Budget Friendly Beauty Tips for Moms

When a woman becomes a mother, there are certain things that she may have to give up. Looking good does not have to be one of those sacrifices. There may be less time and money for spa days and trips to the salon, but here are a few tips, tricks, and products to help you look your best without breaking the bank.

1) Stay hydrated. Water costs so little, but has so many benefits. Dehydration can wreak havoc on the condition of your skin, making it appear dry and tired. Keeping a bottle of water by your side will help your skin to appear fresher, make you feel less hungry, and help flush toxins from your body.

2) No matter how tired you are never, NEVERR< go to bed with your makeup on. always use an exfoliating facial cleanser like Dove Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($8.00), followed by a quality moisturizer like Desert Essence Daily Essential Facial Moisturizers, $6.29 at www.facialquality.com .

3) I am fanatical about eyebrows. No matter how much time and money you have to spend, messy, overgrown, shapeless eyedbrows will ruin your look. I suggest spending $35.00 on Sephora Brand Arch It Brow Kit (www.sephora.com ) to ensure that you always look put together.

4) For flawless skin, all day wear, line smoothing hydration, and an SPF of 15, I use Line Smoothing Makeup by Almay. Applied and blended with a sponge, this is as fuss free a foundation as you are likely to find. It can be found at most drugstores for around $14.00.

5) for Blushers, Bronzers, eyeshadows, and eyeliners, you can't beat Wet n Wild for price and selection. Their ey pencils, (about $1.00) can be used for a smokey or dramatic look.

6) Mascara is a must have even if you prefer a minimalist makeup routine. I love Lash Blast Luxe by CoverGirl. ($7.99 at www.drugstore.com , and right now they have a buy one get one 50% off deal on CoverGirl cosmetics!)

7) If you like thicker eyelashes and are short on time, try this trick: apply one coat of mascara then dip an eyeshadow brush into powder and coat lashes, finally apply a last coat of mascara.

8) For lipcolor that is smudge and bleed proof, stay away from lipsticks, the thicker color can end up all over your face on a busy day. Instead opt for a pecil that matches your lip color to line lips and apply a layer of gloss. A good tinted gloss to try is CoverGirl Lipslicks in Starlet. ($3.99 at www.drugstore.com , this is also subject to the BOGO 50% off deal.)

9) For fuss free hair, use heated rollers. While you are in the shower, allow rollers to heat. Roll damp hair and wait for it to set while you apply your makeup. After hair is set, take it down and finger comb your curls. I like The Power of Pink Instant Heat Ionic Hair Setter by Conair ($27.99 at www.conair.com) . This heated set of rollers is great for maintaining shiny hair, and for every purchase, Conair donates $1.00 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

10) For great looking skin, be sure to use an exfoliating body scrub, followed by an after shower moisturizer on a daily basis. A good combination to try is St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Scrub ($5.00) and St Ives Intensive Healing Advanced Therapy Lotion ($7.00).