Little and Often ...

How do some women look perfect all the time?

This is a question I ask myself regularly.

I'm a regular girl with a pretty normal life and I still look worse for wear on a Monday morning and each evening on the commute home from work. I spend most of my spare time in gym kit. Not because I'm exercising but as a replacement for pyjamas.

As I commute I regularly see very pulled together women. Immaculate chignons, manicures nails and a slick of lipstick. I wonder how they do it.

Ive come to the conclusion that they get up an hour and a half before they leave their houses and probably don't have young children.

That solution is not possible for me. There is no way I shall be getting up at 5am to get ready. Its just not happening. I would rather slap my foundation on my face on the train and sleep more.

However, it got me thinking of a well known saying "little and often."

I know its commonly said when referring to food as a way to keep your metabolism stable. But, I've decided I can apply the same thought to my beauty routine.
If I maintain a certain standard by doing small things every day then the next time my friends ask me out for drinks it won't take me 3 hours to get ready. Or worse still, I won't decline because I know I won't be ready in time.

So lets start from the bottom

Feet- I know its advisable to have a proper pedicure every month. I do not have the time, money or the inclination to go every month. I tend to stretch it out to every 6-8 weeks. I know plenty of people who have never had a professional pedicure or only go in the summer months. We use and abuse our feet. Plenty of us are guilty of leaving a polish on for months on end or just layering a new colour over an old one. This isn't ideal. It means the next time we want to wear our beloved peep toes or our sexy sandals we have a major melt down. The task at hand seems too great.
I advise to go and have a pedicure. Start from scratch. Then going forward keep a basic foot file near the shower. Every time you shower give your feet a little buff. No more than 30 seconds per foot. This will maintain the lovely job the beautician did and keep you looking fresh. Remember to moisturise your feet after your shower. Once a week or fortnight depending on how your nails grow cut them or file them down. Remember to cut them straight to avoid in grown nails. With regards to the colour. It tends to grow out rather than chip. You can get a good months wear out of a polish before it looks really bad. If it does please remove it. Even if you don't have time to re-paint. It means when you do want to show your toes the application will be easy.

Body - I'm not talking about exercise etc. I'm lazy and I am not one to preach. Although I am currently doing a 30 day ab, squat and tricep dip challenge. Don't worry this fad will pass.
I'm talking about your skin. What ever you do for hair removal - do it. I tend to shave on a regular basis which leaves my skin a tad dry. I am very good at looking after my face but not so hot when it comes to moisturising my body. I'm making myself cream up after every shower. It is already making a difference. The other thing I am doing is body brushing in the shower. Its a great way to boost circulation, decrease the appearance of cellulite and remove dead skin cells. I got a long handled brush from Wilko's . Its very inexpensive but it is fantastic. I use this every shower. If your skin is sensitive use with a light hand. Once a week I use a granular scrub to really polish my skin. I put an alarm on my phone for my Sunday shower. Just to remind me to do my weekly body and facial scrub. This takes all of 2-3 minutes to complete. Once you get into the habit its something you won't want to stop.

Tan - I can't stress enough how dangerous it is to use sun beds. They cause cancer and premature ageing. As an advocate for pale and interesting people I am baffled as to why someone would use something so detrimental to their health. So I beg, use a fake tanner instead please. I know they smell and can come out a bit streaky but its better than wrinkles and melanoma. I know plenty of people who will not go out if they do not have a tan. If you're one of these people I'm sure you already use tanners and gradual tanners regularly. If you don't, but want an immediate tan I suggest using the Sally hansen Leg spray. This is marvellous. I have used it a lot in the past and not just on my legs. You can use all over. Not only will it tan your skin depending on the shade you purchase. It is also a makeup. It will cover any bruises and blemishes you have and leave you with a very even colour. It takes about 10 minutes to apply and about 5 minutes to completely dry. Unlike tanning products that may take 4 hours and then require a shower. You could also try some instant tanners. These add a little glow to the skin. They can transfer onto clothing so make sure you let it dry before getting dressed. I'm currently using Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Instant Sunkissed Tint Body Lotion.

Hands - Use hand cream through out the day. Keep a little tube in your bag. Try to use it after each time you wash your hands. I keep some by my sink and use it that way. At least once a week
I sleep in these little white gloves filled with cream and give my hands some much needed hydration. Its not hard. Takes all of 60 seconds to apply the cream and the gloves before bead. In the morning I take them off throw them in the wash bin and carry on with my day. Nails, I work as a nurse so I am not allowed to have false nails or gel colour. I have to keep them short and clean. If one snags or breaks I instantly smooth it with a file to prevent further breakage. I give my nails a quick buff with a 4 way buffer once a week. It doesn't take me long, maybe 5 minutes. The buffer leaves my nails ridge free and super shiny. I have started applying cuticle oil after I shower ( when I remember) Again this takes about 30 seconds per hand. It keeps my nails healthy and strong. If you wanted to paint you nails I would suggest trying a gel type formulation to prevent chipping. Or using a simple clear nail strengthener every day to give them shine.

Face - Skin care regime. This is a place I do not cut corners. I did so for many years and it lead me to acne. The biggest mistake of my early 20's was taking for granted that my skin was young and beautiful. I have a long routine. I cleanse with oil, then with a face wash, then with an acne treatment. I use an acid toner every day and a facial scrub once a week. I use a serum followed by a moisturiser then an acne treatment. Every evening I use eye cream and I also use a mask once a week. Every day before I leave the house I slap on some SPF on top of my usual stuff. It sounds like a lot. I know. It sounds a tad OTT. I know. But it is worth it. It means I can cut corners with my makeup. I can use a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation which is easier to blend and takes less time to apply.
Once a month I tint my eye brows and I pluck them. I do this at home. I have written a blog previously on how to use an at home tinting kit. It takes 10 minutes. But it saves me time in the morning having to colour my brows in.

Hair - I wash my hair of an evening. I apply all of my products and I let it air dry. I have naturally dry wavy hair that doesn't like too much heat. By prepping my hair the night before it saves me precious time in the morning. Sometimes I will go as far as to sleep in my rollers or tong my hair the night before ready for the following day. Once a week I do a deep conditioning mask . Its simple, wet hair, apply product, wrap head, do some ironing, take my evening shower and voila. I treated myself to an indulgent hair mask whilst doing my chores. Of course you could sit and relax with it on. But who has time to do nothing these days.

The little additions to my daily routine have meant that my hands and feet always look maintained. My skin feels smooth and healthy and my hair is prepped and in good condition.

As a person I admit I do feel more organised. I definitely look it. I've had several comments from colleagues saying I look well. I think that is code for "oh you got up on time today." But ill take it.

Looking after yourself doesn't have to be a chore. Make it part of your routine and don't begrudge yourself "me time" how are we meant to look after everyone else if we don't look after ourselves?

Let me know if you manage to add anything to your routine and if indeed you feel a little more polished.

Take care Slap Addicts .