Beauty hacks for exhausted moms

How to make yourself feel human again, despite the spit-up in your hair and months of disrupted sleep.

Wipes aren’t only for your littles p. 60

PRODUCED BY JESSICA POLL ACK and ARIE L BREWSTE R PHOTOGRAPHY BY GE NEVIÈVE CARON

TTHIS ISN’T A “ new year, new you ” guide. For the record, we think you ’ re great just the way you are. (And you ’ re also a good mom doing an amazing job in a very shitty time.) No, bubble baths and sheet masks won ’t solve all your problems, but quality self-care has been hard to come by during COVID—especially when you ’ re naptrapped with a pandemic baby. Maybe scrubbing your face with a fancy exfoliating cleanser or splurging on a pricey serum makes you feel well-rested during a season of your life when you definitely aren ’t (and can ’t be—hello, cluster feeding). So if you ’ re looking to cut through the noise of all the beauty fads and sponcon you see on social media and find the best products that actually work (and won ’t waste precious mat leave dollars), we ’ ve got you covered.

This icy tool is like a coffee for your face Latme Ice Roller

FAKE IT ’TIL YOU MAKE IT

Expert makeup tips for pretending you aren ’t a milk zombie and making it look like you slept (when you definitely didn ’t). BY KATHE RINE FLEMMINGI

ICE, ICE, BABY: After a splash of water, Toronto-based makeup artist Sheri Stroh always starts her morning with a quick pass of an ice roller. Like a lint roller for a swollen complexion, this inexpensive tool can bring down puffiness, but more importantly, “It wakes you up and the process feels amazing, ” says Stroh, who usually applies the roller for five to 10 minutes while scrolling her phone or watching the news. You could even use it one-handed while nursing or pumping. Try the 1 Latme Ice Roller ($16, amazon.ca). GLOW UP: One item Stroh always keeps in her bag is a cream highlighter. “It doesn ’t matter how tired you are, this will instantly make you look like you ’ ve had a facial, ” she says. Dab it on your cheekbones, down the nose (skip the tip), on your eyelids and over your dark circles (to bounce light and minimize the shadows). The 2 Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter ($33, sephora.ca) can be applied to bare skin, under foundation and tinted moisturizer, or over makeup. It blends easily, never looks like a cheesy Instagram filter and adds a few hours of sleep to your complexion. TWICE AS NICE: To breathe life into exhausted skin, a tinted moisturizer or foundation like the new 3 Tower28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation ($38, revolve.com) gets two things done at once: You ’ll even out your complexion while warding off future damage like age spots and fine lines. Just be sure to pick the right shade. “If you go lighter, it always looks like a mask, ” says Stroh. Going a touch darker might mean you don ’t need any extra bronzer or colour on the cheeks. Once you ’ ve applied it, if you still need a dab of concealer, apply a small dot under the eye in the inner corner, and blend it outward in the crescent area—but stop before you hit the fine lines. Try 4 Hynt Beauty Duet Perfecting Concealer ($32, thedetoxmarket.ca). IN LIVING COLOUR: “A lot of people overcompensate and add too much blush when they ’ re trying to liven up their face, ” says Stroh. To keep it subtle, stick to cream-based products and dab a little bit of the colour on the higher parts of your cheekbones using your fingers, making sure not to bring it too far into the centre of your face. For a flush that screams “I slept better than Beyoncé, ” try the fragrance-free, jojoba-laced 5 Beautycounter Cheeky Clean Cream Blush ($50, beautycounter.com).

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WHAT TO SKIP

(Unless they make you feel really good) Waterproof mascara, because it’s a pain to remove. Ma e lipsticks that are tedious to apply and take off (and make for messy baby smooches). Face powders, as the effect will be dusty—you ’re going for fresh and dewy. Anything that requires multiple brushes or tools to use.

DOUBLE-DUTY BEAUTY Products that work for you and your baby.

BY NATALIE STECHYSON

I LIKE TO JOKE that my baby is my human shield, bravely protecting me in public from any potential judgment about my worn-out leggings, frizzy hair and general unkempt appearance.

Oh, she ’ s a mom, I imagine people thinking as we roll past them on the sidewalk, my gross scrunchie barely containing my fly-aways. That explains it.

Meanwhile, my baby is dressed like a Gap model, with flawless skin, rosy cheeks and the cutest matching booties and hat. For some reason, I’ ve always been willing to indulge in the very best outfits, lotions, balms and accessories—it’ s just that they ’ re always for the baby, not me.

Well, good news. Many of those same products you lovingly apply to your kid morning and night can actually be used as health and beauty products for yourself. Yes, you, an actual person who deserves some pampering (even if it comes from the Pampers aisle). After all, you share bodily fluids and bathroom trips, and you have zero time, so why not share a little baby balm?

Here are six double-duty beauty products to borrow from your kid:

1. Hello Bello Everywhere Balm

More like everyone balm. This soothing, fragrancefree balm from Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard’s baby line can be used on kids and adults. It’s a great option for treating cradle cap, chafing and sore bums on babies, but on adults it can be used as a lip balm, under the eyes, as a highlighter on the cheekbones, to so en cuticles, and even to tame frizz and flyaways. $9, indigo.ca

2. Live Clean Baby Soothing Oatmeal Relief Non-Petroleum

Jelly Any baby jelly or moisture stick can double as a lip balm, but the soothing oatmeal in this one is great for dry lips. Plus, it goes on glossy! You ’re basically a runway model if you use it (just don’t double dip if you ’re also applying it to your baby ’s bu ). $9, well.ca

3. Johnson’s Baby

Shampoo The same gentle formula you trust to clean your baby is also a fan-favourite beauty hack for cleaning makeup brushes. Baby shampoo gets rid of the dirt and oil in the bristles without drying them out. Just lather and rinse! $6, walmart.ca

4. Aveeno Baby Daily

Lotion It’s gentle enough for newborns—and your own parched body and face. This fragrance-free moisturizer can be used wherever you need some TLC. Its light formula means you can dab it on your face for a li le glow a er another sleepless night. $7, well.ca

5. Ombrelle Kids Wet’n Protect

SPF 60 Even if parenting doesn’t age you, the sun definitely will. A good sunscreen is your best beauty ally, and chances are you already have one kicking around in your diaper bag. This kids sunscreen has a high SPF, is fragrance-free and it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts,

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so slather it on. It’s also less expensive than many high-end facial sunscreens. $19, shoppersdrugmart.ca

6. Pampers Sensitive

Baby Wipes Baby wipes are the Swiss Army knife of personal care. You probably already rely on wipes as a replacement for showering some days, but you can also use them to remove eye makeup. (Even though the package says not to use near your eyes, dermatologists say the ingredients are safe.) They are also handy for rubbing excess hair dye off your forehead a er colour treatments. Keep a perfume-free pack by the toilet for a li le freshening up a er a big sneeze (IYKYK). $12 for six poptops, amazon.ca

THE BARE MINIMUM

The easiest ways to show yourself—and your skin— some love. F

FOR STARTERS, might we remind you that your body hosted an entire additional human for a very long time? So give yourself a break. Dermatologist Sam Hanna, medical director at Dermatology on Bloor in Toronto, says his patients sometimes express frustration over how their skin fared after pregnancy—dullness, hyperpigmentation and acne that could rival a teenager ’ s are common once the glow fades. “Be proud of what you did and recognize that what happened with your skin is recoverable, ” he says, stressing that you didn ’t do anything wrong (even if applying moisturizer a couple times a week summed up your skincare regimen for the past nine months). Since there might be days postpartum when washing your face feels like summiting Mount Everest, skip the 12-step system and focus on simply nourishing and feeding your skin in three simple steps.

TREAT YOURSELF

Can you remember the last time you did something just for you? If you ’ re feeling fancy, level up with these three splurges.

Mask up

Let a face mask do the heavy lifting. Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask ($68, sephora.ca) contains superhydrator coconut water and texturetreater niacinamide to even out your complexion. Slap this on when you ’ re about to embark on your kids ’ marathon bedtime routine. It’ s designed to be worn overnight, so you can consider your skincare routine sorted. When you rinse it off in the morning, you ’ re left with nearly newborn-level softness. Eyes on the prize

Since your eyes are barely closing these days, tending to the skin around your peepers is basically an essential service. Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel ($80, dermalogica.ca) contains a blend of soothing ingredients like rosemary leaf extract, to minimize puffiness and the appearance of fine lines. Dab below your lower lashes and on your orbital bone (just below your brows) using your ring finger, which applies the least amount of pressure to the delicate eye area. Super serum

Serums contain smaller molecules so they can go the extra mile to penetrate below the skin ’ s surface. But with so many options—some with prices scarier than a poonami—it’ s hard to know which bottle to choose. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($95, shoppersdrugmart.ca) is an oil-free blend that gives skin a glowy boost, calling upon viniferine, a sap from grapevine stalks, to brighten skin, as well as ultramoisturizing olive squalane. —Katherine Flemming

1. Stock your shower with an unfragranced, non-soap cleanser you can use when you finally get a chance to hop in there. Try La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+ ($21, at drugstores and mass market retailers), which feels like a luxurious French facial in an easy-to-use pump. The best part? It does triple duty— use it on your face, your body and it’s safe for your newborn’s skin, too. 2. Give your face another pass with a spritz of toner to cleanse, clarify, and wick up any remaining residue. You ’ll feel u erly refreshed in the process. Try Pai Skincare Living Water ($48, thedetoxmarket.ca), which keeps the moisture barrier intact and won’t alter your pH balance, causing needless skin irritation like redness and flakiness. Use it at any point in the day when you need a refresher. 3. Finish with a moisturizer devoid of fragrance and artificial colour. If you don’t know where to start, Hanna’s general rule of thumb is to avoid products you wouldn’t feel comfortable pu ing on your baby. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($12, amazon.ca) is a non-greasy option containing three essential ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid—which translates to super hydrated and happy skin.

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EDITORS’ PICKS

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 Protect and Perfect, $47, sephora.ca “This multi-tasking tinted sunscreen oil has been a staple for years. It keeps my skin hydrated and protected from sun damage while also evening my complexion and giving this tired mom a much-needed glow up to show off at... school pickup. ” —Jessica Pollack, deputy editor and mom of two

IF YOU'RE NURSING

YES, NO, MAYBE SO?

For pregnant, chestfeeding and pumping parents, “ context ma ers when it comes to assessing the safety of active ingredients, ” says Toronto dermatologist Sam Hanna. Make sure you check all the ingredients in a product for safety and potential irritants. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines:

Hyaluronic acid: Yes Vitamin A/retinol: No Vitamin C: Yes, but keep it below 10% concentration Squalane: Yes Salicylic acid: No Niacinamide: Yes Bakuchiol: Yes AHAs/BHAs/PHA: No

MANE ATTRACTION

These picks will extend good hair days so the rushed ones look just as fresh.

BY ALICIA COX THOMSON

Pantene Perfectly Undone Texturizing Sugar Spray

$11, well.ca If beachy waves are high on your “if only I had time ” list, this finishing spray will get you there, fast. Strands are coated with non-sticky sugar, vitamins B5 and E, and amino acids, adding texture and shine. It’ s easy to use—just spritz onto dry hair and tousle for that piece-y, imperfect perfection. The lovely, light scent is far from overpowering—just enough to mask that not-so-fresh under-slept mom smell.

She’s Like the Wind Invisible Dry Shampoo & Conditioner

$25, voirhaircare.com Multi-taskers are a mom ’ s best friend. Reach for this two-in-one dry shampoo plus conditioner when you need to add yet another 24 hours to the good hair day you had last week (no judgment). The fine powder plumps up roots and mattifies the greasy bits without leaving residue. It’ s packed with 95 percent naturally derived ingredients, including scalp-soothing green tea extract and hydrating kakadu plum, to revive tired hair into soft, bouncy locks. So go ahead, do your best Dirty Dancing strut on the way to stroller fitness.

Grace Eleyae Foldover Warm Slap with Pom

$57, graceeleyae.com Slap is short for satin-lined cap, and this warm version is ideal for strolls with baby during icy Canadian winters. Many Black women protect their hair with satin products, especially at night, but the benefits of doing so can help all hair types (including heat-treated straight and curly hair, braided styles and more). The inner satin layer of this cute beanie, which comes in a few flattering colours, reduces friction and frizz while retaining hydration.

Love Ur Curls Deep Conditioner and Repair

$33, lusbrands.com The best way to take care of curly hair is to use products specifically made for it. One thing curls need in order to pop is hydration, and this deep conditioner is packed with ultra-rich shea butter, aloe vera, avocado oil, vitamins and more. It’ s vegan and cruelty-free, plus free from all the additives that weigh hair down and leave curls lifeless. Since you need to use it for only five to 15 minutes a week, you can apply to clean, damp hair in the shower—or, if you can swing one, a nice long bath. It’ s a small commitment for self-care and healthy hair.

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Voluminizer

$70, canadiantire.ca This wildly popular multi-tasking drying brush (it became TikTok famous in 2020) delivers on the hype. Ionic technology plus 1,100 watts of power dry hair faster and leave it smoother, while the ceramic core protects hair from damage. The oval brush shape allows you to create volume right at the roots while leaving the ends soft and smooth. It’ s been positively reviewed on all types of hair and for all experience levels. Plus, a nice perk is that it can be used one-handed (a skill all moms master quickly).

Can natural deodorant battle your new-mom B.O.?

SPICY GARBAGE. Hot death. Essence of onion. These are just some of the colourful terms I’ ve used to describe my body odour since having babies.

I expected mom life to be a little on the smelly side, what with the dirty diapers and spit-up and all. What I didn ’t expect was the most offensive stink to be my own. But between the hormones, sleepless nights, stress and babywipe sponge baths (we ’ ve all done it, right?), I am definitely more ripe than I’ ve ever been in my life.

And, much to my annoyance, my certain je ne c ’ est quoi has lingered well beyond the newborn phase, when a shower was a luxury. My kids are in daycare and kindergarten, I bathe regularly and I have yet to find a deodorant that can keep up with my spice. At least I know I’ m not alone, since finding a deodorant that works is one of the hottest topics in my Facebook mom groups, natural deodorants are all the rage among influencers, and #armpitdetox has four million views on TikTok alone. Welcome to motherhood! You stink now. The culprit is hormonal changes in pregnancy that can continue postpartum, says Toronto dermatologist Julia Carroll. The composition of your sweat changes during pregnancy, and may never change back to its exact pre-baby composition, Carroll explains. “Based on my practice, and chatting with fellow moms, I would say it’ s quite common. ” What can you do about it? Stick it to your mom stink with a good deodorant (which masks odour but doesn ’t block sweat) or antiperspirant (which reduces the amount you sweat, thanks to a key ingredient: aluminum). If sweating is your main issue, opt for a traditional antiperspirant, Carroll says. But if your main issue is odour, not wetness, you can try a more

“ natural” product or deodorant to mask it. What makes a deodorant natural? First of all, there ’ s no such thing as a natural antiperspirant. A natural deodorant tends to use essential oils and natural antibacterial ingredients to hide odour and reduce bacteria, Carroll says. But “ natural” is simply a marketing term. “Traditional antiperspirants are perfectly safe and can be used worry-free, ” says Carroll. “Moms have enough to worry about without stressing over deodorant or antiperspirants. ” Why is natural deodorant so popular? There has been a growing demand for more natural ingredients in deodorants. While there is no evidence that the aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer (which is a common but unfounded worry), many people still find the idea of a natural deodorant more appealing. Some feel like the armpit should be allowed to “breathe ” and that sweat is a natural function that shouldn ’t be blocked.

If you ’ re interested in hopping on the natural-deodorant bandwagon, here are five highly rated ones to try. It will likely take some time and trial and error to find the option that works best for your budget, your body and your stink. —Natalie Stechyson

Five natural deodorants to stick it to your postpartum stink

IT’S THE PITS

Routine Stick Deodorant

Routine is all the rage in my “ natural mama” Facebook groups, my circle of friends and my book club. It smells sweet and fresh and has fun names like “Cat Lady, ”

“Dirty Hipster” and

“Like a Boss. ” It’s also available in a baking soda–free formula for sensitive skin. Bonus: It’s Canadian.

Main ingredients: coconut oil, magnesium hydroxide, cornstarch, essential oils. $28, routinecream.com

Native Deodorant

Native is one of the most popular natural deodorants, and for good reason. It goes on smooth, has a light scent that fans say lasts all day and it’s readily available in most drugstores. And hopefully its plasticfree, responsibly sourced paperboard packaging will be available in Canada soon. Main ingredients: coconut oil, shea bu er, baking soda, tapioca starch, probiotics. $19, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant

Dove introduced an aluminum-free version of its popular deodorant in 2019, and it has topped several beauty editors’ lists since. If your main concern is simply to be aluminum-free, this (or another aluminum-free mainstream brand) is probably the “ natural” deodorant for you. Main ingredients: dipropylene glycol, water, glycerin, propylene glycol, fragrance. $9, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Undercarriage Cream Deodorant

The name alone endears this one to us, but the reviews are positive, too. Undercarriage can be used anywhere on the body (hence the name) and it’s handmade in Canada. It’s also crueltyfree and comes in “No BS” (no baking soda) formulas. Main ingredients: arrowroot powder, coconut oil, baking soda, beeswax, essential oils. $24, undercarriagedeodorant.com

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant

Also popular in my crunchier-mom Facebook groups is Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant, which is an inexpensive, greatsmelling unisex option that you can sometimes even find at Costco. Some find the baking soda a li le irritating, though, so if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid. Main ingredients: arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, shea bu er. $16, well.ca

Thanks, I saw it on TikTok!

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We tried popular TikTok beauty trends—the good, the bad and the downright strange—so you don ’t have to squander your baby ’ s naptime assessing what’ s worth the extra effort. BY AMY VALM

TRY IT! SKIP IT! MAYBE? 5

IIF YOU HAVEN’T become consumed by TikTok videos, congratulations—but also, you ’ re missing out. Beauty TikTok, specifically, is populated with makeup artists and influencers hawking products and sharing genius (and sometimes questionable) tricks. We waded through bathrobe braids, burnt-almond eyeliners and clumpy mascaras to help you spend your five precious minutes of morning me-time wisely, with our honest opinion on some of the buzziest TikTok products.

1. Taped Eyeliner Wings

VIRAL VIDEO: @kat _ longoria

Now, we would argue that the old tape-and-eyeliner trick has been making the rounds long before TikTok, but it’s resurfaced with a bit of a new spin: Use medical tape or a fabric bandage cut into long, thin strips and wrap it around your face. We’ll say it again: Centre the tape under your nose and wrap the ends up to the corner of your eyes. Add two more small pieces of tape around your eyes to form a point. Make it extra sharp so it will terrify both you and your baby. Dip your fingers in black eyeshadow and dab over the tape stencil. Peel away to reveal sharp-as-hell wingtips. It does work, but it’s a lot of effort—and, really, is perfecting the cat-eye a priority? TL;DR? Try it for fun, not as a miracle fix.

2. Madluvv Brows Eyebrow Stamp Kit

VIRAL VIDEO: @madluvvbrows

If you over-plucked in the early aughts and haven’t made the leap to microblading, give these stencils a try. The waterproof and sweat-resistant formula comes in a kit ($49, madluvv.com) with five stencils, a brow stamp, a spoolie brush and zipped pouch. Find your preferred stencil shape, press down and quickly bingo-dab your brows on. We were skeptical, but honestly, a brow pencil could never. Since it’s waterproof, cleaning it off is a commitment. But we see your slightly smudged two-day brows as working smart, not hard.

3. Bathrobe curls

VIRAL VIDEO: @bacardibri123

Since you ’re already in a bathrobe 24/7, this trend might be tempting. But Gen Z ignited this bouncy, heatless curl trend, and these same Gen Z TikTokers don’t have a nursing, sleep-striking infant. And if you can’t French braid, don’t even try it. If you can French braid and somehow have a moment of peace in the evening—along with two free hands—this is how it works: Place the tie from your robe over your head and weave it into two braids. Awkwardly sleep on it and reveal an effortless flounce that’s just begging for a spritz of spit-up.

4. Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener

VIRAL VIDEO: @trinidad1967

Maybe you saw this one— the video got over 31 million views for what seemed like sorcery. A 54-year-old TikTok user demoed the PTR eye cream ($63, sephora. ca) on one side of her face and the results were undeniable. As it soaked into her skin, the bags tightened and shrunk. But here’s the thing: As it dries, it leaves a noticeable white cast and parches the skin so that when you smile, you crinkle. Badly. Oh, and the results aren’t as good if you put makeup over it.

5. Maybelline Lash Sensational SkyHigh Mascara

VIRAL VIDEO: @jessica.eid _

During your precious escape to the drugstore, venture away from the diaper aisle to find this viral mascara. It’s an easy yes because of its affordability (priced between $10 and $14) and the sky-scraping lengths it achieves with a couple of swipes, even if you ’re working with stubs. Just make sure you don’t grab the waterproof kind—that formula is clumpy and creates raccoon eyes that accentuate your under-eye circles a er you finally get that shower you ’ ve been waiting for. Plus, good news, it’s no longer sold out. Sometimes it pays to buy into the hype a li le late. EDITORS’ PICKS

Baby Foot $23, well.ca “I finally tried cult-favourite Baby Foot and now I’m obsessed. All you do is soak your feet in gel-filled plastic socks, wash it off and forget about it. About a week later, the dry, dead skin on your feet starts magically peeling off. It’s equal parts disgusting and amazing, but a erwards, your feet are as so as a baby ’s. ” —Kim Shiffman, editor-in-chief and mom of two

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream $35, loccitane.com “A li le of this goes a long way. It’s smooth and creamy and keeps my skin moisturized without being greasy. It even lasts through multiple hand washes. ” —Sadiya Dendar, senior editor and mom of one

Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof LongLasting Concealer $41, shoppersdrugmart.ca “This under-eye concealer has been my splurge for years. It makes me look rested when I most definitely am not. It layers well under a BB cream and the li le tube lasts a long time. ” —Ariel Brewster, senior editor and mom of two

Cela Seed to Skin Scrub $42, thisiscela.com “When you only have five minutes to shower, this indulgent scrub feels like a trip to the spa—the smell, texture and the way it leaves your skin looking and feeling so refreshed. It also saves time by serving as a moisturizer. ” —Simone Olivero, senior editor on mat leave, and mom of two