Yummy Mummy- Beauty on a budget.

I have always vowed to be a 'yummy mummy', even before I had children. On becoming a mummy though, I realised that it is not always feasible to be 'yummy'! yet, like my wedding vows, I was determined to stick to this vow forever, yes even in 'Sickness and in Health'



So, you have a beautiful baby to look after, your body aches and the sudden realisation hits you, you can no longer spend time on them luxury salon facials and blow dries let alone a leisurely soak in your own bathtub at home. Besides, in between doctors appointments, health clinic visits, grocery shopping and play groups, how on earth do you find the time?



To make it worst, on one particular morning, you've barely slept, you have puffy eyes to confirm it, you have a screaming baby, still need to shower, coffee's gone cold, make up the baby bag and oh the postman's at the door with the package you ordered last week which of course you've completely forgotten about. Hubby dearest has already left for work and you are trying your absolute hardest to hold back the tears. AND, you need to be out of the house in the next 45 minutes for that baby clinic at the doctors.



You look a state, but of course still rush to answer the door when the postman sympathetically says "Bad morning love?" Surely, you don't look as bad as you feel you mutter to yourself. On top of it, you've probably given the poor man a fright first thing in the morning.



The point I'm trying to make here though is that it of course doesn't have to be like this. "Look good, feel good" has always been my many mottos in life and you'd be surprised at just how true the saying is. It is very easy to let yourself go once you've had a baby and I am aware that staying groomed may not be on the top of every ones priority list, but, I reckon, it definitely should be on the list.



I’ve unfortunately come across several women that are constantly fed up. They frantically push their little babies and toddlers around in pushchairs sporting a greasy head of hair, sweatpants, flip flops (even in the middle of winter!) poor eyebrows that haven’t seen a pair of tweezers in a while, blotchy skin and I could go on and on. The fact is, it is these very women that suddenly lack confidence, refuse to socialise and become frustrated and depressed. Their mental well being takes a toll but sadly, there shouldn’t be an excuse for it, I mean the baby does at some point decide to sleep surely? Chances are, your child will be too embarrassed for you to drop them to school or ask to have friends around for tea.

For those of you that have been in employment, you’ll come to realise that multi tasking, time management and organisational skills are just as crucial in motherhood as they are in the employment world.



Budget beauty has now begun to appeal to me more than ever before and I’m all for it, besides, groceries, nappies, milk, wipes and the rest hardly come cheap and so, that much desired tub of £30 Clarins moisturiser can be forgotten about for the time being.

Thankfully, many supermarkets have now started to stock a wide range of beauty products both branded and their own brand which definitely comes in handy when doing your weekly shop and they often have many products on promotion. Surely, we deserve that on top of the two magazines we've brought, the tub of Ben and Jerry’s and the bar of Galaxy for all the hard work and running around we do! Feels like being on constant runs of Duracell batteries at times!



If you’re a yummy mummy, on the go, in an endless cycle of washing the dishes, putting the washing on, making the dinner, changing nappies, feeding, bathing and forever cleaning up after your baby, you may find the list of budget beauty items I have compiled below of some use. The point is that they are affordable and time effective and have been carefully selected to suit the needs of all mums alike:

These foam hair dyes are a godsend! When your roots need doing and bubbas fast asleep, whip this on, leave on for the recommended time (most are 20 minutes), make yourself a cuppa and voila! The best thing is that the majority of those do not contain ammonia and are non drip so you are less likely to get it everywhere. There you have it, salon results at home in 20 minutes. Available in a wide range of colours and other brands such as L’Oreal, Garnier and Clairol. Always read the instructions and do a strand test prior to using.



Save: Superdrug Colour Radiance 10 at £4.99.

Let’s face it, you are not going to get the time or energy to have your 5 a day religiously, give your tresses a two hour conditioning treatment or give yourself a manicure soaking your nails in a nice bowl of hot olive oil. Now, I wouldn’t normally recommend a food supplement as there is really no substitute for a healthy balanced diet. Unfortunately due to the stresses of being a new mum, it’s likely that your skin will become dry, your nails will become brittle and your hair would have dulled. I have actually used this once in the past and I was impressed. Yes, it does take time to actually see a real difference and counter the loss of 'mummy glow'. It may be that you do eat healthily and drink plenty of water, but sometimes our skin just needs that extra boost.




Perfectil is a notional supplement for hair, skin and nails containing 22 nutrients designed to give you glossy hair, a clear complexion and strong nails. It provides antioxidant carotenoids to protect skin tissues; plant extracts such as grape seed extract for a healthy complexion and vitamins and minerals for blood circulation and tissue formation. Best taken with your main meal.




Save: Superdrug Hair, skin and nails tablets at £4.99.

So, you're on the go and need a little something to give your skin that oomph, a moisturiser with a hint of a tint to give your skin that glowy dewy look or as Garnier says, " A Miracle Skin Perfecter" I have tried a sample sachet of this and loved how it felt on my skin. Bear in mind though, they didn't intend to make this product for heavy coverage so don't expect it to hide all your angry spots or blemishes. I wouldn't really suggest this if you are prone to oily skin either. This product would definitely be perfect for Summer, its light and smells lovely and gives your skin a gorgeous sheen and glow. Best of all though, it contains SPF 15, mineral pigments and vitamin C.



Save: Make up Academy BB cream at £4.00.

This has got to be the best thing since sliced bread. In fact, I love it so much, I have one tube on my dressing table and another in my handbag, its permanent home.
This is in fact a skin protectant with an orange balm like consistency. It can be used for everything from minor skin irritations, chapped lips, excessively dry lips, sunburns, windburns according to what it says on the tube itself and its extremely effective too.

People are always wondering what a good product to help heal dry/chapped lips, well this is it! I should mention though that this does tend to get a little sticky at times and the smell may be overpowering for some, however they do now have a fragrance free version.


My hands have been especially bad recently due to housework and frequently washing my hands after washing up and changing nappies. The 8 hour cream has been amazing for soothing them, especially when used overnight.


I’ve had mine for a year now and still have a bit left despite constantly reaching out for it, so a little does go a long way. I also use this as eyebrow gel, cuticle cream, lip-gloss, lipstick primer and if I ever get a cut, scab or a minor burn I put some Eight hour cream on top and seal it with a cute little plaster tape!



Save: Vaseline pocket size Petroleum Jelly. (99p)

This product is so good it definitely deserves a second post. (See http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6907305758898179911#editor/target=post;postID=4541753161949024946).



This is definitely one product I tend to reach for on a regular basis and it’s a lifesaver. Truthfully, being a new mum means you probably won’t be able to wash your hair as often as you'd like or sometimes you're so exhausted you cannot be bothered to do the whole shampoo and conditioning hog even though your hair is screaming out for it. But, no one wants to walk around with a smelly, greasy mop of hair. Not only has this now become an essential but it is also one of my favourite beauty products.



Batiste Dry Shampoo refreshes hair between washes and removes grease to give hair more body and volume. It needs to be applied like a hairspray, sprayed from a 30cm distance for best results. I am currently using the 'Blush' version as I find it smells fresh and floral and it’s pink! The scent shouldn't really matter though as your hair doesn't really hold it in once it’s been applied. This will not let you down!



Save: Superdrug Dry Shampoo Away With The Fairies 150ML.


What are some of your essentials for budget beauty on the go?

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