Beauty and the beasts (I mean babies)...

Before I had kids my sis would turn up to family events with a babe on her hip and *gasp* unplucked eyebrows. She warned me there would be days when getting a shower in was impossible. At the time I thought she needed some strong medication. Enter my own littles and yes, there have been a few showerless days, many an untidy brow day and my hairdryer goes weeks without even a sideways glance.

I really need to get back on track in the beauty department (obviously). So, I've called in the big gun for advice. Jackie Maxted is a mum of four and the Managing Director of Beauty Heaven (a free online guide to all things beauty — it's like the biggest and best beauty magazine you could ever wish for).


Once the kids arrive there's undeniably less time for mums to spend on their beauty routines but that doesn't mean we have to give up on ourselves all together. What are the top three beauty treatments mums should maintain.
1. Never abandon your hair salon for more than three months, no matter what! I know it takes time out of your busy day, but the results are absolutely worth it. Not only do you come out feeling like a new woman (or rather a new mum!) but also there’s the added bonus of a bit of time to yourself.
2. Make time for a fortnightly luxurious bath — light candles, add your favourite bath oil and take in your best weekly mag. Soak up all the gossip while your skin soaks up well-needed moisture. My current choice of bath luxury is Be Genki’s Serenity Bath Oil and Jo Malone’s Red Roses Bath Oil (right).
3. Look after your skin with good products — you don’t always have to have the most expensive brands but make sure you still cleanse and moisturise with the best products you can afford. I think it’s a good idea to seek some expert advice from your local skincare salon or department store as your skin changes with pregnancy, childbirth and just having a different lifestyle.

You’ve packed all the baby essentials in your nappy bag but what three products for yourself should you also slip in for a mum on the go?
Lip gloss (L’Oreal Glam Shine is great value), an SPF moisturizer (I love Nivea Light Veil SPF 30+) and a quick spritz of your signature fragrance (Marc Jacob’s Daisy is a winner!)

The baby’s been fed and settled, the babysitter has arrived and you have 15 minutes to get ready for your dinner reservation. What’s your approach?
Shower very quickly (with a shower cap on). Quick towel dry and the all-important body moisturising. Once I’m dressed I have time for a quick eyebrow tidy and then pencil, eye pencil at the corner and I spend a bit of time making sure mascara is well applied. I finish off with a lip gloss and sprinkle of powder across my cheekbones for a bit of definition and sparkle. Last thing — choose one piece of jewelry that fits your mood and off you go!

If you’re taking time off work to stay home and care for your family you don’t have as much cash to spend on luxury products. What are your top three buys for mums looking to pamper but not break the budget?
1. Trilogy’s new range of anti-ageing moisturisers (left) are good value and seriously lovely products with great ethics behind them.
2. I love VS Sassoon’s new eco-friendly hairdryer — what a fabulous idea!
3. Aveda has a beautiful Balancing Infusion For Dry Skin that works well for a good price.



What DIY treatments do you recommend for mums?
There are some really great intensive hair treatments out there to give locks a much-needed boost. GHD thermal protector for weak and damaged hair is a great daily one, while APIVITA Deep Moisturizing and Repair Mask for Dry & Coloured Damaged Hair is great for bringing shine back into coloured hair.
An at-home pedi is also a great cost cutter and pampering treat. All you need is a Manicare Ceramic Stone Foot File, Montagne Jeunesse Soothing Foot Soak, The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue (below) and your favourite polish.