Beauty Tips

Updated on July 11, 2013
J.P. asks from Meridian, ID
12 answers

I know that there are moms out there that can help me. I hope that this isn't too many questions in one post, but they are all inter-related. I have been feeling very frumpy lately, and want to kind of spruce things up. Keeping in mind that my time is very limited. If I get a shower, it is at night, and I have about 10 minutes in the mornings to get dressed, brush teeth, etc. I am willing to force a few more minutes for myself in the morning, it just isn't needed right now, and I don't want some routine that takes 20-30 minutes. Especially with a 21 month old, and another on the way, my time will be less my own, not more.

I'm in my early 30's and have never really gotten into makeup. I feel so fake wearing it, and really just don't know how to apply it. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to learn this? I don't have many friends in this area, and none that I would ask for make-up tips. I have tried online and they say to put xx, yy. My problem is, how do I know what color xx is and what the heck is yy? I have thought of going to the mall and using one of those makeup people, but most of them look sooo overdone, it is scary. I have also tried salons that do makeup for events (I had my makeup done for my wedding 5 years ago), but they also do the more camera ready stuff, and not the every day stuff.

Second is my hair. I usually go quite some time between haircuts and do very little with my hair. It is long and curly, or at least was, in California, but seems to straighten, get limp, and/or frizz up here. I usually just pile it on top of my head with one of those claw like clips. It is comfy and feels great, and even looks okay in the mirror, but I hate pictures of myself like that, so it can't be too great. The main thing is the frizz. Washing my hair at night, I never know what I am going to wake up to in the morning. Sometimes it is sticking up everywhere, which usually has me reaching for my clip, but almost always, it is frizzy. I put some gel on it when I get out of the shower, and that is usually okay if I don't sleep on it, but if I do, watch out. Also, since I don't get to wash it every night, the second day can be even worse with frizz. Does anyone have any suggestions for something that can help with this? I have tried a few "solutions", but it usually weighs down my hair and looks oily, gross, and somehow, still frizzy.

Thank you everyone, I am trying to get myself in shape routine wise before the next baby comes, and not be so embarrassed to have my picture taken with my children.

Update: Unfortunately, the getting up earlier isn't always so easy as my son seems to wake up to the alarm. The earlier I wake up, the earlier he wakes up, hence the shower the night before. Also, I love my hair stylist and I look awesome when I leave her, but it just seems so easy for her and I can never replicate. Even when I have tried on a weekend with blow dryer in hand. I'm usually not a vain person, but with work, while the atmosphere is relaxed, I don't want to be the one that looks like she doesn't care - which I usually don't. :)

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Featured Answers

J.R.

answers from Dallas on

I actually saw on here a few weeks ago that sleeping on a satin pillow case can reduce hair frizz. That may be the easiest quick fix to try. :)

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T.C.

answers from Dallas on

A couple of things...

Have you tried straightening your hair with a *quality* flat iron. I didn't think I would ever want to do that but have recently discovered how easy it is and how much more "together" if feel. It doesn't take a long time. The good irons ARE a little pricy, but our kiosk at the mall is running a special for Valentines Day... maybe yours is as well.

Doing make up isn't about Glamour. It's about feeling good about your appearance. Just by using a mineral base, minimal blush, gloss and mascara (less than 5 minute commitment) you would be amazed at how much more put together you feel.

Last: If you have a cell phone, put it on vibrate, slide it inside your pillowcase, and set the alarm... your son won't hear it but you will. :-) Voila! Morning time to yourself.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.B.

answers from Bangor on

I would suggest getting up earlier in the morning to shower since you don't like the way your hair looks after you've slept on it. I'm afraid I don't wear make up, so I can't really help you there, other than to suggest looking for someone in your area who sells Market America products. They sell things related to your health, like herbal supplements, but they do make up, too. At least they used to. I'm not sure if they still do. But they are great with matching make up colors to people's faces and not over doing it. As a mom of four and another one on the way, I'm not really concerned with make up and hair frizz, but I understand that some moms do care about that. So, I hope these tips, though they are few, helped you in some way. Good luck!

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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

I would definately try getting with a Mary Kay Consultant in your area. I'm in Texas. You are more than welcome to go to my website and do a vitual makeover. You download her picture in and then you are able to play with the colors that way. www.marykay.com/tdsprabary I have very simple techniques that take around 5 minutes to do and you will look marvelous.
I too have a son that thinks he should be up when I'm up and right under my feet. I'm all about simple life. Let me know if you want more info.

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R.J.

answers from El Paso on

Definitely know how you feel. I have 2 under 3 and trying to find time to look presentable is always alluding me.

Recently, I came up with a very short routine where I apply makeup in the mornings. I've never been a weekly makeup wearer usually saving it for weeked trips out but recently when I was getting ready to go out in the mornings, I was looking haggard and very tired. I usually don't care but didn't want to get into the rut of not caring in then in 5 years look I needed a total makeover from Oprah, lol.

I use Mary Kay products only because I really love them. I'm sure you can find some others that will work for you if you're not into MK. Daily the only thing I use is concealer, mascara, and an overall mineral powder. Add some lip gloss and I'm looking 100% better and feel better too. I also started using Bath & Body works lotions and body sprays. I'm not a big perfume wearer but those help me to feel better about how I look and smell (i.e. baby spit up and drool). As far as learning how to apply makeup, YouTube is my best friend. I usually just type in what I'm looking for and can find 2 or 3 videos of how to apply. As far as colors go, I go by what the company recommends for colors. If I'm buying some eye makeup, I get the pallette that already comes made up with 3 or 4 colors. They usually come with directions about which color goes where but from experience, I've learned that sometimes you can mix and match and still get great results.

I'm Black so I can't really help you on the hair thing. I'm in such a hurry during the week that the only thing I have time for is a bun. I hate it but I seriously don't have time for anything else unless I got it braided. But at night, I do use a satin cap to sleep in because that helps cut down frizz for our hair. I tried the satin pillowcase but I always felt like I was sliding around all night. Maybe you can try one of those two remedies to help cut down on morning frizz. HTH!

A.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Have you thought about using a clip in hair extensions? I have one on in my profile pic and it adds length and volume. I got it from my AVON website. As an AVON rep, I can help you with other beauty tips. As a busy woman, I am low maintenance for everyday and wear very minimal make-up. Some concealer or spot foundation on the red spots of my face, a quick swipe of mascara and lipgloss, and bronzer on the cheeks and eyelids.

See the AVON hair extensions here:

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product_list.aspx?level1_id=300...

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

you are not alone... as I pull my mop of hair into a ponytail at my desk... I am also not big into make up. I did however, find a line I love! It's called Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals. You can find it at the mall or a Sephora store, and someone thre can show you how to apply it. It's natural - powder form that you can sleep in - no caked on look at all. All you really need is some powder, lip gloss, and eye lash curler and mascara. I also opt for brown eyeshadow which I actually line my upper lid with with a small brush. Takes under 5 minutes... As far as hair, you can find a leave in conditioner (I use an organic one for babies and up!) or Aveda makes a product you also leave in that is great for controllling the frizz. Good luck!

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,
Have you tried going to a store like Macy's, Dillard's so in the cosmetic area they can tell you which shade to use for makeup and everything else. They can also give a 1 min. routine if you ask them for it. It will take some time the first time to sit and ask, but once that is done, you will have it ready!
As for your hair, have you tried a different stylist or a different hair style? TX weather is way to different from CA, so maybe you can wear your hair different and it will you a completely different look.
Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello. Right now Avon has a shampoo product that helps with frizz. I could always send you a sample if you'd like to test it out.

Check out my site: www.youravon.com/cleary

Hope I can help.
Take care.

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

I love the "cell phone in the pillow case" suggestion below. What a great idea! I agree with the other responses--all you need is a light base (think tinted moisturizer), lip gloss or tinted balm, and mascara. You will be amazed at how much more alive you'll feel just by curling your lashes and applying mascara. Shame on me for this, but I wear waterproof mascara for two days in a row since it is my least favorite part of the make-up routine. I always get it on my eyelid! UGH!!!

I can't help you with the frizz problem; however, I bet you can learn how to fix your hair without too much effort. I wore a ball cap 99% of the time during the 2 years I stayed home with my son. During that time, I got my long hair cut into one of those swing bobs (a style that had to be fixed). What was I thinking? Well, after going back to work and having to "practice" fixing it everyday, I can now proclaim that I have mastered my hairstyle. This does not sound like a big deal for most, but my stylist even uses my name with her clients that don't think they can fix their own hair: "If Jessica can fix her hair, YOU can!" I'm not suggesting you get it cut, but with a little practice, you too can master your hair! LOL!!

Good luck to you!!

B.M.

answers from Chicago on

You have to take healthy and balance diet, drink 8 to 10 glass of water everyday. Protect your skin from sun damages. You can apply aloe vera gel, lemon juice over the skin so that your skin looks smooth and beautiful.

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S.C.

answers from Columbus on

I don't have a lot of suggestions, but I can say that the Retro Blow Dry Lotion works for me when it comes to cutting down on frizz. You just use a very small amount... start with a squirt about the size of a dime & work into you hair, add a little more at a time if necessary. I try not to put it right on my roots any more than I have to, to help prevent it from weighing down my hair. Typically as you probably assume from the name, you use it when you blow dry your hair.... When I have washed my hair at night & needed to "refresh" it in the morning.... I wait until the morning to use the blow dry lotion... use it the same way....just a tiny amount, rub between hands massage into hair, blow dry w/ a diffuser, if necessary.
As for cosmetics I don't really use them either, but I have to say that a couple friends of mine sell Beauty Control products & Mary Kay products. They seem to do a really good job with helping you chose the right colors for your complexion and can help you with a "light" make-up routine. Maybe you can contact a rep in your area & host a small party?

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