Mom life is a busy life. Even when you don’t want it to be and you’ve totally committed to the whole idea of not being busy, it doesn’t matter because you still have to go to work, pack lunches, drop kids off and pick them up, help with school projects, take the kids to extracurricular activities and play dates, and on and on. Basically, busyness is unavoidable even with the best of intentions.
Of course, what goes by the wayside when your schedule is overbooked – is you. While you may have mastered keeping protein bars and a piece of fresh fruit in your bag, and filling not one but two water bottles for the day, taking care of your skin definitely has a tendency to fall to the bottom of the list.
Instead of letting your complexion suffer, keep these skin care products with you to help your skin stay healthy and cared for when you’re constantly on the go.
1. Blotting paper
While you might be tempted to reapply foundation or powder multiple times throughout the day, that’s just asking for a major breakout. You’re not only burdening your skin with layers of pore-clogging cosmetics but you’re introducing oil and bacteria to your brushes, beauty blenders and sponges.
Blotting paper is specifically designed to absorb oil while refreshing your foundation. They are compact, lightweight and can be stashed in your bag or glove compartment, or both.
2. Sunblock
For many women, sunblock has become a standard part of their morning skin care routine. But for most, it begins and ends at a quick application to their face and then they think they’re good and covered. In actuality, your neck, chest, hands and arms (and legs if you’re wearing shorts or a skirt) need to be protected from harmful UV rays if you’re going to be outside more than 20 minutes at a time.
Keep a travel-size bottle of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in your purse, gym bag and especially your car. Though we don’t often think about it, a great amount of our sun exposure comes from time in our car. Keep it near by and don’t forget to reapply!
3. Moisturizer
During the colder, drier months of the year, your skin really suffers. All of the artificial heated air pumped into our homes, cars and workplaces decreases the humidity indoors and sucks the moisture right out of your skin. By keeping a lightweight moisturizer on hand (pun entirely intended), the harsh effects of dry winter air can be combated and your skin will stay healthy and supple.
4. Hydrating mist
Another way to withstand the damage of a dry environment and to keep your skin healthy is to use a hydrating mist. Great for refreshing your body and mind, hydrating mists can be made with a variety of ingredients such as sea water, coconut water, rose water. They often contain a combination of soothing, rejuvenating and hydrating ingredients such as ylang ylang, aloe vera and grape seed oil to nourish and hydrate your skin.
A perfect addition to your skin care routine, apply a light mist before applying your makeup in the morning, after washing your face at night, and also throughout the day to prevent dryness.