I see you, mama. Tired, busy, and always needed in some way (usually in more than one place at a time). Being a mom means maximizing whatever alone time you can get- and savoring every moment. One of my favorite ways to do this is through self-care- when you feel your best, you are your best! My love for self-care goes beyond sleep training, although that is a HUGE form of self-care that I will always advocate for. As a mom, you deserve to indulge in whatever forms of self-care you can get your hands on. Getting regular exercise in your favorite way, feeling well-rested, and having some kind of daily ritual to take care of your skin are all huge mood boosters.
As a mom myself, I don’t have time to dole out an hour and a half each day for an extensive skincare regime. However, I still like to feel my best! I’ve tailored my morning and nighttime skincare and makeup to make the most of my “me-time”. Here’s my go-to mom routine with my favorite skincare and makeup products to feel fresh-faced every day!
My Mom Routine: Simple Makeup and Skincare Routine Steps
My mom routine is easy, quick, and helps me feel my best. I like to keep both my makeup and skincare routine steps fairly quick- the simpler, the better! My skincare and makeup routine are both realistic, but they make such a difference in my mood. (I keep it to basics at nighttime- I just don’t have the energy for an hour-long skincare ritual!)
Simple Morning Routine For Tired Moms
My skincare routine steps consist of Dime and Beautycounter. Both of these brands prioritize clean makeup and skincare, which I love. They’re non-toxic and show visible results- their products are seriously the best! What I love so much about both Dime and Beautycounter is how effective their serums are- you don’t need a 20-step routine to see results.
I have seen SUCH a difference in my skin since formulating my routine. I swear by these products! Use code MOLLY for 20% off Dime products at checkout. If you’re shopping Beautycounter, select Molly Leighton as your consultant at checkout so I can offer you support and share exciting products that you’ll love!
The Best 6 Skincare Routine Steps for Bright, Glowy Skin
These are my morning skincare routine steps to start my day feeling refreshed while actively benefitting my skin. These skincare products create a great base for my makeup to feel brighter and glowier all day long!
Dime Gentle Jelly Cleanser
This non-toxic formula uses detoxifying and nourishing ingredients like coconut, vitamin E, strawberry oil, and lycopene for a deep, soothing cleanse! It easily removes my makeup and is such a staple in my routine- both morning and night.
Dime Eyelash Boost Serum
This clean lash-boosting serum uses amino acids, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, and myristoyl pentapeptide-4 to increase the length, density, and strength of lashes. I’ve seen such a difference in my eyelashes, and I give all the credit to this serum!
Face Serums- I use one or both of these on the days that I don’t use the Beautycounter All-Bright Brightening Facial Oil.
Dime TBT Serum
This anti-aging, non-toxic serum is a hydrating leave-on exfoliant that restores youthful skin and combats fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It uses mandelic acid, niacinamide, and resveratrol to brighten, hydrate, soothe, and restore the skin.
Dime Hyper Glow Serum
This clean serum gives SUCH a glowy finish and always makes my skin feel soft, bright, and firm. It uses vitamin C, ferulic acid, and resveratrol to fight premature aging, brighten the skin, and aid in improved skin texture and elasticity.
Beautycounter All-Bright Brightening Facial Oil
I use this vitamin C serum 3-4 times per week. It’s made with vitamin C, avocado oil, and black currant oil for a brightening, soothing, and nourishing effect. It makes my face look so much more radiant without feeling too dry, which I love!
Beautycounter Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream
This eye cream is a miracle worker- it’s so hydrating. The clean formula is made from their retinatural complex and Persian silk tree extract for a more youthful appearance with intense hydration. It helps to fade dark circles, brighten the eye area, and reduce puffiness and the appearance of crow’s feet. If you’re a tired mama, you need to include this as one of your skincare routine steps!
Beautycounter All Bright Dark Spot Minimizer
This dark spot minimizer is seriously magic. It helps so much to reduce the appearance of dark spots, and I love that the formula is clean and safe. It uses ethylated ascorbic acid, niacinamide, and pomegranate extract to improve your complexion and fade away dark spots. This stuff is a game-changer!
My Makeup Obsessions: The Best Makeup Routine for Busy Moms
When it comes to my makeup routine, I stick with the basics. My favorite makeup brands are Ilia, Thrive Causemetics, and Beautycounter. They all prioritize safe, clean, non-toxic ingredients, which I appreciate. These are my favorite products for a natural, fresh-faced look!
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
This is my go-to everyday non-toxic face sunscreen (and it acts as a makeup primer too). It uses hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide for a super hydrating, glowy, non-toxic formula. It adds the prettiest finish- if you’re looking for a foundation alternative that adds a little something, I’d opt for this!
Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer
This non-toxic concealer is the perfect step in your makeup routine for hiding discoloration or tired eyes (especially if you’ve been struggling with overnight wakeups!). I use the shade chicory under my eyes and burdock for blemishes. The formula is super creamy and blendable- I love that it doesn’t crease easily!
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
This foundation is AMAZING. It doubles as skincare with hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and non-nano zinc oxide for moisture, smoothing, and sun protection. It actively improves your skin texture throughout the day, delivers such a dewy finish, and is non-toxic! I use it in the shade diaz.
Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Eyebrow Liner
This is a staple in my makeup routine! I LOVE this eyebrow liner for natural-looking fuller brows. This clean formula uses smart pigment technology for that perfect shade match and has some serious staying power.
Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner
If you’re looking for a non-toxic eyeliner in your makeup routine that won’t budge, this is for you! I love the applicator- it comes with a smudge tip on the other end so you can create a smokier look for a night out. This eyeliner lasts all day- even if you’re chasing after a toddler!
Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara
I appreciate how buildable this formula is so you can customize how much volume and length you’re going for. It lasts all day, doesn’t smudge or flake, and I love that the formula is clean!
Ilia NightLite Bronzing Powder
This bronzing powder is buttery, buildable, and easy to apply. It’s non-toxic and formulated with jojoba seed oil, silica beads, and matte mica for added hydration and silkiness. I love using it in my makeup routine to add a bit of color back to my face.
Beautycounter Cheeky Clean Cream Blush
This cream blush is STUNNING. It adds the perfect flush of color to my face for a natural, healthy glow. It’s formulated with squalane and jojoba esters for added hydration. It’s buildable, so you can decide how intense you want the color payoff to be. I love the shade goji- it’s the most gorgeous red!
My Nighttime Skincare Routine Steps: Keeping it Simple
Between chasing around my toddler and keeping my baby happy, I’m usually pretty wiped by the end of the day. For this reason, I like to keep my skincare routine steps super easy so that I can enjoy this little pocket of peace at the end of my day!
Dime Gentle Jelly Cleanser
I use the same cleanser from my morning at night to get my makeup off. I can’t rave enough about this cleanser- I seriously love it!
Beautycounter Reflect Effect Overnight Resurfacing Peel
I use this once or twice a week depending on how my skin feels. I’ve seen such a difference in the texture of my face since adding it to my skincare routine steps! It uses glycolic, malic, and botanically derived lactic acid to improve skin texture and clarity. Arginine and essential fatty acids provide nourishment for healthier-looking, more radiant skin and minimized pores.
Beautycounter Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum
This non-toxic radiance serum is one of my most important skincare routine steps! It uses their retinatural complex, tripeptide, and amino acids to increase skin elasticity and firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while staying hydrated. This is a great alternative to retinol- the retinatural complex shows comparable results without the added irritation and sun sensitivity of a typical retinol product.
Beautycounter Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream
I can’t say enough good things about this non-toxic moisturizer! The lightweight formula combines ceramide, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate for hydrated, plump, glowing skin. It acts as a “flash filler”, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles. How cool is that!
Honorable Mentions: Products that I Love
These may not be my current everyday rotation, but I had to include them in this post! Here are a few other ride-or-dies that I love (and I think you will too).
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
If you’re looking for an everyday sunscreen, this is a great option. The spray application makes it super easy for the whole family, and the non-nano zinc oxide formula protects against the sun without any toxins.
Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint
This lip tint lasts all day and gives such a pretty finish. The shade well-made nude is my go-to for a natural-looking flush of color!
Beautycounter Body Wash in Citrus Mimosa
I know this isn’t for your face, but I would still count it as skincare! This body wash is so creamy and refreshing, and I’m obsessed with the scent. The non-toxic formula is made with coconut fatty acids and provitamin B5. It’s super smooth and hydrating without being too overpowering!
I hope you’ve picked up some inspiration for your everyday routine! If you have eye bags that can’t be cured by concealer (although the True Skin Serum works wonders!), you may need to reassess your sleeping habits. Sleepless nights are inevitable in motherhood no matter how well your kids are sleep trained- but these shouldn’t be a regular occurrence!
There are so many benefits of sleep training, and it’s been so life-changing for me and my family. I have more energy, sanity, and time for self-care. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, I offer one-on-one sleep support to help you and your family get on track with a healthy sleep schedule. Don’t wait until you’re an empty nester to sleep again- reach out if you’re struggling to sleep. I’m here for you!