Mom Makeup Mistakes

Being a mom can be chaotic and crazy—and, let’s face it, a battle at times. So eventually, something’s gotta give, right? However, there some parts of your regimen you just can’t gloss over. Here, experts advise on which motherly skin care and makeup mistakes you must correct, why you shouldn’t skip certain steps, and how to make that whole beauty business an easy assignment.

Acne, wrinkles, flaking … you’re wrecking the canvas before you even apply makeup. “Don’t skip on skin care,” says makeup artist Sonia Kashuk, who's also a mom to two. “Taking care of your skin is the most important thing. If that’s not in great shape, no matter what you put on it for makeup, it won’t matter.” Kashuk suggests finding an eye cream, cleanser and moisturizer you absolutely love.

“The biggest mistake moms make is protecting their kids’ skin from the sun but forgetting to protect their own,” says dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Choose moisturizer and makeup with SPF already in it. Even on cloudy days, the sun can cause damage, so don’t skip.

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“A common beauty mistake that I see moms make is that they tend to grab whatever cleanser or bar of soap happens to be available in the shower that day,” says mom Joanna Vargas, facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. “It's horrible for your skin, because it throws off the pH balance and causes either breakouts or extreme dryness. Leaving a nice facial cleanser in the shower is a must!" Vargas also recommends an exfoliant. That way, when you’re tempted to scrub in the shower, you have your necessities on hand.

If your skin care routine is loaded with bells and whistles, you won’t follow through. “My job as an esthetician is to design a home care plan that works for anyone—even a busy mom,” says Vargas. “My recommended routine is very simple: Wash your face at night before bed and after the kids are asleep, use a great nourishing serum night and day, and exfoliate in the shower once a week. Simple.”

Now that your gorgeous skin is prepped and ready, it’s time to make over your makeup. “Stay relevant and of the moment,” Kashuk says. “You can look younger and more modern with a few simple updates, and it doesn’t have to cost much.” Even then, a beauty indulgence or two per season won’t hurt your pocketbook … and will do wonders for your whole look.

Lots of women moisturize, but not enough prime—an equally key part of pre-cosmetic skin prep. “We cannot underestimate the power of a good primer,” says renowned makeup artist Uzo. “Not only does it actually cut down on application, because foundation and eye makeup go on more smoothly, but it creates the perfect start for long-wearing, fresh-looking and fade-proof makeup.”

Dot, dot. Line, line. You don’t want to see those on your complexion, right? Take a moment to dab on concealer. Use it for “eliminating redness and darkness around the eye area, evening skin tone, and blurring the appearance of fine lines, crow's-feet and blemishes," Uzo says. "It opens up the eyes for great looking eye makeup, and also makes for a fresh, bright and healthy-looking complexion.”

If you’re a one-step girl when it comes to covering up, simply opt for foundation to hide spots. “I’m a huge advocate for foundation,” says Kashuk. “It can double as concealer. You can touch up the skin and erase years to look more vibrant.”

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Give a whole new meaning to becoming a Golden Girl—and remember you can glow 365 days a year, not just for a season. “My go-to product is bronzer,” says Kashuk. “Many think of it as only a spring/summer product, but it’s really something you should be using year-round, because it gives tone to the face. Layer with just a hint of blush for brightness. It will take signs of exhaustion away.”

And now for that blush suggestion: A cream will add staying power as you layer with your bronzer. Or, wear it alone, if you’re looking for a more subtle kiss of color. “Who doesn't want to look radiant and vibrant as they step out the door? Blush is that last step in your beauty regimen that pulls the entire look together and makes skin look its absolute best. Try a multi-purpose stick, which you can also add to eyes and lips as you’re rushing out the door.” The stick applicator works as a 10-second fix, so there’s no reason not to have just-blushed cheeks—or bright eyes or pretty lips.

Save that glittery, smoky eye shadow for a special occasion. For an everyday look, streamline your routine with neutrals. “Nude shadows and palettes are great for a daily routine, and look pulled-together,” says Kashuk. “You can have time to experiment when going to a party.”

If you can dream up more than one way to use a product, that’s a winner. Your best bet? The perfect pink lip. “A great pink or mauve can always do double duty as a cheek stain,” says Kashuk. “Think of multi-use and bang for your buck.” Throw it in your bag so you can touch up your look anytime, anywhere.

Let’s face it: mascara is amazing, but it’s oh-so easy to smudge or poke yourself in the eye. Don’t skip those lashes all together, though. “I love an eyelash curler. Even if you don’t have time to put on mascara, it can make a big difference. It will open up your eyes,” Kashuk says.

In case your mom didn’t tell you: “Don’t ever go to bed with makeup still on, no matter how tired you are. You just can’t cut corners there,” Kashuk says. It’s the fastest way to bring on blemishes or wake up with an eye infection. Wipe away with eye-makeup remover, or opt for Vaseline as another gentle fix.

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Just like when you shop for clothes, save money on trends (special makeup) and splurge on classics (everyday essentials). “Invest in your core makeup bag to look fresh and pulled together,” Kashuk says. “Bottom line: Keep it simple. It’s more refined, and you’ll look younger and fresher.” Can’t beat that.