Like many parents around the world, we cherish our sleep. But the truth is, we’re lucky if we get 6 hours unbroken sleep a night. What with waking babies and toddlers, weakened bladders (what IS it about those 3am toilet trips?!), snoring partners and endless to do lists waking us before dawn, we are rather tired. Constantly.
Which is why, when we want to avoid the zombie look, we have to rely on a few tried and tested methods to see us through the day. After all, the “I just had 4 hours sleep, don’t come near me, I may cry” look is less than appealing, right?
Drink water
OK, so this is an obvious one. But sometimes the simplest tricks are the most overlooked. The benefits of drinking at least eight glasses of water a day are numerous, but among the list of pros is the fact it flushes toxins out of your body. It’s these very toxins that can leave you looking (and feeling) tired and drained.
Drinking plenty of water is also great for your digestive system, keeping you from feeling sluggish and bloated. And as lots of us know, bloated is not a nice feeling.
Carolin, who blogs at Mummy Alarm, says “water, water and lots of water” is her tried and tested method to avoiding dull skin, as well as not forgetting to take off makeup at bedtime – no matter how tired she is.
Have a daily skin care regime
We know you’re busy. If you’re anything like us, you probably have approximately 7 minutes to get ready in the morning – including getting dressed and dragging a brush through your hair – before you need to sort breakfasts, lunches, dress children and get everyone out of the door.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forego any type of skincare regime. Washing your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type, before moisturising with a lovely light moisturiser can banish the need for heavy duty make-up and leave your skin with a lovely glow. At the very least, it’ll wash away the pillow creases from your face and help wake you up in the morning!
We love the Skin Silk Moisturiser from Harley Street Skin Care – just a little dab of this on your skin morning and night could really make a difference to tired, dry skin.
Have a weekly pamper session
At least once a week, take 15 minutes out of your day for some skin pampering. Invest in a hydrating facial mask that will rejuvenate your skin and let it do its magic.
It’s also worth investing in a microdermabrasion treatment like the one with crushed diamonds from Harley Street Skin Care (check out our latest deal on this here) as it will revitalise your skin, leaving it feeling fully refreshed – and awake!
Luxury in the most unlikely places
Did you know nappy cream can actually be a great antidote to blemishes? Seriously!
Alice, who blogs at More than Toast, is a big fan of Sudocrem used as a blemish buster. In Alice’s words, “Nappy cream is amaaaaaazing for spots!” (you can’t argue with that). Check out Alice’s great post about looking after your skin during pregnancy and post-pregnancy – she has some fabulous tips.
Sometimes makeup is the only way forward
When you have under-eye circles as big as ours, there’s nothing for it but to get out the slap. Specifically, a great concealer and some show stopping lipstick.
Sophie, who blogs at Super Amazing Mum, has a FANTASTIC tip when it comes to utilising your lippy:
“I go for red lipstick all the way – it draws attention AWAY from shadows, wrinkles and bad skin, as everyone focuses on the lips!”
Check out Sophie’s post on choosing the ultimate red lipstick – this lady is a bit of an oracle when it comes to this subject!
What are your tried and tested tips when it comes to skin care? Any products you love that we should know about?
©2012
Thanks for including my tip, Mollie. You’ve collected some great advice. I’m just not sure, if I am brave enough for a red lippie x
Thanks for sharing the great tip – our pleasure to include it. x
Thanks for including my red lipstick post!!!!! Trust me, it REALLY works!!
It’s a GREAT tip – anything that disguises the under-eye bags and tiredness is a winner with us!