Makeup Simplified – How I Wore it More by Wearing Less

By Jessica Pigza

After having kids I fell into the makeup rut that I’m sure most of us go through. I became an all or nothing girl. I either had everything done from the powder and concealer, to the eyes, lips and cheeks, or, nothing at all. Before kids I would take my time carefully and correctly placing each element on my face. It took some time to make this look a reality but I enjoyed it.

Then, a new reality set in, I had a baby, then another and another. I had three kids in four and a half years and how I spent my time completely changed. My makeup routine took too long for what limited time I had now and I didn’t know any other way, so I just stopped wearing any all together. I would save my makeup for church, date nights or fancy events. Sadly I didn’t feel pretty and I eventually realized I needed to have a middle ground.

Everything I’ve read said play with your makeup, try new looks, new ideas, but I never did. I always had an excuse. I never wanted to try anything new in the morning because I was always in a rush and the last thing I wanted to do was leave the house looking like a clown. And at night I was just too darn tired to put effort in, I wanted to get the kids in bed, shower and get in bed myself, makeup was the last thing on my mind. However, one morning something came over me, I felt a small desire to be hit with the pretty stick, I didn’t need to be smacked over the head with it, but just a tap would do. I didn’t have much time but I realized that even if it didn’t look perfect, I knew I was putting in some effort.

Four Simple Steps to Perfect Mom Makeup

So, I started by covering up the dark circles under my eyes (thanks kids), then used a light shadow, some mascara and some lipgloss.

Step 1:  Conceal – Cover dark shadows and even out skin tone with a blendable concealer.  Tip:  Try one with light diffusing or reflective ingredients to brighten under eye area.

[Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer]

Step 2:  Eye Shadow – A swipe of eyeshadow on the lid is all it takes to brighten your eyes up.  Tip:  Try a champagne shade, it flatters all skin tones.

[Julep Eyeshadow 101 Creme to Powder Eyeshadow Stick – Champagne Shimmer]

Step 3:  Mascara – Apply one to two coats to define your eyes. Tip:  Curl your lashes before applying mascara to make eyes look more awake or try a brand with a brush that does the curling for you.

[Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara]

Step 4:  Lip Gloss – A pretty pink gloss works for everyone.  Tip:  Splurge a little on one that feels truly special to add a little luxury to your routine.

[NARS Lip Gloss – Turkish Delight]

I wasn’t in full makeup but it was enough that I looked awake and put together and it took me five minutes or less. I went through my day feeling good, which I liked, and the icing on the cake came that evening when my husband complimented me on my experimental look. He couldn’t put his finger on what exactly I had done, but he said I looked different, but a good different. He liked it! It was then that I knew this simplified way of putting on makeup was more than enough. I went from an all or nothing look, to having something in the middle and now I find myself wearing makeup more by wearing less.

Just thinking about playing with your makeup routine isn’t enough, actually do it! You might be surprised by what you find you like and how easy your daily makeup routine can become. Don’t wait for a special occasion or a night out to feel pretty, remember that you deserve to feel pretty everyday!

Road trips with the kids equal fun chaos! A simplified makeup routine helps me get everyone out of the hotel and back on the road quickly, and I still feel put together. Photo courtesy of my oldest, Sophia.

About Jessica

Jessica is military wife and stay at home mother to three energetic and fearless children, Sophia, Brandon and Rachel. Originally from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the military life has given her a chance to live all over the United States and meet many amazing people along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting my pretty on with Style Elixir,  The Pleated Poppy, A Good Hue, Jo Lynne Shane, and A Little Bit of Everything.