There was a time – albeit a very short time – when I needed no help to glow. Whether it was those post-birth hormones, bad hospital lighting, or just weeks’ worth of full sleep, in the days that followed the birth of my son, I could dot on a dash of highlighter, swipe on some mascara, and call it a day...
Sadly, those days are (long) gone. Between a newborn, a vivacious toddler and the demands of simply adulting, I recently determined that my tried and tested beauty routine needed to step it up a notch. With no more than five minutes available for beautification, yet a deep desire to feel some sense of satisfaction while passing the mirror, I went on a hunt for the quickest and most effective beauty products to set me up for the day. The final criteria? They needed to be natural. Because when I’m smothering my baby with kisses, the last thing I want is a residue of chemicals left on his skin as well as my own. (Note: I write this while scooping peanut butter directly from the jar. Balance, right?) And here we have it – the new mother’s must-have natural beauty kit. Image: Julie Adams | Words: Amy Malpass Hahn
The base
As a new mother, there’s a fine line between overdone and not-at-all-done. Neither are desirable. So finding the right foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturiser is crucial. When I stumbled upon Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser, all my skin wishes came true. It provides just the right amount of coverage, evens out skin tone and has SPF 15 protection for those few glorious minutes when you escape the confines of your baby’s nursery.
The highlighter
I tend to avoid products with the words ‘highlight’ or ‘bronze’ in their names, because as a fair redhead, just a swipe of bronzer can leave me a looking a little too 2011 Lindsay Lohan. However, Ere Perez’s Versatile Vanilla Highlighter in Falling Star has recently won me over, and has been hailed my new favourite product. It’s shimmery without being glittery, and catches the light beautifully when dabbed just above your cheekbones. The result gives the illusion of many more hours sleep than your reality and a freshness that is usually reserved for non-parents. (So perhaps avoid if you’re looking to drum up sympathy rather than compliments.)
The mascara
If you’re a new mother and haven’t yet discovered eyelash extensions – or at the very least, eyelash tinting – please open a new tab and research this immediately. If, however, like me, you have lucked out in the gene stakes whereby a mere whiff of tints or glue will send you into anaphylaxis (so pretty!), mascara is your next best friend. 100 Percent Pure’s fruit pigmented ultra-lengthening mascara is completely natural, but layers your lashes along with the best of them. It’s also smudge and water resistant, for, you know, Qantas commercials.
SHOP: 100 Percent Pure fruit pigmented ultra-lengthening mascara, $34.95
The lips
If kissing your baby’s head is a regular pastime (as it should be), you’ll want your lips to be nourished, while also pretty enough for when you catch yourself in your baby’s selfie. This almond and coconut based lip balm from Hurraw is gorgeously hydrating and the perfect shade of pinkish red that looks like you may have just been born with it.
The Trick
Some days, there is simply no beauty product that will give your face the lift it needs. And when you have consumed your daily caffeine limit prior to 6am, you need somewhere else to turn. Edible Beauty’s Energise Me tea may be just the solution. Resist the temptation to dive into the beautiful jar and gorgeously coloured tea leaves, and brew yourself a mug for a natural, caffeine-free pick-me-up. Usually quite a sceptic toward the energising properties of anything other than a piccolo or a row of chocolate, I was pleasantly surprised that this tea kept me going (and sane) through happy hour with a newborn and a toddler.
If there is ever a time to indulge in our beauty regime or make up drawers, new motherhood is it. Online make up stores … We’ll see you at 3am.