When you are young, free, and childless, maintaining a high beauty standard is much easier.
As women, living in a world where we feel like we have to be perfect every day, life throws a myriad of challenges our way. The new fashion to keep up with is juggling a career and hanging out with that annoyingly gorgeous female friend who barely seems to make an effort, yet looks like she’s stepped off the Victoria’s Secret model catwalk every day!
And just when we think it can’t possibly get any harder, our crotch gremlins make an appearance.
It is love at first sight, and our lives change forever.
We wouldn’t have it any other way, but kids require a lot of time and focus, so that naturally means less for ourselves. And to top it off, these little humans, whom we love more than anything in the world, do weird things to our bodies.
Our skin elasticity changes, we find it harder to lose body fat, and, of course, we experience constant exhaustion.
Oh, the injustice!
“Progress over perfection” is a healthy motto. Here is a cheat sheet for moms who are sick of feeling like the ugliest woman in the world when we are drowning way too deep in Mom mode…
Keep One “Hot Girl” Lipstick in The Car
Driving your little ones to soccer practice, or maybe finding a spare slot of time to get some goddamn grocery shopping in? (The fun doesn’t stop, huh?)
Know the very best lipstick for your skin tone; do not skimp on price if you know deep down in your heart of hearts it makes you look and feel gorgeous.
I know you know!
So stock up. A lovely bit of lippy takes seconds to apply and can make you feel sexier with minimal effort.
Oversized Men’s Button-Down
Swap that baked bean-stained hoodie for an oversized men’s button-down. Same comfort, 100% sexier.
It’s not about giving masculine woman vibes, more of a “comfortable and pretty” feeling.
If you are doubting how hot you might look, check out our feature on female celebrities who embrace their masculine fashion.
Please give it a few tries, and, of course, choose a colour/colours that you know you look good in.
Perfume on Wrists & Neck Every Morning
Smelling good is half the battle. Easier said than done when you’re a mom and no longer footloose and fancy-free.
Get into the atomic habit mindset, where you set up your environment every day so that you naturally have better habits. Thus, rely on daily habits more than on willpower, which is always lower when you are feeling tired.
So, the new rule of thumb: spray perfume on your wrists and neck every morning, and also use a roll-on deodorant under your armpits.
Smelling good will make you feel good, trust me.
High-Waisted Jeans
It can be depressing not to fit into your favourite pair of jeans when you are struggling to lose weight post-pregnancy.
Also, having to unbutton constantly can leave you harshly judging yourself as the ugliest woman alive, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Invest in high-waisted jeans with a comfortable/elastic fit around your ribs, giving you shape and comfort at the same time.
Posture Check
When you slump, have your head down, or let your shoulders round, you feel less confident. Makeup can go a long way, but body language is so powerful that most of our communication as humans is non-verbal.
What does your body language say when it speaks to other people?
It’s time to show the world what you’re made of. You’re a mom, and you’ve still got it, Goddamnit!
Practise in the mirror; notice how improved postures make you feel better. I also recommend screaming affirmations that work for you and playing your most unstoppable soundtrack.
Conclusion: Progress Over Perfection
You are a mom, and your job is hard.
It is also crucial to raise little humans to be the best versions of themselves, and you should take time to give yourself a pat on the back for that.
Pragmatically, your looks/vanity will take the back seat for a bit. That doesn’t mean completely letting yourself go and giving up on your physical appearance.
Try out these five tips from a seasoned mom when you are in serious mom mode, and enjoy feeling like a pretty lady; you deserve it!