Regardless of how high maintenance your skincare and make-up routine may have been before becoming a mother, your primping process is likely to drop down the priority list once nappy changes, breastfeeding and sleep take over.
There are however several products that are both cheap and quick to use. One product I love is Batiste Dry Shampoo, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Whether you don't have time to wash your hair before a meeting with friends, or it just needs a bit of a restyle, a few spritz of this dry shampoo will soak up the grease and give your hair some bounce.
I always keep a mini bottle of this in my handbag, along with the following essential cosmetics.
To tame eyebrows, condition eyelashes and use as a balm on lips, elbows and grazes, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream is a must. It's been raved about by celebrities for years due to the multiple uses, but it can also be used for babies on rashes and scratches too.
Another cult product, the Protect & Perfect range from No 7 at Boots has been praised in the media and by consumers alike for improving the look of skin. The intense serum in particular is great to quickly pop on first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It should give the impression of smooth and young skin, so you can skip the foundation.
If you do feel the need for a bit of extra coverage, the Complete Touch of Foundation from Olay not only gives you light coverage (great when you haven't had much sleep) but also moisturisers and protects skin with an SPF of 15.
Finally, a basic pair of eyelash curlers can give the impression of wide awake eyes, even if you haven't had time to pop some mascara on. It's also worth seeing if you can get a babysitter for half an hour to pop down the salon for an eyelash tint and eyebrow shaping. Both of these can make the world of difference for a low maintenance routine.
Do you have any quick and east cosmetic tips? How has your makeover routine changed since becoming a mother?