Wearing a bold berry lip color can instantly make you look polished, says Chang-Babaian. Colors rich in pigment will also last longer, so you'll spend less time re-applying.
Here's how to get a drab-to-fab bold lipstick makeup look: Step 1: Apply a tinted moisturizer with SPF for light coverage and protection. Step 2: Use a liquid concealer to cover any dark circles or hyperpigmentation -- a liquid product will keep your skin more moisturized and less cakey when you're experiencing post-baby dry skin blues. Step 3: Line your lips and fill them in with a lip liner that matches the lipstick you plan to wear, then apply lipstick. Blot and dust lips lightly with powder for extra staying power, then apply a second coat of lipstick. Step 4: Apply a couple of coats of black mascara.
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Hairstyle: Loose waves
New moms should go for a hairstyle you can do the night before and quickly refresh in the morning since the a.m. is typically the most hectic time of day, says Tuzzo. She recommends washing your hair in the evening before bed, applying a thickening spray (if hair is fine) or mousse to damp strands. Part hair down the middle into two sections and braid each all the way down. Get your much-needed rest, and wake up in the morning to reveal soft waves. Liven strands up a bit with a spritz of texturizing hairspray, and you're good to go!
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Makeup look: Bold eyes
When it comes to pulling off a quick makeup look, you have to make choices, says Chang-Babaian. "It's either the eyes or the lips, and you usually have to choose." She chooses a quick smoky eye when she wants to play up her eyes.
Here's how to get a four-minute smoky eye look: Step 1: Moisturize and apply concealer to even out your skin tone. Step 2: Dust loose powder all over your face to keep your makeup in place all day and add a touch of blush if you think you need it. Step 3: Choose one color of eyeshadow (brown, grey, bronze, whatever shade you prefer), and sweep across your lids (just to the creases) and lower lashlines. Step 4: Use a black eyeliner with a smudger attachment to line your top lids. Blend the liner into the shadow using the smudger. Repeat on the outer corners of the lower lashlines blending in toward the inner corners of your eyes a bit. Step 5: Finish with multiple coats of mascara and some lip balm or sheer gloss.
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Hairstyle: Disguise unwashed hair
If you don't have time to wash your hair, don't throw on a baseball cap just yet. Here are a few tricks for hiding dirty strands:
For shoulder length hair or longer:
Apply a strong-hold gel to the crown of your hair, comb it through to create a wet look, and create a sleek middle part. Brush hair back into a low ponytail and secure with elastic. Then either wrap the ponytail into a sophisticated bun and secure with bobby pins, or if the ends aren't too dry, spritz some texturizing spray into the pony and lightly tease for a voluminous finish.
For short or long hair:
Spray in a bit of dry shampoo (possibly as important to a new mom as the Baby Bjorn) and brush through with a natural bristle brush. Tease the top of your crown very lightly and brush hair carefully straight back. Mist with hairspray and slide on a cute headband, something with traction that'll keep your hair in place.
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Makeup look: Bronzed glow
Adding a sun-kissed glow is easy, thanks to bronzer, and will instantly brighten your face, making you look more alive. "You are losing sleep [after baby] so you're going to look sallow," says, Chang-Babaian. Her quick fix: Bronzer. The goal is to look "awake, like a human being," she jokes.
Here's how to create a quick bronzed look: Step 1: Moisturize skin and apply concealer to even out your skin tone, and remember, the more hydrated your skin is, the longer your makeup will last. Step 2: Use a powder bronzer and apply it to your cheekbones, temples, and a dash on the eyelids and the bridge of your nose. Basically, put a bit "wherever the sun naturally touches your face," says Chang-Babaian. Step 3: Curl your lashes (a super easy way to instantly look more awake) and apply a waterproof mascara. Step 4: Finish with a peachy-colored lip gloss or balm.
You never really appreciate your mom -- that is, until it's your turn in the delivery room. Fourteen hours of labor followed by numerous can't sleep/feel-anything-but-overwhelmed days can't be properly admired or fully recognized until it's your turn to take a ride on the big 'ol baby rodeo.
And while "the phrase 'working mother' is redundant" as the writer Jane Sellman pointed out (thanks Bartlett's), "beautiful mother" sure doesn't feel redundant or implied when you're looking all National Geographic -- infant clutched to your breast on your third day without a shower.
That's why it's time to makeover your beauty routine. By learning what to spend you time on, you can cut the time you spend getting ready down to a realistic and manageable amount of time -- sounds pretty good, huh?
To get these easy makeup tips and quick hairstyling tricks, we went to makeup and hair experts who know a thing or two about getting pretty in a hurry: Taylor Chang-Babaian, celebrity makeup artist and mother to two teens, and Regina Tuzzo, hairstylist at the French Twist Salon in New York and mother of a 14-month-old and twin pre-teens. Check out the easy makeup looks, tips and hairstyles they use to save much-needed time.
