How Lipstick Made Me A Better Mom
I know, it sounds ridiculous. BUT IT'S TRUE.
When I first became a mom, it felt like my whole identity was changed. Again... dramatic, but 100% true.
Motherhood is a completely selfless act. That's what makes it INCREDIBLE. But it's also so easy to forget about yourself. Sometimes you feel like a milk machine, maid, babysitter, human rocking chair, zombie, mad scientist, the list goes on. As moms, something kicks in and we throw our own needs out of the window. Our children become our world and that gives us a whole new self worth and value... but we still need to be reminded of the beautiful individual we have always been.
When I first had Reagan, the thing that first made me feel most human was simply taking a shower. Sure, the water pressure sometimes felt like a firehose on my sore, breastfeeding nipples (Yes, I just talked about my nipples), but the feeling of caring for my body... for myself... even for 15 minutes revived me and helped me start anew with my sweet little girl. Sometimes my mom would come over and watch Reagan and I got to put on makeup... something i've always loved to do.
I came upon some fun moms to follow on Instagram that just happened to be beauty gurus. I found so much fun checking their recommendations during nap time and watching their techniques. One day, I decided I wanted to get some fun makeup to play with. Since I didn't want to go and blow tons of money on eyeshadow palettes, skincare, or foundation, I settled on 2 cheap drugstore lipsticks... a fun red and a simple nude. I first tried on the red, because, hellooo it was so exciting and fun! Instantly I felt energized. I LOOKED GOOOOOOD and I felt good! I did something simple for myself and cared for myself. And it only took 10 seconds!
Lipstick has made me feel like my best self. It's given me an outlet to have fun, care for myself, and indulge (for only $6) every now and then. It has made me feel beautiful, fun, and feminine.
You might not be into lipstick, or even makeup. You might not be a girly girl. Even if makeup isn't your thing, find something that grounds you in who you are as an individual. Remind yourself of who YOU are and love yourself. Maybe you like to read? Maybe you love curling your hair, doing puzzles, playing scrabble... whatever it is!! You will be a better mom, and have more love to give if you create love in your heart for YOURSELF. Because how can you keep giving if you run out of things to give?
Love yourself. Love your body. Love your life.
XoXo,
Alex
Pssssttt... Here are a few of my favorite lipstick finds!
1) L'oreal Paris Color Riche (Collection Exclusive) in Eva's Nude
2) Covergirl Melting Pout in Raspberry Gelly
3) Maybelline Colorsensational in Coral Crush
4) Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid in Red Punch <<MY FAVORITE MATTE!! I have 3 colors. (Not drying, great formula)
5) Covergirl Katy Kat Matte in Catoure
**BONUS**
6) E.l.f. Lip exfoliator- love this stuff and so cheap!!!