What's your best tip for a smoother morning beauty routine?

Karen - posted on 09/30/2010

Jennifer I agree with you its hard but I am very particular about work and being on time, I would wake up 2 hrs early get myself ready, drink coffee wake up the girls get them dressed and off to school we would go... I would take breaskfast to work my husband is in the service so I would have to be mom & dad its hard but we can do it. If I know I have a importent thing to do I make myself wake up.

Hayley - posted on 09/27/2010

Start on the weekend. Choose everyone's outfits for the week and iron them. Put with the outfits undergarments and accessories, so that you're not searching for that ever elusive racer back bra 10 mins, before you have to leave. Yes, this has happened to me. Do as much the night before as possible; lunches, backpacks, your purse. Keep hair and make-up uncomplicated. When all else fails, a bun/ponytail, a little lip gloss, and we're out the door.

Deana - posted on 09/26/2010

Do everything possible in the evening, get clothes ready, backpack, make lunches, and prepare breakfast as much as you can!

Vanessa & Scott - posted on 09/26/2010

Breakfast served to me in bed by my husband with a kiss and a smile.

Leah - posted on 09/25/2010

Doing my make up - I started putting my things in a cosmetic bag and keeping it in the living room. In the morning I get a shower, get dressed, and quickly dry my hair while my daughter is sleeping (it usually works out). When she wakes up I change her and then take her downstairs to nurse. I have one of those amazing Bobby pillows so I set her down and nurse her while I do my make up. It works well and I'm all about multitasking!

Lori - posted on 09/25/2010

Always get stuff ready the night before. I even have my son pick his clothes out and put them in the bathroom. Soo much easier;) Also get up 10-15 mins earlier so if you have anything pop up unexpected no one will be late!

Shawn - posted on 09/25/2010

I have built in 20 minutes of tv time once the kids are completely ready to go and this allows me time to shower and get myself ready. Not having kids under my feet makes my beauty routine go much faster and enjoyable.

Brittany - posted on 09/24/2010

I didn't have time to read all your posts, so I hope this helps:
Do everything you can the night before. Get everybody's clothes ready the night before (even hubby's). (My hubby balked at this at first, but he really enjoyed the smoothness of not looking for stuff in the mornings.) This means socks and shoes, too----especially since those are the things that seem to get lost at the most inconveinent times. Get everybody's lunches packed, with the exception of cold stuff, of course. Do kids bath/showers the night before. Backpacks ready to go at the door. Table set for breakfast, etc. This REALLY improved our morning routine.

Alison - posted on 09/23/2010

My beauty routine... I go through phases, either I keep my make-up very simple - mascara & lipgloss, sometimes foundation (I wiggle my mascara and it doubles as a liner) - or I do my make-up when I get to work. I also try to buy products that keep my life simple. I buy J&J baby soap with shea butter and I use it to clean my girls and to wash my face. The tinted moisturizer was a great idea! I bought foundation yesterday and several of the products the lady recommended required a base product before the foundation - not my style!

Mary Jane - posted on 09/23/2010

Everyone out of the house and I can sit down and read my book (the Bibe.) Since I can not work I pray alot for others. Oh and most of all I Thank Him for all He has done and will be doing in my life.

Mariah - posted on 09/23/2010

I used to try to get dressed before my kids, but I found that I sweat so much while getting them ready, it's best to get them going first. I will decide what I'm wearing, then help them. I will brush my teeth, wash & moisturize my face before they get up (that way my moisturizer and eye cream is completely absorbed by the time I put on my make up). I find that using mineral foundation (along with a great skin care routine) is the fastest and mistake proof. I am lucky that I'm an Avon rep, because I have like every type of make up, LOL! Anyway, I will "swirl" on my foundation (while still talking to my girls), put on eyeliner & eyeshadow, mascara, then lips last since all the while I'm still sipping on my coffee. It takes me about 7-8 minutes to wash my face & put on moisturizer. It only takes about 5 minutes for me to put on make up. I suggest that you play with your make up on mornings when you don't have to be anywhere, that way you can find a look that you can quickly put on. I had a sales meeting the other night and we were supposed to dress up for the launch of Fergie's (from the Black Eyed Peas) new fragrance. I had to get my kids started on homework, run get my husband and bring them all back home, then rush to my meeting. I did my eyes and lips at home in about 5 min. I mean full eye including 3 coats of mascara. Avon has a pressed version of the mineral foundation that I keep in my make up bag that's in my van. So at red lights I just applied it. The great thing about the mineral make up is that it's mistake proof. I wasn't even looking in the mirror when I was applying it. When I finally got to my meeting, everyone was saying "You look so great! Your skin looks so flawless! I love your eye make up!" Little did they know it was a "mad" rush, LOL!!! If you practice when you don't have anywhere to be, you'll get more efficient. My other little trick is that I have lipstick or lip gloss everywhere. I have some in my bedroom, living room, van and in my purse. Keep quick staples in your vehicle. Like I use the regular mineral make up in my house, but I have the pressed version in the van. I have every color of eyeshadow imaginable in my house, but I just have a trio in the van so that I can do a simple eye.

Adrian - posted on 09/23/2010

I sleep with my curtain open so that the sun wakes me up. The, before my daughter wakes up, I take a shower, eat breakfast, wait for my husband to get home from work (he works nights), go pick up my parents dog to dog sit for the day... and normally, she wakes up a few minutes after i get back, and the first thing i do with her is change her diaper then either breastfeed her or give her baby food, which ever one she wants more. It seems to be working great. I feel great, and I'm looking better than ever. It's really awesome

Sarah - posted on 09/22/2010

Personally, I get everything layed out the night before. Diaper bag packed, clothes/food/bottles/juice all layed out so all I have to do is put it in the bag and go. As for myself I make sure I have an outfit stashed in the car "just in case" and then I leave my book bag by the door (again it's packed and ready for the day)... and when I get up it's grab and go... ALSO showering the night before cuts down more time, no blow drying, all you'd have to do is style and go...

Lisa - posted on 09/22/2010

As a teacher myself with two young children, I find that a set routine helps them get their day started smoothly. As for me, I am considering lots and lots of Vodka to start my day. LOL

Jennifer - posted on 09/22/2010

I've recently learned that creating a habit takes about three weeks to really make it stick. So, no matter how hard it is for me to get up at 5:30, I drag myself up, wash my face/brush my teeth and head straight into the kitchen (that way I don't get tempted to crawl back into my warm comfy bed!). I start breakfast, pull out lunches I've made the night before, and basically get the morning started that way. Meanwhile, Hubby showers and takes care of what he needs to do before getting the kids up for me and taking over the kitchen by 6:30 so I can get myself ready and out the door by 7:15. It's only been a week but it's done wonders with how orderly things are by the time we leave AND my sanity! Now I get to work calmer and, best of all, on time!!

Michelle - posted on 09/22/2010

Prepare the night before is the best for any morning routine.
As for specifically a beauty routine, well dear the only way I am able to make those moments for myself is to get up before the kids and do what I need to. We only have 1 bathroom so I try to get everything I need done in there before I get them going :)

Angie - posted on 09/21/2010

I know that this is for working moms and that I am not. But I do know a bit about quick, easy make-up routines. I wear Bare Minerals, it goes on quick and easy with no lines. Then I wear 2 colors of eyeshadow, one lighter shimmer and a plum in the crease, black eyeliner and black mascara. I am done with in 10 mins and that includes hair most mornings. I have 2 boys one is 2 and the other is 6 months We have a pretty busy schedule. I started taking my showers at night to cut out the 30 mins in the morning. I also wear my hair up a lot. I have some pretty nifty hair sticks and other things (other than clips) that I use to keep my hair up. Try the new Spin Pins that Goody put out. They are AWESOME

Good Luck

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Wendy - posted on 09/21/2010

Planning ahead the night before helps us in the morning. Laying out clothes, setting up make-up, getting lunch together in the fridge...all that helps with things running a little smoother in the mornings. If we have everything in place we good when something unexpected happens. Then everyone is still in a good mood for the day too! LOL

Lauren - posted on 09/21/2010

Getting up early doesnt work in my house so we worked out a way for my daughter to be independent. I pack everything the night before. and pull out everyones clothes. Maddie (6) and i took cardstock paper and cut in half. pretty colors and pretty ribbon tied on. we hung them up in two rows where she will see it in the morning. there are 5 for bed time and 5 for morning but do whatever works for you. i wrote the words and she drew pictures to go along. the morning cards say: 1 eat breakfast, 2 brush teeth, 3 get dressed, 4 shoes (and jacket if needed) , 5 bookbag and lunch box. whenever my daughter finishes a :job: she gets to flip the card over. i dont have to constantly remind her what has to get done and she feels proud. while she does this i get the twins (2) ready and we are all set in time and can have a calm and happy morning instead of the old rushing, aggrevation and caos/

Adriana - posted on 09/21/2010

I agree with alot of the posts here, pack bags, lunches and pick out clothes the night before, and get bathes done too. I wake at 630 .... My oldest is 7 and is slow in the mornings, he has to be at the bus stop at 7:29am, I get him up at 7 and he gets ready (washingup/dressing) and eats breakfast. I wake my 2 yr old daughter when I return from the bus stop. (Luckily my husbands work schedule has changed so both him and her are still sleeping while I get my son off to school) Then we're out the door by 750/8am.

Jennifer - posted on 09/21/2010

I spend alittle time talking to them before we get moving. Then we usually have to rush, but if we start with a few minutes in bed and then rush it seems to go better.

Nichica - posted on 09/21/2010

In order for your morning to go smoother, you have to plan the night before. For your kids, make sure they take their baths(showers), iron clothes, and keep them on a morning routine. Make sure you do the same for you..clothes already together and ironed. You need to know what you are going to do for breakfast. You probably don't have time to cook a big breakfast and don't feel bad about that. I don't know how old your kids are, but use the weekends to teach them how to do things on their own and then when the weekday morning comes you have more free time. For instance, brushing their teeth, washing their face, pouring their cereal, and getting dressed. Then all you have to do is manage things. Have checkpoints in the morning. Meaning, every half hour you could call out and say, "ok..it's 7, everyone should be at the breakfast table eating, or it's 7:30 everyone should be at the door so I can check your teeth and hair, etc". The checkpoints give you uninterrupted time to get yourself ready and it gives them other things to focus on and do. I could talk on this for hours, but I hope this helps to get you started.

Sherry - posted on 09/20/2010

You MUST be sure the kids are in bed on time!!! Have them make their lunches and have backpacks ready for the next day before they go to bed. With teens, make sure they really are sleeping and not texting or on facebook instead (I catch my daughter at this a lot and now confiscate phone and laptop before bed!) Most of all make sure that YOU get to bed on time and that YOU get up on time. You can't expect the kids to do something that you aren't willing to do:-)

Teresa - posted on 09/20/2010

I get up earlier then my daughter and pamper myself with my facial care line; then am there to assist her with anything she needs; then I make her a fruit smoothie and toast while she's finishing up and then off to school we go!!! I believe in pamering your self first will make you a better person!

Ceola - posted on 09/19/2010

im a hitler for getting things done the night before, but this does not include the kids chore, the simple things like packing the time and dishes this was a hard lesson for me but give your children more responsibilities

Angel - posted on 09/18/2010

yeah i agree i would get up earlier if i could to but dont happen

ShaeLee - posted on 09/17/2010

definitely a fan of doing as much as possible the night before!

Kimberly - posted on 09/17/2010

I like to make sure my boys' clothes, shoes, and bookbag are all set out the night before. That way I can just hand it to them to put on and I don't spend time trying to find matching socks while still half asleep. My boys also have the opportunity to eat a little breakfast when they get to school, so I try to keep what I give them at home as simple as possible.

Alice - posted on 09/17/2010

Plan plan plan and then plan some more

Jodie - posted on 09/17/2010

Get up early, get yourself ready, then get the little one ready. Also my 7 month old and I shower together at times. She loves the water and that saves me a step either at night or in the morning.

Vanessa - posted on 09/17/2010

i use a cleanser and a moisturizer. i put them on just before going into the shower. wash it off before i get out and then i put on the moisturizer and that is my beauty routine for every morning takes all but 3 minutes.

Shoshana (Meddie) - posted on 09/16/2010

At night after my boys go to bed, right before I lay down. I lay out my toddlers clothes beside my clothes layed out for work!! I tried this, because when he wakes up at anytime he is a snuggler!! And in the mornings I just don't have much time, so I wake up a extra hour before and get ready when he wakes up at 8:30 I am all ready and prepared! We get he's clothes changed, hes teeth brushed, then breakfast!! I have a good amount of time to let him help me make breakfast and get him in he's chair to eat and watch a few cartoons. This has gotten easier now that he just sits in a big boy chair versus high chair. Once he is settled in I get my 3 month old fed and changed, and I kiss my hubby bye by 8:45 and head to work. I love the time I spend with my boys before work, it gives me this smile (most days) that last me through out the day

Melissa - posted on 09/16/2010

i enjoyed facebook i miss my farm :(

Alisha - posted on 09/16/2010

i get my husband to help me get up in the mornings and i set an alarm even though it does get tough to get in the mornings i also set our coffee pot to brew coffee the smell of a good half pot of coffee always get to me

Melissa - posted on 09/15/2010

dont get out of bed lol !!!

Connie - posted on 09/15/2010

The trick to an easy morning is a Before Bed routine. Go shine your kitchen sink, lay out clothes for tomorrow, and get to bed early. Then in the mornings get up 15 mins earlier then everyone else and get dressed to lace up shoes. Go check out www.flylady.com

ANN - posted on 09/14/2010

if i cud sleep at night with my five yr and three weeks old girls......in the morning i look pretty good

Jennifer - posted on 09/14/2010

Wow...some great tips on here! I came in thread just curious what other people do and I came across some ideas that I think I will try to do. Currently, I get up and then I get the kids up at the same time, I have 3. While they are getting dressed, I make them breakfast...this morning I made bacon and pancakes. Although my 6 year old daughter is coming up with some off the wall outfits (so I need to adjust letting her pick out her own clothes). Anyway, while they eat breakfast, I pack their lunches. After everyone is done eating and brushing their teeth we are out the door. I need to adjust this as well, since it seems that my oldest son doesn't think that when I tell him to brush his hair...that he really should do it! LOL. I try to get them dropped off at daycare by 6:30. Then I come back home and work out for 45 minutes, shower and dress for the day...no worries, I was dressed earlier :) I work from home, so I try to get started on work at 8.

Christie - posted on 09/14/2010

Preparing the night before..with 8 children 16 to 4 months you have too..breakfast is set out so that when I'm up in the morning the kids are eatting breakfast at 5am while I'm getting ready..its a piece of cake...so simple if you just prepare....

Sheryl - posted on 09/14/2010

My best relaxation for me before i start my day is getting on Facebook and playing Cafe Life. Come on ladies, i need some neighbors and i enjoy this so much. Have fun with me.

Kenisha - posted on 09/14/2010

Plan Ahead! My baby is only 9 weeks and even though its hard for me to be consistent with it, I do find my mornings are alot easier when I have my lunch already prepared for work, clothes picked out for me and him, and we both take baths the night before. That way all I have to do is get him ready for the sitter, eat breakfast (cereal, oatmeal, something quick), and head out the door. Plus, I don't seem so tired and drained from trying to rush and run around the house like a chicken with my head cut off trying to make sure everything is good to go (lol!).

Angela - posted on 09/13/2010

make sure you have an easy hair style, nothing that takes more than 5 minutes.

Kristina - posted on 09/13/2010

All i have to say is give yourself a great routine. I have to set my alarm for 15-20 min before i actually have to get up since we are still nursing and when the alarms go off he has decided that it means its time to eat. then he goes back to sleep and i get up and have my shower, get dressed , i do not wear makeup, teeth, hair and then i get him up. We try to go potty, then diaper, clothes and out the door. I always pack the diaperbag and my snack bag as i call it with our breakfast and his snacks for while we are at my job the nite before. When we come home from work it is straight down for a nap 1-3hrs. then it is his lunch time then i either leave him with my grandma and go to my other job or we just hang out. After supper he has a bath or just pj's, bed at 9:30-10 everynite.

Tina - posted on 09/13/2010

start night before. for instance i just got done putting my daughter to bed, then i laid out clothes for all three of us (me, her, and my fiance), got my school bag ready (i go to school part time and work at the school with workstudy) made sure i have my social sec card ready because i start that job tomorrow, got my mary kay orders in the car (i am a mary kay independent beauty consultant too) and bag in car, i have a note on fridge not to forget gracies medicine for daycare tomorrow (no i am not sending her with anything contagious just an ear infection) breakfast will be out and ready.
tomorrow i will wake up at 430 and see scott off to work, then i will shower, get dressed, do makeup and eat myself. then i will wake Gracie up have her try to go potty, put diaper and clothes on, feed her, feed puppies and check on chickens then get in car. basically start the night before and have the kids help you (gracie cant really at 14 mos) but older kids can.

Jaimi - posted on 09/12/2010

i like to get up early shower and what ever else i need to do, then make breakfast. i wake her up to her breakfast let her watch her favorite cartoon then take a bath. she plays for a little while eats a snack and is ready for a nap before noon. which helps her go to sleep better at night. i do it that way so i can have my morning time then im able to focus on her in the morning. so we both get the time we need

EVELYN - posted on 09/12/2010

THANKING GOD IN THE MORNING, FOR MY EYES, EARS AND KEEPING ME IN MY RIGHT MIND. THESE ARE THE GIFTS GOD GAVE TO ME, AND I WILL ALWAYS "PRAISE HIM" FOR THEM.

Linda - posted on 09/12/2010

I have a small kitchen timer that I set. I wake my son up, he gets in the shower, I set the timer for 25 minutes, he knows when that goes off, he has five minutes to comb his hair and brush his teeth and get out the door, (he should be showered, dressed and have eaten breakfast already.) Then I set the timer for my daughter.(she leaves for school 45 minutes later) When they were smaller I had to set the timer for each individual step, but now it just kind of helps us stay on track so we are not rushing. Getting stuff ready the night before helps too. Good luck

Sharon - posted on 09/12/2010

My best tip is to keep it simple. Do not to change it up too much from day to day. It takes longer to try something new in the morning, it'll slow you down. My site has some beauty tips on it http://momsindulgence.com

Yovette - posted on 09/11/2010

prepartion the nite before,and schedulin stay on your schedule