A Realistic Glow-Up Guide | Beauty Rhythms & Mindset Hacks for Moms
Motherhood is a full-time job (with zero clock-out time), and some days, looking put together feels about as realistic as a solo trip to Target. But here’s the thing—you deserve to feel good in your own skin, even in the chaos. This realistic glow-up guide is packed with simple, time-saving beauty + self-care hacks to help you refresh, recharge, and bring back that mom glow—without spending hours in front of the mirror!
Motherhood is messy, exhausting, and full of beautiful chaos. And somewhere in between the never-ending to-do lists, snack requests, and finding yet another missing sock, we tend to put ourselves last—especially when it comes to self-care.
But here’s the thing ↠You don’t need hours, expensive spa treatments, or a total life overhaul to start feeling like YOU again.
All it takes? A few intentional rituals that nourish your body, skin, and energy—without adding more stress to your plate.
This is not about vanity (although, let’s be real—who doesn’t want to stop looking so run-down all the time?). It’s about creating simple, feel-good habits that help you show up with more confidence, more energy, and more you.
So, let’s talk about how to ditch the frumpy mom burnout and glow up in a way that actually fits real mom life.
The Morning Glow-Up Routine (That Takes 5 Minutes or Less!)
Let’s be honest—some mornings, just brushing your teeth before noon feels like an accomplishment. But that’s exactly why mini-beauty rhythms matter. They give you a moment of care that sets the tone for your entire day.
My Real-Life "That Mom" Morning Routine
🌿 Step 1: The Non-Negotiable Teeth & Mouthwash Reset
This sounds so basic, but in those early years of motherhood? I’d sometimes forget to brush my teeth until lunchtime (yikes). Now, it’s a non-negotiable first step to feeling awake.
🌿 Step 2: A Cold Water Face Splash + Cooling Mist
This is the ultimate wake-up hack for tired moms. A quick splash of cold water + a refreshing mist (rose water or cucumber spray) instantly de-puffs, energizes, and resets your skin.
Favorite Face Mists
Caudalie Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist
Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner
🌿 Step 3: Quick Hydration & Glow
Apply a nourishing face oil or moisturizer + use a gua sha or ice roller for 2-5 minutes. This boosts circulation, de-puffs your face, and makes you look instantly refreshed.
🌿 Step 4: The Post-School Drop-Off Upgrade (Optional!)
Some mornings, I keep it simple. Other mornings—after drop-off—and doing a quick workout, I go back and do a full cleanse, tone, serum, and moisturizer. This routine shifts with the seasons (summer vs. school year), and that’s the whole point—it’s adaptable and unique to you!
Mom Hack ↠ If your morning routine feels overwhelming, focus on one micro-ritual. Even 5 minutes can make you feel 10x more awake and put together.
Create a Mindful Morning
Use your morning routine to create a mindfulness practice!
If you’re already taking 5 minutes for your skin, why not make it a moment of mindfulness?
🌿 Try This:
Set an intention for the day while applying your moisturizer or face oil.
Listen to a 5-minute prayer or affirmation while getting ready.
Breathe deeply & ground yourself instead of rushing into the chaos.
Affirmation Examples:
✧ I surrender all heaviness that may show up today, knowing I am supported.
✧ I choose to move through today with ease and grace.
✧ Today, I choose to appreciate quiet moments, no matter how small.
Pairing self-care with a mindful intention shifts your energy—so you start the day feeling centered, not just rushed.
My Real-Life Evening Routine
and how to make it “extra”
Step 1: A Hot Shower or Salt Bath
I love soaking in an Epsom salt bath a few times a week, but if I don’t have the time or even the energy to sit in the bath (you know, *that* level of exhaustion), I also try to take at least a quick shower, because it helps me to reset, ground myself, and unwind before bed.
My favorite ways to elevate it:
→ Before hopping in, try dry brushing to boost circulation and gently exfoliate.
→ Short on time? Use a scrub brush or exfoliating glove with your favorite body wash for an instant refresh.
→ Or, go for a luxurious body scrub once or twice a week to keep your skin soft and give yourself a little extra TLC.
Make your shower even more mindful: breathe deeply and let go of the day—this is an energy cleanse, not just a rinse-off.
Step 2: Moisturize & Nourish Your Skin (While Loving Your Body Where It’s At)
Instead of just slapping on lotion, I take a moment to actually pay attention to my body.
Even if it doesn’t look how you want it to yet, start treating your body like it’s worthy of care NOW. It shifts everything.
→ Apply body oil with intention—bonus points for adding an essential oil that calms your mood.
→ Use a lymphatic roller on your legs, feet, or arms—it feels incredible & helps with circulation.
→ Visualize how you want to feel in your body—strong, energized, and deeply taken care of.
Mega Mindset Shift Self-care doesn’t have to be about “fixing” yourself. It’s about loving yourself into the next version of YOU.
Clean Beauty & Low-Tox Swaps (Without Overwhelm!)
If you go on social media, you will hear about 500 billion things from different people about what to do and not do with your skin. It can be a lot, and I am not here to lecture you on everything. I do not do everything perfectly, ever, but if you are just getting started with wanting to find low-tox products, keep it simple ↓
Start Here: Ingredients to Avoid
✧ Parabens - hormone disruptors
✧ Phthalates - linked to reproductive issues
✧ Synthetic Fragrances - can trigger headaches & skin irritation
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Like most things in life, I stick to an 80/20 approach with beauty and skincare—just like I do with nutrition. Prioritizing healthier choices is great, but don’t let it stress you out—because obsessing over every little habit can be more harmful than helpful in the long run!
My Go-To Clean Beauty Brands for Moms
BUDGET FRIENDLY: Acure & Honest
If you are on a super tight budget, this brand is my ultimate go-to. The products are clean enough, and you see a difference in your skin! You can even get a starter kit with my favorite essentials. You can explore products on Amazon; my favorite line is the Brightening line. I use the face scrub a few times a week and always notice a huge difference in my skin texture after!
Honest was a brand I tried out when I was pregnant and looking for affordable but cleaner skincare. Their Hyaluronic Acid Serum is my go-to for plump, hydrated skin—lightweight, non-sticky, and perfect for daily moisture boost.
.LUXURY & EFFECTIVE: Osea & Caudalie
Bodycare: If you’re looking for silky, firm skin OSEA’s body oils are a game-changer. They deeply hydrate while improving skin elasticity. Plus, they smell like a spa getaway and absorb beautifully—no greasy feel! So it is the perfect before bed-time luxury treatment
For skin that feels effortlessly radiant, Caudalie delivers pure luxury. Their products are packed with antioxidants, making every product feel like a high-end self-care moment. Whether it’s their light cleansers or serums or indulgent moisturizers, this is the brand when you want to elevate your skincare routine.
AFFORDABLE & SIMPLE: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been my holy grail moisturizer for years—it’s rich, hydrating, and leaves my skin feeling so soft and nourished after every shower. A few times a week, I even use it as a deep moisture face mask, and somehow, it always works its magic if I have a breakout or two! (Seriously, my skin just loves it.)
That said, I know not everyone’s skin vibes with coconut oil—always go with what works for you! If it’s too heavy for your face, another amazing option is pure jojoba oil, which I also use weekly. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and absorbs beautifully for deep hydration without clogging pores
Budget-Friendly Mom Hack → You don’t have to swap everything at once—just start with one product upgrade at a time, and stay within your budget! There is plenty to choose from!
Fuel Your Glow from the Inside Out (Because Beauty Starts With Nutrition!)
Skincare is only part of the glow-up. What you eat makes an even bigger difference, not just in your skin tone and texture but in your overall energy and mood!
Glow-Up Green Juice Recipe
Ingredients
✧ 2 cups kale
✧ 1 cucumber
✧ 1 green apple
✧ Juice of 1 lemon
✧ 1-inch ginger (peeled)
No juicer? No problem!! ↠ Blend everything with a little coconut water & strain it!
Your Glow-Up Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Every minute you spend on your skin is an act of self-love. Yes, I know—it sounds cheesy, but it’s true! Motherhood doesn’t mean losing yourself. You deserve to feel good, energized, and confident—without guilt. So seriously, love yourself the way you love your family, because when you feel good, you show up as your best self for them, too
Quick Recap: The "That Mom" Glow-Up Routine
✧ Morning Refresh: Cold water rinse + face oil + 5-minute skincare
✧ Mindful Moment: Set an intention while getting ready
✧ Nighttime Nourishment: Shower, body oil, and self-love
✧ Clean Beauty Swaps: Start small, no pressure
✧ Glow from Within: Fuel your body with real, whole foods
Reminder:
You don’t need a spa day where you spend hundreds of dollars, and you don’t need a total life overhaul. Just start with one shift today—your future self will thank you.
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