Recently, I shared a snapshot of my feet in a trendy pair of sandals from Target. These chic gladiator-style shoes with wraparound ankle straps marked my first non-athletic footwear purchase since becoming a mom for the second time. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I welcomed my little one — does that even count as postpartum? I still feel like I just gave birth!
These Target sandals are stylish, affordable, and comfortable — a total win for my mom life. Naturally, I was excited to flaunt them to my small circle of five Instagram followers.
Almost immediately, I received a text from my close friend that read: “GET A PEDICURE ASAP!” Upon closer inspection of my photo, I realized she was right. My right toenail was curling like a witch’s claw, and my left looked jagged enough to be a weapon. In a world filled with stunning nail art and countless beauty hashtags, my unkempt nails were a glaring contrast. I couldn’t recall the last time I enjoyed a peaceful afternoon at the nail salon, uninterrupted. This moment made me reflect on how my beauty routine has drastically changed since becoming a mother — twice.
Hair Care
Do you remember when regular haircuts and highlights were a given? There was a time when I adhered to the “every six weeks” haircut rule like clockwork. Now, I chuckle at that notion.
After my first child, it took me months to acknowledge my roots. I found a stylist through my local mom Facebook group to come to my home for highlights while I nursed my 10-week-old, who was adamantly refusing a bottle. It was a total disaster. My baby cried the entire time, the stylist ended up with bleach stains on her clothes, and my hair turned out a shocking white instead of blonde. It took an expensive corrective treatment months later because I hadn’t found a reliable babysitter in time.
By the time baby No. 2 arrived, I had discovered the beauty of ombre — low maintenance and perfect for my new lifestyle. Is ombre still in? Honestly, I don’t care. If it works, why change it? But when I started losing chunks of hair three months after giving birth, I had no choice but to get a major chop. The thought of spending time in a salon while laundry piled up was far from appealing.
When I finally got the courage to cut my hair and refresh my ombre, I felt better, but not enough to make it a frequent affair. I’ve settled into a twice-a-year routine, and surprisingly, my hair is healthier now that I’ve simplified my styling regimen.
Waxing and Grooming
Before motherhood, monthly waxing was a staple in my routine. After my daughter was born, that frequency dwindled to just a few times a year. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m not part of the hairless cat club. The at-home laser device I splurged on? I’ve used it once. It takes too long, and I’d rather enjoy those fleeting quiet moments instead of enduring the discomfort of waxing. Rest assured, I won’t be sharing any close-ups of my bikini area with anyone, not even my husband!
Nail Care
As I’ve mentioned, time is a luxury I no longer have. While I’d love to have elaborate nail art, I know it wouldn’t last long. It would likely end up lost in my toddler’s smoothie or snapped off during a chaotic morning routine. For now, I’ll opt for short, unpolished nails that look somewhat healthy since I avoid toxic nail polish. But when my friend shows up with her fresh spring pedicure, I can’t help but wish for a moment of pampering myself!
Makeup
Makeup has always held a special place in my heart. It’s what helped me look somewhat alive in family photos taken just weeks after my son’s arrival, and it has reconnected me with my more glamorous self. Although my daily routine has simplified to just mascara and tinted lip balm, I still cherish how makeup can elevate my mood. Amazingly, I’ve become much more comfortable stepping out without it. Perhaps the greatest gift my children have given me is a newfound sense of self-acceptance — I’m less vain and genuinely happier.
Motherhood has significantly influenced my beauty budget and grooming habits (I can go an entire week without applying deodorant, but that’s a different story!). Yet, I still enjoy getting dolled up occasionally. I hope that my impromptu red lipstick days show my kids that it’s okay to want to look good while also embracing the beauty of natural looks. When beauty routines become a burden, they lose their charm.
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In summary, motherhood has reshaped my approach to beauty and self-care. The focus now is on balance — finding joy in simplicity while teaching my children that beauty can be both fun and natural.