TV presenter Tracey Spicer’s article this week about weaning herself off extreme grooming got me thinking about how much I’ve culled my own beauty regime since the days of the corporate office working gal.
All dressed up and ready for the Blogger’s Bruch last Friday, I received a shower of compliments from the daycare teachers when dropping the twinions off.
Feeling a little uncomfortable with the sudden attention, it significantly proving just how low maintenance I have become.
Let’s point out though, that when talking about appearances, low maintenance does not mean negligence.
Back in the day when 90 minute “deep cleansing” facials would also clean out my pocket and eat up my time, I’ll now happily settle with a home beauty mask.
Okay, so maybe it freaks out the boys. Just a bit. (“Mama, why your face so dirty?” “Stop it, Mama! You scare me!”). Hold back the night terrors.
But hey, it’s still skincare, yes?
There are some beauty routines, however, I just can’t skimp on, one being the upper lip and brow wax. It’s 30 minutes of immense pain but worth the satisfaction that I no longer (well, for around 3 weeks, anyway) look like my late moustached grandfather.
Then, there’s the bimonthly, laborious ritual of disguising my greys.
Having broken up with my last hairdresser (the drama was too much), I’m currently in a drastic limbo situation. Meanwhile, the skunk likeness is uncanny.
I’ve tried the home treatments but the mess and stress isn’t worth it. Besides, I like the idea of sitting in a chair, being pampered and escaping the world for a couple of hours.
And that’s plenty for me.
It’s not due to apathy or lack of care in appearance, I just don’t need the other stuff, anymore.
As Tracey said in her article, she now has extra time to spend how she sees fit – play with her kids, strum the guitar.
And I reckon that – invaluable free time – that’s what I mostly can’t live without.
What are some beauty regimes you can’t live without?
1. Follow With Some Grace.
2. Sign up to the awesome Digital Parents community ( if you haven’t already done so). DP was created by Brenda Gaddi who happens to be the creator of FYBF. She’s also created 4 gorgeous kidlets. In case you’d like to know. Or maybe not. But we’ll share that info just the same.
3. Add your post URL to the FYBF linky. Please only link up one post.
4. Grab the funky FYBF button and post it on your sidebar. Help spread the blogfloggin love.
5. Visit the blogs of your fellow FYBF’ers and share the comment love
Brave selfies Grace, brave!
My best beauty advice is mirror avoidance. Knowing how my grooming has gone down the gurgler of late, best to not dwell on my likeness. I really don’t need to stare at my faded black trackpants with the bleached patch from a splash when I was cleaning the toilet. Oh how we have fallen!
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Ways to Cope With A Clingy Toddler…
I’m the reverse – I’ve spent a lifetime doing none, and I’m beginning to think I need to do more…or just avoid mirrors.
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..First of the Month Fiction – December
I can’t live without my waxing either and getting a cut and colour every couple of months. I’m hopeless at skin care. I need to take a leaf out of your book and get a mask, I mean, use a mask 😉 xx
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..Story of a book lover
My beauty routine involves disguising the greys too. Oh and, some Aldi moisturiser and a facial scrub.. That’s about it. Isn’t aging gracefully hard?
Carolyn
Desire Empire recently posted..Very Moist Chocolate Walnut Tart Recipe
I use a mud mask once a week and it gives my husband the giggles big time!! The worst part is that I can’t even get cross with him because once is sets you can’t frown!!!!!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Haloumi, Kabana and Tomato Salad – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #28
Ha ha I love this! I can forgeo make up, it’s the last thing on my list of things to do in the morning, and I often just slap some lipstick and a bit of mascara on while I’m on the train. Yes, I’m one of those people. I’m with you on the upper lip wax, It’s something I’ve recently indulged in although it’s more a necessity than a luxury, unless handlebar moustaches come back into fashion (on girls.) If I gave up the lip wax, I could put a lot of men to shame this Movember! Oh and I have to have a catch up and a colour with my hairdresser who can do hair magic. Bless her soul, her foils and her scissors. And just for the record, you looked gorgeous on Friday, not because of the amount of make up you were wearing but just because of the amount of radiance you exuded!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..The Meet-a-Versary
I have never been a major maintenance type but certainly my “wisdom” keeps showing through on the top of my head meaning that regular trips to the hairdresser are now a must!!
shelley@MoneyMummy recently posted..Are Christmas Club Savings Accounts A Good Way To Save For Christmas?
You are so brave! I can’t go without my fortnightly waxing and a colour every 6/8 weeks. I’m getting better at the whole cleansing/moisturising routine not so much because I want to but because I now have to as I get older!!
Lauren @ Create Bake Make recently posted..Haloumi, Kabana and Tomato Salad – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #28
It’s nice to get dolled up, and have a reason to get dolled up when you’re a mum. And when the compliments come in you can either wonder either think this is nice or GOSH, how bad did I look before?
Mini- facials are nice and easier on the wallet. I like the once a year treatment, say as a mother’s day gift. For me, someone who usually hates having her face touched, I really enjoy a good face massage.
My friend introduced my to Lush facemarks. The one I did made me want to try an lick my face off. YUM!
You are gorgeous!
Peachy Keen Mumma – Jess recently posted..Studio Cockatoo Geometric Art Prints – Giveaway
PS. Really wish I had edited that before I posted it. What a dork!
Peachy Keen Mumma – Jess recently posted..My First Blogger Event – Myer Giftorium
My beauty routine halved as soon as a I became a plumber. I used to indulge in the monthly facial to get out any concrete dust or whatever from my pores but life became busy with work and then kids come along and the money you live on halves. My make up bag and the amount of beauty products I use could fit in two hands now.
BEc @ The Plumbette recently posted..Are solar panels worth the investment?
I’m very low maintenance – occasional DIY hair removal and grey coverage is pretty much it for me!
Bec @ Seeing the Lighter Side of Parenting recently posted..From aerospace engineer to jewellery designer: one Mum’s story (+ a giveaway!)
Funny timing Grace. I normally ignore all beauty routines, but this week I’ve had a spray tan, my eyelashes tinted and today I’m having my hair done for the first time since Problogger!
Feels kinda nice, but gee whiz it all takes so much time!
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker recently posted..Christmas rocky road
I know what you mean about being embarrassed about attention. On the rare days I wear a dress to school instead of shorts and shirt I get so many comments it makes me think I must look dreadful for the other 95% of time. I haven’t used a face mask for ages. I must buy one on the weekend. Great photos Miss Grace!
Pinky Poinker recently posted..Nothing Compares to Ewe
Ummm there’s none. Honestly, in the morning I splash my face with water put on olay moisturiser and then if I look VERY tired I might put on some of that free BB cream I got from the PB L’Oreal thing. That’s it – if hair messy it goes up. I try straighten twice a week and that lasts two days. It only takes me 1.4 minutes to straighten my hair since it’s already so thin and fine! I’m a lazy. xx PS – when is that met up in Sydney? I want to try come down if possible xx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Don’t forget to listen to your kids!
I always like to at least put on eye make up and lippy when I go out, most of the time I’ll put on foundation and blush also, but not if I’m in a pinch for time. I cleanse my face at nights, but don’t do a whole heap more than that. I often trip my top lip and hairs on my chin, I’d love to get IPL on them because I hate doing it so much!
Caitlin recently posted..The Scarecrow’s Wedding
I think you look beautiful just as you are Grace – no high maintenance required! Myself – I’m pretty low maintenance compared to many. As I’m home most days now – no make up. If I go out I usually just pop on some foundation, mascara and lippy. For a swish event I’ll go a little further – foundation, eyeliner, mascara, blush, lippy, eyebrow pencil. I get my hair done (and yes cover those greys!) once every 7 weeks. While I’m there I get my eyebrows waxed (coz I can’t see them without my glasses to pluck myself and can’t pluck with glasses on – geez it’s a drama getting older). I don’t do the fake tan thing. I shave my own legs, arm pits and essential ahem other areas. I think I’m pretty low maintenance overall 😉 x
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..Stretching your comfort zone bubble!
I’ve been feeling a bit daggy lately, so am trying to use some makeup – even just lip shine works for me! I do love home facials SK11 face mask is my little luxury at home!
Stephanie recently posted..The Little Zoomer
Being clean is my beauty routine lol. Hair and teeth etc are brushed but it doesn’t go further than that.
Vanessa recently posted..It’s OK To Repurpose Content
I hate putting on lots of make-up because the time/ effort getting it off at the end of a tired day turns me off too. So it’s very important to me that my skin looks healthy and fresh by itself. I go for monthly facials with a good beauty clinic and usual wash, tone and moisturize at home. Recently started on IPL to even out some skin probs too. I think swimming for so long took it’s toll!
Ai Sakura recently posted..What If A Kid Raised A Chair Against Your Child?? #saynotobullying
Looking good Mamma you are one of the lucky ones who is a natural beauty and does not need much make up etc. I am lazy when it comes to beauty routines. I have a box of hair dye waiting to be used but these days it is actually easier to go to the hair dressers and get them to do it otherwise I wont make the time.
Druime@SnippetsandSpirits recently posted..Agent Mystery Case Worth Casing Blog Awards
That smile is better than any makeup, Grace!
Since leaving work, I’ve dropped the “corporate face”. and love it. But I do visit my gorgeous hairdresser every 6 weeks, without fail.
In this heat, makeup just melts off anyway, so only for special occasions here xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..Just be
My beauty routine is pretty slapdash! Because my hair is long (and luckily not grey yet) I havent been to the hairdresser in over a year. The only thing I do regularly is my nails. My own nails are crap so I get acrylics every 3 weeks. But that’s it really!
Rachel_OurTownBrisbane recently posted..Beat the Heat! A Guide to Brisbane’s Public Pools.
I’m pretty lazy, although feel like the wrinkles are telling me it’s finally time for a proper skin-care routine. If I didn’t have to work in an office I wouldn’t bother most of the time. Love your pics – you always put your best face forward, ha, ha!
Kathy – yinyangmother recently posted..Do you need a pep talk?
Mascara and eyeliner are my essentials. Anything above that is very hit or miss. 🙂
Fairlie recently posted..Travel the world without long-haul flights: Epcot, Orlando
You’re still doing way better than me Grace! My “beauty” routine these days is get up brush hair into a pony and loop pony into a bun. Done!
Gone are the days of full face of makeup, regular waxing and hair appointments (although they would still be nice every now and then, but not as enjoyable with a toddler in tow).
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Mummy Must Have | Mum Box
My poor girls have inherited my hairy eyebrows and hairy legs gene!
Oh the horror when I look back at school photos and spot the mono hahah!
I have to admit in general most days I don’t bother that much in general life but it is amazing how much better I feel when I am going out somewhere and I have straightened my hair, put on make-up carefully and not in a rush and put thought into my outfit and shoes, don’t think I could maintain it every day though with kids and a busy life .)
Bek @AuthorRebeccaMugridge recently posted..The Power of Juicing for a Healthy, Happy Life
I’m feeling rather outdone. My beauty routine consists of showering and slapping on some moisturiser. I can’t seem to justify the expense or the time to be heading to the salon, spa, or hairdresser for pampering.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Kirsten & Co
I’m loving this spray in a can shampoo that gets me out of trouble for my skunk stripe, when there’s just no time. I always think that you need to put on hand cream, it’s the first place that shows your age, that’s my one thing.
sarah@tomfo recently posted..How to hang wallpaper – a world map custom mural
I am in the middle of a crazy week of parties and events and HOO-HA and it’s the getting ready for them all that’s stressing me out the most! Time to do the hair, do the makeup, take it off when I inevitably get it wrong, start again, blah-de-blah – I hate it!
Emily recently posted..The Eleventh Hour – Graeme Base (a book review)
For me, it’s just my hair, on my head. Get it cut and coloured every 8 weeks. I wish I had the time for everything else but I don’t. It’s all about the kids 🙂
Neets recently posted..5 Ways To Reward Your Kids Without Junk Food + $100 Cash Giveaway
Hahaha Grace, I had a good laugh especially at your wonderful photos! I have to admit that I am a little low maintenance myself these days, I do definitely try to keep the eyebrows separate and mustache away…not a good look for me! lol And the grey hair is a new thing for me and it is freaking me out. Been plucking the little buggers out but they are ganging up on me and I think I have to bite the bullet and find a hairdresser to banish them!
The Exercise Hitlist recently posted..Asking The Stupid Questions – Interview with Adventurethon Creator Joel Savage
Hahahahaha! The mask pic makes me smile. I’ve scared Le Husband and my girls on many occasions with a home face mask too! You’re a natural stunner, darling Grace, you don’t need all those fancy trimmings. Your beauty radiates in and out. ♥
My ‘beauty’ (ahem) routine consists of a home hair dye to ‘freshen’ up my ebony tresses (I call it Mummy’s special shampoo). If I can manage that once a month that would be an achievement. I also rely on my trusty tweezers to pluck the (sadly more than occasional) chin hair. Ugh! I’ll put on some mascara and attempt eyeliner if I venture out in public but that’s about the extent of it. But I do love perfume. Perfume is a must and makes me feel pretty even if I’ve spent the day in yoga pants/pyjamas. xxxxx
Jess whoaMamma recently posted..A Serendipitous Sign Indeed
Well, you did look fantastic at the BB missy! Lately I’ve taken to keeping roll on deodorant in my handbag for when I (always) rush out the door and forget. So I guess my routine is at an all time low 🙂
Danya Banya recently posted..Toilet Paper Roll Advent Calendar
Apologies, it would seem when I popped in early I linked and ran. That certainly wasn’t my attention but your grey regrowth prompted me to go and check my own and well one thing lead to another and me needing to find a balaclava to get through the day (being 90% grey now) and I’m only just finding my way back to you.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..The Perfect LBD 52 Ways | All that JAZZ
Love the pics Grace 😉 I have never been one to wear a stack of makeup but one thing I don’t skimp on now is getting my greys covered up. For years (literally, I went grey very early) I coloured my hair myself, now its my little luxury…I especially love the head massage
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..My experience with Pre-eclampsia & HELLP syndrome
oh gosh don’t men have it easy compared to us girls 😉
They can be ready to walk out the door in 10-15 mins and yet us, we can easily take an hour to get ready to go out.
I am not that big into going somewhere to have treatments but I do like to get my eyebrows waxed!
I colour my own hair, with the help from hubby.
Mind you if we had the money I so could easily go to a “Beauty Day Spa” for a massage at least once a month 🙂
Love your mud mask, whats the ingredients?
Lisa Wood recently posted..Our Family Update