precision. I really like Fiberwig too though and am going to switch back once this tube is gone.

Overall, it creates an effortless look--not too done up or the *gasp* frumpy look. I also carry with me about 2 different lipglosses and use them when I remember. The above might sound intense but if you, like me, aspire to be in this cult.... well, no pain no gain is all I have to say.