Every day I take my three year old and one year old girls out. Playdate, park, mall, library, museums, you name it, I take them there. They love being out and seeing new things, and to be honest, I love it just as much as they do š The only part about going out I don’t love is the ‘getting ready’ part.
After having kids, ‘getting ready’ doesn’t just mean you change your clothes, put makeup on and wear cute shoes. It means you have about 5 minutes to get dressed, do your makeup(or at least put on some tinted moisturizer), do your hair/hijab, all the while being stalked by a little baby who keeps hitting your thighs because she wants to be picked up. It means changing diapers and begging them to do potty before leaving so you don’t have to use a public bathroom. Then spending 5 minutes convincing your little fashionista that she can’t wear her fanciest tulle and silk dress to play in the park. It means packing their snacks, drinks, toys, diapers, and extra clothing, just in case. It means going out in the ugly flip flops you wear around the house and not realizing you wore them until you come back home. And it means you barely have time to give yourself a proper look in the mirror.
The other day, as I rushed out the house I gave myself a quick look and thought I looked decent enough. But then I got in the car and saw something shocking. As I was warming up the car, I quickly glanced in the mirror and really saw myself. Like, close up. I noticed my skin looked dull and tired, and I had dry patches. And worst of all, I had blackheads!!! Ew!
Once upon a time, before kids, I would go for regular facials. My skin was always soft and clean, and my complexion was bright and fresh. I might not have the time to go for regular facials anymore, but I can still do something about it at home. I like to do this DIY facial at least once a month and have noticed the drastic improvement in my skin! It also feels good to get some ‘me’ time, even if it is with the kids hovering around and looking at you in wide eyed wonder as you put the mask on.
Step 1:
Boil some water in a pot.
Step 2:
While that comes to a boil, wash your face and exfoliate it with a sugar scrub (I use raw or brown sugar, mixed with olive oil and a drop of lavender essential oil). Do this gently for about 2 mintues. Exfoliate your hands too while youre at it, it feels soooo good!
Another way I love to exfoliate is by using my Olay Pro-X brush with a little baking soda. Make sure the brush and your face is dry before you begin. Take a little baking soda, add a few drops of water and spread it on your face. Go over it with the brush for 2 minutes. If it gets too dry, then add a few drops of water to brush.
Step 3:
When the water boils take it off heat and put it on a table/countertop. Add a drop of lavender essential oil to help you relax. Have a seat and put your head directly above the pot, about 8-10 inches above it. Drape the towel over your head and sides so it engulfs you and stops most of the steam from escaping. Do this for 10 minutes. Wipe face with towel from time to time. The steam opens pores and helps rid blackheads. Even wiping face during steam eliminates some of the blackheads!
Step 4:
After steaming, take the blackhead remover and press it firmly against skin to squeeze out blackheads. Not gonna lie, this hurts a little bit, especially around the nose. But its worth it when you see the gunk coming out. Again, ew!
After all blackheads are removed, I like to steam again for about a minute before applying the mask.
Step 5:
This is the best part, the mask! There are too many to choose from! Here are some of my favorites:
Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay
LUSH – Catastrophe Cosmetic or Ayesha
DIY mask – Honey, lemon and yogurt mask
DIY mask – avocado, honey, lemon
Step 6:
Wash off mask. Gently massage your favorite moisturizer all over face and neck, going in small circles.
That’s all there is to it! Not only will your skin thank you but you will feel more relaxed and happier for taking out a little ‘me time!’
Adeela
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