New mama in a beauty hurry – fast fix bathroom must-haves

A classic book that all mamas will relate to (By Jill Murphy)

In the early days of new motherhood just getting dressed in the morning seemed to take forever – and as for showering/hair washing well that can feel like a lifetime.

So, it’s no wonder your regular beauty regime takes a bit of a back seat. Of course, as a new mum and you know as a normal person – you still need to do these things – but there’s no harm in cutting corners to speed things up in the bathroom.

Admittedly, I may have a little more time to get ready in the morning nowadays thanks to a little Disney Junior on the TV and cup of dry cheerios or box of raisins that help keep Miss Marnie quiet/in the same spot for 5 minutes!

But, I still do need to get ready fast. That doesn’t mean I don’t dawdle a bit – I do. So, I thought I would share some of my favourite new mama beauty products that I still rely on now especially when time is of the essence.

Now, I admit these aren’t the prettiest looking beauty buys – but when they save time and do double duty does it matter?

Save that luxe bubble bath, luxury lotion and designer make-up for later on. For now it’s really just about getting in-and-out of the bathroom between those precious moments (A.K.A Naptime!)

EGYPTIAN MAGIC ALL PURPOSE SKIN CREAM
This potion does exactly what it says on the tin. Use it on your face, skin, hair, bruises, cuts, burns, rashes – anywhere. It heals, moisturises and softens. Really you won’t use anything else. Just warm a small amount in your hand to turn the solid balm into a oil and apply.

NIVEA IN-SHOWER BODY MOISTURISER
As someone who has applied body lotion daily since I was 14 years old – I found it pretty difficult after having Miss Marnie to skip this step after showering. I could shower quickly but then found applying some moisturiser a bit of a time-indulgence.

Then I discovered this! Just use like a shower gel after cleaning with your usual wash – jump out of shower, pat dry and you’re done. And, who knows you may have a few spare minutes to dry your hair. You know with an actual hairdryer.

CUSSONS MUM & ME HOLD THE VOLUME SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Now I have always been a bit wary of 2-in-1 ‘why take two bottles into the shower’ type products. But, I have to say I have worked my way through a few bottles of this. My hair seemed to fall out in clumps after Miss M arrived and what was left felt flat and dull – and although this product didn’t stop the hair loss totally. It certainly helped give my hair some life.

A clean, fresh scent, a rich lather (which is something I find really important) and rinses way quickly (a bonus). In fact I still have a bottle or 2 knocking around the bathroom that I use on those hit-the-shower-(with-a-toddler-in-bathroom-too)-running.

COLGATE 2 IN 1 TOOTHPASTE & MOUTHWASH
Love this on holiday (saves space) and love this a a new mama. When you barely have time to brush let alone rinse with mouthwash this is a life saver.

I will admit to particularly hair-raising mornings to just squirting into my mouth, gargling and rinsing (hey, don’t judge until you haven’t slept, ate, sat down all day/night…. I am trying to keep the dentist at bay!)

NARS THE MULTIPLE
An oldie but still a darn goodie. Use on cheeks, lips and even eyes if that’s your colour. Hell, you could even apply/blend this with a baby on your hip. I especially like the new matte version in Anguilla.

AUSSIE COLOUR DRY SHAMPOO
OK, so you’ve heard this one before. Dry-shampoo absorbs excess oil and saves you a hair wash and a bad hair day. Right. But, maybe you haven’t tried this? Using it after you have WASHED your hair!  Yes, you read that right.

You just need a bit of time in the first instance but it saves you time in the end. Still with me.

OK, so wash your hair and dry with a hairdryer. Then apply dry shampoo at the roots and rub in – this forgoes the need for styling products  (which is what weighs hair down and ultimately causes hair to look lank in a few days time) by adding texture and volume. So, by skipping the mousse/spray/gel (and using dry shampoo) you have given yourself at least a couple more days out of that initial wash. Trust me and go on try it!

TEMPLE SPA TAKE A GRIP – A DRY SHOWER IN A BOTTLE
Strange I know. But this actually does work. A gel like body lotion that freshens and revitalises skin in a jiffy. Eliminating stickiness, sweat and a freshening sanitisers – it dries into a silky talc-like finish and gives you that just washed feeling between showers. The fragrance is clean and uplifting so perfect for when you’re feeling partially exhausted (like all the time then!).

MITCHUM ADVANCED CONTROL 48 HOUR ANTI-PERSPIRANT & DEODORANT
Now after reading above you may think I am telling you to skip showers. I am not. I’m just giving you some options to get your through the day without feeling like a beauty has-been.

I love Mitchum – and it works for 48hrs. Yes, like 2 whole days. Even if it just means you can skip a wash to get to baby massage/sensory/playgroup on time.

LIZ EARLE INTENSIVE NOURISHING TREATMENT MASK
Think you don’t have time for a mask? You do. Your skin may be feeling a little parched, stressed and sensitive after birth and this little wonder product is just the ticket. Apply to clean skin and leave for 10 mins – and then here’s the best bit – tissue off or rub in the excess for a super hydrating treat.

Why not slap some on before feeding time and let it work while your baby eats and then massage in with your free hand. That mamas is double-duty at its best.

L’OREAL NUDE MAGIQUE BB CREAM 
Out of all the BB creams I have used this is my fave. The self-adjusting white lotion is enriched with pigment capsules that literally bursts into a flawless tinted foundation that has even on occasion saved me having to touch a concealer (and I love a concealer!). Skin looks perfect even if we all know the sleepless-night truth.