As homeschool moms, we tend to forget ourselves and take care of everyone else in our families. Yet, we need to take care that we do not neglect our own grooming and appearance, as these are important to help us feel our best. Following are my tips for taking care of the homeschool mom with a simple beauty/grooming routine and suggestions for some of my favorite products.
Taking Care of the Homeschool Mom
#1: Protect your skin from the sun! Especially your face, neck, and the back of your hands. Women show age the fastest here. A sunscreen I love for these areas is Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen. It is a natural sunscreen, meaning it is a physical block rather than a chemical one. Since this product is mattifying, it also makes a great foundation primer! I love products that do double-duty. Apply after moisturizer and before makeup.
#2: Have a skin care program! It doesn’t have to be expensive. Just use a cleanser and moisturizer made for your skin type. For best results, your cleanser and moisturizer should be the same brand. I love Mary Kay for age-fighting, and for all-natural or “clean beauty” there are so many more options now! Mary Kay has a some, there are several available from Grove or even Sephora, and you can also pick up natural skin care products at your local retail store. The important thing is to use a cleanser made for faces, and to hydrate (even oily skin needs hydration.) If your skin is really oily, a toner helps as well. This can be a retail brand, or just some witch hazel applied with a cotton ball.
#3: Rest! You may need to nap when your kids nap. It’s so tempting to get something done or continue your homeschool schedule during that time. When I had a colicky baby and worked mornings, I took a nap in the afternoon, because that’s when she slept the best. You will look better and feel better. My favorite products for rest? A “white noise” app, and a sleep mask to keep out the light. (Find more on the habit of rest here.)
#4: Exercise. It doesn’t have to be crossfit at a gym (unless that’s your thing!). If you haven’t exercised regularly in awhile, just purchase some hand weights and spend ten minutes three times a week. (Most women begin with five-pound weights, available in the sporting goods sections at retail stores.) Do some pushups. Put the toddlers in the double-stroller and walk around your neighborhood. Search “workouts for __________” (enter your situation) on YouTube. Find what works for you, and make it part of your homeschool routine.
#5: Cultivate a new skill: There are so many ways to learn new things in the homeschool day. You can even learn virtually. Why not take a music class, learn photography, or study a language you don’t know? What a way to not only invest in taking care of the homeschool mom, but do something that will benefit you and/or others. What new skill would you try today if you knew you could not fail?
#6: Groom your nails: You can stop laughing now! I know your nails are in dishwater, changing diapers, or both all day long! I only mean to keep them filed (I definitely prefer mine short!) and cuticles at bay. Maybe even some clear polish for special occasions. Nothing fancy, just neat. I love white cotton gloves, found in the health and beauty section of your retail store. Massage some oil (even whatever cooking oil you have on hand) onto hands and cuticles at night, put gloves on, and have soft, smooth skin and cuticles in the morning.
#7: Soften feet: My absolute favorite foot-softening product is the Ped Egg, at Target and some other retail stores. It works well to smooth away dead skin. I soak my feet first, use the Ped Egg (you could also use a pumice), rinse, apply lotion followed by socks, and in the morning, have soft, smooth feet ready for sandal wear!
#8: Get a good haircut! This doesn’t have to be expensive. Perhaps you have a friend who cuts her own hair, and it looks great. You, on the other hand, bake great brownies. Offer to barter… one haircut for a few batches of homemade brownies! As far as hair products, I’ll recommend that if you’re using the cheapest, you upgrade just one degree. Digital coupons and sales will often get you those products at the same price or less than the least expensive brands, and higher-quality products often last longer.
#9: Smile! Your true beauty comes from within. (Brushing and flossing daily helps, too!)
#10: Have a simple makeup routine. You are beautiful the way you are, homeschool mom! Sometimes it makes me feel great just to enhance that natural beauty. =) Three little products can make a difference: mascara, blush, and lip gloss. Choose colors that soften your skin tone and create a more youthful look (who doesn’t want that!) See your beauty consultant, or purchase inexpensive retail items with coupons.
Lastly, remember that true beauty comes from within. When a woman knows who she is in Christ, her joy radiates outward to everyone, making them feel comfortable in her presence and happy to be near her.
Kim (aka Daisy Muse) loves to share life from a vintage cottage–marriage, motherhood, books, recipes, and home decor. Join her in the simple little things that bring daily delight. You can find more of her musings at thedaisymuse.com.
-first published September 2011
Thank you for this article, I know this is something I need to work on. On too many days, I look like frazzled, frumpy Mommy and that’s not what I want my husband or children to think of when they think of me.
We all have our areas we need to work on! =) I get fixed up every day but don’t work hard enough on my weight.
I do remember when I was teaching first grade…I used to wear clothes that were not as nice, since I didn’t want to get them dirty with chalk, etc. One day I decided to dress nicely from then on, and even wear perfume. The students and I were all in happier moods after that!
Kim, thank you for this encouragement. Making time for mom does definitely spread blessings in our home in many ways. Love your simple steps and tips.
Ok. So a couple from church came and watched the kids tonight…even the 5 month old…and I knocked off school early to get ready. I put on make – up and a cute dress and some boots. Before daddy even made it home my 7 year old son said, “wow mommy, you look pretty”! Daddy had the same reaction. We have 5 young kiddos and due to nursing, exhaustion and never eating a hot meal lol I am thin but I seldom do more than a ponytail and I never do make – up. It made me feel great to see the look on my husband’s face as he walked me to our table at dinner. I’m glad I took the time to fix myself up and I appreciate your low fuss recommendations.
Margie, I read your comment with tears in my eyes! So happy that something I wrote could make a difference in the life of someone I don’t even know!
Blessings!
=)
Awesome!! I never do any of this except the make-up , I need to get to work on myself =)
Angie, you always look great! Your figure is gorgeous. Give yourself some credit! =)
I totally agree with the marykay stuff. That stuff works wonders and it really does last like months. So it’s quite cheap in the long run. Another thing. About the nails. They have this gel nail polish now for natural nails. It costs $15ore than the regular manicure but it lasts forever. They say 2 weeks, but I’ll get the French manicure done and it looks great for up to 4 weeks for me. And I do all my dishes by hand and I do yard work and I don’t wear gloves when Using chemicals to clean the house. And having nice nails does wonders for my moral and confidence.
I didn’t think this would apply to me at all, but the kids are still asleep so I kept reading. What a lovely article, thank you. I so often forget myself and put my needs last, and your article has some really simple ideas that will help me to feel special (lipgloss! Love it!) ❤️ Thanks for looking out for us mamas xx