As a mother, finding time for self-care amidst carpool schedules, sports commitments, and meal preparations often feels more daunting than training a toddler. However, having little ones doesn’t mean you have to neglect your well-being—or, in this case, your beauty routine. To discover ways to incorporate beauty into your hectic schedule, we consulted three dynamic mompreneurs who revealed their daily rituals. Their shared insight? A touch of mascara can make all the difference.
Courtenay Perks
“I prioritize personal time because it fuels my ability to nurture my family. You can’t give what you lack. When I love and care for myself, that energy radiates to my husband and kids,” shares Courtenay Perks, the blogger behind Whole Vegan Pantry.
Her skincare routine
“Each morning and evening, I cleanse and exfoliate with disposable gauze. Following that, I apply a homemade toner comprising 1/2 cup of witch hazel mixed with 10 drops of tea tree oil, along with a hydrating moisturizer and eye cream. Additionally, I indulge in an Epsom salt bath weekly, dry body brushing, and then moisten with hempseed oil. I let my hair air dry to keep it healthy.”
Her quick makeup routine
“Now that I’m busier, I’m opting for less makeup and loving it—my skin feels fresh! When I do apply makeup, it’s minimal. I use light foundation, eye concealer, eyebrow pencil, lip gloss, blush, mascara, and a simple liquid eyeliner. This routine takes no more than two minutes.”
Her go-to ingredients
“Once or twice weekly, I treat myself to a charcoal face mask made from 1/2 tsp charcoal powder, 1/2 tsp bentonite clay, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp coconut oil, and 1 tsp water, which I leave on for 10 minutes. At the infrared sauna, I apply coconut oil in my hair and rinse afterward for shiny results.”
Her advice for busy mothers
“Prioritize self-care from within—drink plenty of water, eat more plant-based foods, and ensure daily movement. It’s completely fine to put yourself first.”
Jennifer Rose Rossano
“Finding moments for self-care is critical for my health,” insists Jennifer Rose Rossano, the creator behind plant-based parenting blog NeuroticMommy and mother of two children. “My routine isn’t glamorous—definitely not sitting by a mirror being pampered—but I manage to fit it in, usually after the kids are asleep. It doesn’t take long; I’ve mastered my routine.”
Her skincare habit
“In the evenings, I enjoy washing my face, exfoliating, and sometimes applying a toner or a mask depending on my mood. Other times, I simply apply castor oil and call it a night.”
Her quick makeup tips
“To avoid looking disheveled during school drop-off, I use tinted moisturizer and mascara daily. The tinted moisturizer brightens my skin, while mascara highlights my eyes.”
Her favorite ingredients
“I adore lavender for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, which are soothing for skin. It also uplifts the mood. I also use peppermint for my scalp stimulation and moisturize with coconut or jojoba oil.”
Her wisdom for busy moms
“Remember, less is often more!”
Sunny Subramanian
“As a single mom and entrepreneur juggling two young boys, finding time for self-care is crucial for my mental health,” says Sunny Subramanian, the beauty expert behind Vegan Beauty Review. “To be my best self for my family, I prioritize my ‘me time’ every day, whether it’s for 15 minutes or an hour.”
Her skincare regimen
“At night, I remove makeup with wipes or jojoba oil on a cotton pad, then cleanse my face with a creamy formula mixed with argan or grapeseed oil. After toning, I moisturize using shea butter or beauty oils, allowing all that nourishment to absorb while I sleep.”
Her quick beauty routine
“When time is tight, I rely on under-eye concealer, mascara, and tinted lip gloss, and it’s remarkable how these three items can enhance my appearance instantly.”
Her essential ingredients
“I’m drawn to products with argan oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, aloe, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, activated charcoal, and essential oils—all natural options that provide significant benefits, whether for hydration, anti-aging, detoxification, or more.”
Her advice for busy moms
“Two words: dry shampoo. It’s a total game-changer. Even baby powder can serve as a fantastic quick fix or dry shampoo.”
Skincare Ingredients for Moms
Seeking effective skincare tips that are mom-approved? Explore our recommendations from Michele Farber, MD at Schweiger Dermatology. (And remember: Always perform a patch test when trying new products!)
Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants, perfect for combating free radical damage that contributes to collagen breakdown. Use it as a serum once or twice daily—ideal for busy moms.
Green tea serves as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, ideal for calming acne. Brew three green tea bags for a nighttime ritual—enjoy one while cooling the others to use under your eyes. Look for skincare products infused with green tea as well.
Chamomile tea is soothing for sensitive skin, offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Seek products containing chamomile, or simply sip hot or iced chamomile tea on the go.
Hyaluronic acid is a skincare powerhouse, excellent for hydrating the skin by replenishing moisture levels. Ensure it’s part of your cleanser, moisturizer, serum, or eye cream; this one ingredient covers multiple needs.
