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Giving and caring so much for others makes mamas forget that they have to first take care of themselves. When was the last time you pampered yourself with some spa time or a night out with the girlfriends? Chipped fingernails, frizzy lifeless hair and dried out skin shouldn’t be your daily pesky Good Morning! Even with little time and no budget you should be able to afford the beauty care which you deserve. Here are some no-fooling tips to look flawless and with the slightest effort.

No more bad hair days

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It is astonishing how mamas manage to hocus-pocus tasty snacks with basically nothing left in the fridge. They tend to forget though that some very basic beauty care ingredients are right in front of their noses. If your hair is too oily, apply on dry hair a mixture of ¼ cup vinegar and grated peel of one lemon. Allow it to set for some 15 minutes and rinse with plenty of water. This hair mask will remove any buildup from hair products and excess oil from your scalp, balance hair´s natural pH levels and even cure dandruff.

In case your hair is frizzy and ruptured go for this moisturising mask. Mix together 1 whole ripe avocado (or banana), 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Apply it on dry hair starting from the hair ends. Let it set for about half an hour and then rinse in the shower.

For extremely damaged hair, try this creamy leave-in conditioner. 2 tsp slightly melted coconut oil, 4 tsp aloe vera gel, and 1 tsp avocado oil mix well together and apply on hair.

To achieve a popular sun-kissed wavy effect, you can also opt for clip in hair extensions.

The second baby face

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Mamas are always there to remind us to put on sunscreen, wash our face and leave that pimples be. But when it comes to looking after their own skin, they are a lot more neglectful. This is especially true of new moms who barely get a shuteye. Still, try to follow a basic skincare routine. Always remove your makeup and clean your face the moment you’re behind the house door. To avoid dark pigmentation spots, wear a sunscreen or stick to an SPF moisturiser. And we can’t stress enough the importance of being moderate. Before going to bed apply a retinol serum on the problematic areas only and leave the rest of your skin to breathe and rejuvenate during sleep. Our skin can endure only so many products. It is best if these are light concoctions made of organic ingredients. For this reason, and to effectively beat tiredness and waning youth, go for natural and nutritious products. You’ll never go back to your old skin care routine.

Warrior pose

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Just like with using only selected quality products which will repair rather than leave more damage, you should also care more for your whole body and well being. So, no smoking, moderate drinking, and if possible, avoid eating fast food on the go. Most of these are coping mechanisms for the times we are fighting stress and anxiety. Include daily workouts in your routine and remember to stay hydrated. There are many apps to help you stay on track with this. Register for a yoga and meditation class. This way you’ll relax, tone your body and meet new friends.

Where is your lunch box?

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Your body cannot function properly without a healthy and balanced diet. This is what kids hear on a daily basis, but parents forget to take proper care of their own well being. How often did you hear yourself say, I’ll eat later or what’s left, Don’t worry about me, I’ll get something outside. Even if your family is devoted wholeheartedly to a healthy lifestyle, sometimes you just don’t have the time.

One excellent cheat sheet is to cook a couple of days ahead. Make some yummy quinoa salad with vegetables or dried fruits and nuts. It’s packed with protein, fibres and vitamins. Check store-bought food for too much added sugar. Keep your plate jazzy and colourful.

Day in day out, try to kick out one bad habit and embrace positive change.