Being a MOMeo is no easy task. When office obligations end, after-school shuttling, dinner making, and homework helping begins.
Establishing a work-life balance is a tight rope. In taking responsibility for others, it becomes tempting to ignore responsibilities we have to ourselves.
One area that can feel superfluous is personal beauty. Who has the time to meander through the makeup aisle and conduct cosmetic experiments with friends like the slumber party days of yore?
It’s a mistake, says beauty expert Tamara Gold, to give up on personal appearance simply because “it may seem ‘selfish’ for us to put ourselves first.”
“When we look good, we feel good,” Gold says, “feeling good, improves our mood, our energy.
“We honor that we need to engage in self-care and that we are as important as everyone else.”
Taking some “me” time to groom has a positive side effect: it helps teach self-esteem to our children in showing them that it’s important to love and respect who we are.
It’s not just about how we feel, either. Beauty, which Gold defines as “a deep sense of knowing your attributes, your flaws, and then choosing to concentrate on bringing out the best of who you are,” has its place in the professional world, as well:
“In business, we know that image is important. Although we may not like to admit it, people do make judgments and first impressions do count.”
Where to begin?
That’s all good to hear, but the question remains: how does a busy MOMeo find time to bring out this inner beauty by taking the time to focus on outer beauty?
To start with, a little inventory is in order.
“The best way to start a mini-makeover is to open your closet and take a realistic look at the clothing hanging there,” Gold suggests.
“If you don’t feel wonderful in your clothing, don’t hang on to it. Don’t keep clothes that you ‘think you’ll get into someday.’
“Toss all makeup that is old. Clear out the clutter. Keep only what works, and toss the rest,” says Gold.
From here, you can fill in the missing pieces of your wardrobe and cosmetic collection.
Start with the basics. For instance, in every MOMeo’s closet there should be a white collared shirt, a pair of well-tailored, plain black pants, and a great pair of jeans.
Where cosmetics are concerned, there are a few key items that everyone can incorporate into their daily routine to maximize their image in little time.
Gold’s essential picks include:
– a luminizing moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher;
– a concealer palette with multiple colors to cover slight skin discolorations;
– mascara;
– some form of moisturizing agent for your lips; lipstick, gloss, or balm.
Alongside these items, she notes, great skin care is a must. After all, “your skin is your canvas.” Discovering proper skin care can be a real drain on your time and bank account, but online resources like Makeup Alley can help narrow the search by offering feedback from consumers on a wide assortment of beauty products.
Be sure that any skin care item you purchase comes with a generous return policy. It often takes several weeks to discover how your skin will react to the product long-term.
One problem many women face in establishing a daily makeup routine is they’ve gone so long without the essentials, they don’t know where to begin with cosmetic selection and application.
Fortunately, the Internet is a goldmine for this sort of product knowledge. Like their fashionista counterparts, beauty bloggers are everywhere, eager to share their advice. Many beauty companies offer video tutorials on their websites. And, if surfing isn’t your thing, consultants at department store cosmetic counters are trained to demonstrate their products. All you have to do is ask.
However, as Gold notes, even more important than the right wardrobe and a well-stocked cosmetics case is the ability to discover self-love:
“When you look into the mirror in the morning say, ‘Hello beautiful!’” Gold advises.
“It may seem ridiculous, but it sure beats: ‘You’re old. You’re ugly. You’re fat. Look at those wrinkles.’”
You’d never say that to someone you love. Why would you say that to yourself each morning?”
What are your mini makeover tips? Comment below.
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Great advice! I especially liked Tamara's definition of beauty, wow.
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Such great advice that I ought to take to heart on a daily basis. I constantly neglect my appearance b/c I never have time to pluck my eyebrows or put on makeup. I know that I feel better when I look better, but I still stay at the bottom of my own priority list.