“Self care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”
Katie Reed
Written By: Ashlee Meaux-IML’s Makeup Expert
As a busy mom I find it incredibly difficult to find any time alone. Can you relate? Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day and by the time bedtime it feels like you just ran a marathon that had no end.
In January, my husband went TDY for nine weeks to a training course in Alabama. So as many of you in the military community have probably experienced, I was suddenly Mom AND Dad. There was literally no breaks until after the kids went to bed. Now this probably is a drop in the bucket for those of you who have endured several deployments, but this was our first extended time apart, and now I had to navigate the day and night alone with two kids.
After the first week I was beat. I felt lost and burnt out. I decided right then and there that I am going to prioritize my needs at the end of the day. If I didn’t finish laundry, if I didn’t sweep the floors, if I didn’t straighten up….. All of that could wait until tomorrow. But my mental and physical health was suffering. Practicing self care is something that brings me joy and relaxation and it is so important to prioritize.
So at night I started doing face masks, giving myself manicures, doing at home facials and binge watching some shows on Netflix. I felt like not taking care of myself was doing my kids a huge disservice. I was short with them, my attitude was not in check, and I was exhausted. Once I started practicing self care, I felt a major mood shift. I was happy, I felt like I could take on the day, and I wasn’t feeling like a Debbie Downer anymore. Taking a few minutes every day, and yes I mean EVERY day, is so important for us moms (but also for the dads too!)
My Skincare Routine
Every night, I have a skincare regimen that I love to use. It is a three-step process and can take less than 5 minutes.
- I begin by using a damp microfiber cloth to take off my makeup. This is very gentle on your skin. Then I use my Maskcara Beauty Cleanser to fully cleanse my face. I absolutely love this cleanser because it doesn’t lather and get foamy which means it is not stripping the layers off my skin, but is actually soothing and will restore the pH balance to my skin.
- I fan my face dry and use the Maskcara Beauty. A lot of people skip toner, but this is an important step. Not only will it calm your skin, but it can help tone it as well which will help reduce the appearance of fine lines. The witch hazel feels so refreshing too.
- Lastly, I use the best moisturizing creme. Maskcara Beauty’s Milk Moisturizer is so luxurious. It is extremely hydrating and will leave your face so smooth.
Once a week I do my Maskcara Beauty Masque. This is a gentle 3-5 minute exfoliation mask and it leaves your face feeling so good the next morning.
My Skincare Routine:
Find out why you need AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acid’s) in your skincare routine on Facebook!
Make your own DIY face mask with me and my daughter here!
Shopping with us at Maskara Beauty-Ashlee Meaux!