No time to look good for the school gates? Struggle to look presentable for those early breakfast meetings? Worry no more – we have some brilliant quick fixes which will have you looking more human than you feel. (And all trace of those sleepless nights will be between you and the bathroom mirror.) Move over ‘dragged through the hedge’ mum, here comes ‘fresh as a daisy’ mamma!
Darphin’s Cleansing Azahar Floral Water, £23
It’s that time again when the holidays are becoming a distant memory, but amidst the chaotic school and work runs, a little beauty routine can still be squeezed in. Darphin’s Cleansing Azahar Floral Water offers express cleansing that promises you’ll get out the door in no time, while still looking and feeling great.
What it says: This fast and effective all in one cleanser, containing neroli essential oil to calm the skin and bisabolol essential oil to sooth, gently cleanses and dissolves all traces of make-up without rubbing. With no rinsing necessary, it can be used in a flash, promising to leave the skin feeling fresh, soft, subtle and radiant; ready to face the day. What we say: Oh mama, we are loving this one and of course, the smell. Hold us back from shouting it’s fabulousness from the rooftops. www.darphin.co.uk
Liz Earle’s Superskin Moisturiser, £34.50
When your skin is well-nourished and hydrated, you tend to look a lot better. So just before you head out the door, get hold of your favourite moisturiser. A quick massage of your favourite cream can do wonders for the colour and texture of your complexion – and takes less than a minute. This one from Liz Earle is lovely. It suits 30-something to 40-something skin and sinks in like butter melting on toast. I’m beginning to become a bit of a Liz Earle fan. See Expert’s Tips for more on Liz Earle and the product range. From www.lizearle.com
m
Laura Geller Air Whipped Blush, £20.50
Nothing makes you look more tired than a pale white face. But it’s almost impossible to get your ‘face’ on as you’re trying to get them to eat their rice krispies and quickly dress them in their school uniforms – as they have half an eye on the telly and another trying to decipher which way the trousers go on. There’s just no time to put on your make-up properly, is there? (And for the ones who manage it, they’ve got to be up at 6am applying it, surely? Either that or they have been spinning like Linda Carter in Wonder Woman.) For the rest of us; a quick dab with this amazing Laura Geller Air Whipped blush is a must. It’s creamy, as light as a feather and goes on really easily. (To find the right spot to apply – run your finger along your eye socket, feel for your cheek bone and apply the blusher about one finger space down your face.) Less is more here. We’re talking healthy glow and not Coco the Clown first thing in the morning. www.qvcuk.com
m
m
No 7 Lash Adapt, £12.50
If you have time – after you’ve done all of the above – and you still have a few minutes to spare; unlikely if you’re like me – but if you do, then a quick lick of mascara will help finish the look. (We just look better when our lashes are defined.) This one’s very easy to apply and certainly gives you a colour on your lashes without them looking like you’ve lathered on layers. It can be a little bit smudgey later on – but to be honest, most mascara can be and I think it’s more to do with the fact that we laugh, cry and touch our eyes so many times during the day than the quality of the mascara. Anyway no matter what kind of day you are having today – this one’s a nice one for a quick coat in the morning. People will start noticing your healthier look – believe me; like little fairies, we will wave our wands until you’re all feeling and looking like yummy mummies! (Sorry, just having a frivolous moment!) From Boots.
m
