Get Ready for Bed! (we mean you, mom)

Once, years ago, bleary and exhausted after the birth of her twins, Tara brushed her teeth with a tube of Clearasil, believing it to be a trial sized toothpaste.  That is a very sad and very true story.

Usually night time is when you are at your most exhausted.   After the kids have gone to sleep, it’s too easy to skip any semblance of a nighttime routine. Your teeth get brushed with Clearasil and it’s off to bed.  Tra la! But Jody’s got a quick beauty boost for us that’s pretty much genius.  This is especially great for moms of small children (who are generally the ones going to bed in the morning’s mascara.)

Before kids are in bed, find something that will keep the kids busy for 15-20 min –  TV, playing in their room, having dessert, while you go and “get ready for bed” – get your face washed, put on those moisturizers you buy with the best of intentions, those under eye serums that sit in your makeup drawer.  Brush and maybe even floss those teeth.  Take your vitamins.  Even if you are one of those lucky families with kids who turn in at 7:00 pm and you’re planning on eating later, who cares, brush those teeth anyway and get those fancy serums on your neck.

How nice would it be after the  kids are finally asleep, to have already gotten ready.  For those of us who don’t even bother taking the makeup off some nights, this tiny routine will feel like a trip to the spa.  Only with some small, noisy employees asking you for more ice cream and another story.  You’ll feel better waking up to a fresh face – minus the raccoon eyes.  Give it a shot.