There are numerous reasons why you’re short on time. Perhaps your spouse is TDY or deployed, you work, are a student, have children, are working out, or all of the above. You may be too busy to even read this introductory paragraph, and simply skip to the list — don’t worry, we aren’t judging, we’ve been there too.
We understand the value of looking and feeling great, but sometimes we milspouses are overloaded and simply have to fake it til we make it. Here are some quick and dirty beauty tips that don’t involve a great deal of time or expensive products.
Problem: Tired eyes. Sometimes we stay up too late studying, binge-watching TV, our kids just won’t sleep, or we’ve had one too many glasses with our girls. As a result, our eyes need a quick pick-me-up.
Solution: White eyeliner. This easy trick brightens tired eyes, and perks up your entire face. Use white eyeliner on your lower waterline and on the inside corners of your eyes by your nose. Be sure to blend the inside corner with your thumb to soften the result. Hello, bright eyes!
Problem: Stained teeth. Do you thrive on coffee or tea by day and relax with red wine by night? Over time, these fabulous beverages can stain your pearly whites.
Solution: Brightening toothpaste. Smile confidently with a brighter smile! I am obsessed with the Colgate Optic White line of toothpastes and mouthwash. This magic potion combats my darkest beverages and leaves me with a more youthful smile with smooth, white teeth. If you prefer a more natural approach, hit your kitchen and whip up a paste of baking soda and water.
Problem: Flat hair. Do you over condition, have naturally oily hair, or have not managed to squeeze in today’s shower before running errands?
Solution: Baby powder. Lift your hair and absorb moisture with baby powder. As a tip, don’t pour it directly onto your head, as you’ll end up with a white powdery mess. Instead, put some in the palm of your hand and run your fingers through your hair at the roots. If you over apply, turn your head upside down and shake it a few times. More voluminous hair is around the corner, plus the aroma is soft and pleasant.
Problem: Dry hair and skin. Dry weather, aging, a lack of moisture or healthy oils/fats in your diet can lead to dry skin and hair. Don’t fret, there are quick natural ways to give your hair and skin a drink!
Solution: Natural oils. Coconut oil has many uses to include a face wash, makeup remover, deep conditioning treatment for hair and a moisturizer for the face. If you prefer a lighter, more delicate product, opt for grapeseed oil. Please take caution if you add oil to the bath, so that you and others don’t slip. These oils will naturally moisturize and soften your skin and hair.
Problem: Complete exhaustion…but you have somewhere to be. For too many reasons to count, you’re wiped out, but still want to look presentable to the general public. What’s a super fast shortcut to add a little zip?
Solution: Red lipstick. Add color, vim and vigor with the simplicity of red lipstick. You will find that even if your hair is in a messy bun and you don’t have any other makeup on, others will comment on how they love your red lipstick. It will brighten everything — your smile, your eyes and your entire face. Be bold and own it.
One Last Tip
Even with these beauty tips and tricks, don’t forget to make the simplest of maneuvers — utilize good posture and smile! You will look confident, taller, thinner, and studies have shown that smiling leads to a happier mood. In the famous words of Audrey Hepburn, “I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.”
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Jackie Toops
A self-described “Jackie of All Trades,” former Army wife Jackie Toops enjoys exploring the various facets of her personality by chronicling military life, world travels, family, her love of the arts and more. Her academic background is in the fields of Interdisciplinary Humanities, Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management, and she has overseen public relations for museums, galleries and universities. Jackie’s articles have been featured on Army Wife 101, Wall Street International Magazine, SoFluential, HomeAway, Military Biz Connection and FamiliesGo. While stationed in Germany, she regularly discussed her articles on-air with the Armed Forces Network in Wiesbaden. A mother of two, Jackie enjoys coffee, freelance writing, languages and discovering new ways to express herself. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
A self-described “Jackie of All Trades,” former Army wife Jackie Toops enjoys exploring the various facets of her personality by chronicling military life, world travels, family, her love of the arts and more. Her academic background is in the fields of Interdisciplinary Humanities, Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management, and she has overseen public relations for museums, galleries and universities. Jackie’s articles have been featured on Army Wife 101, Wall Street International Magazine, SoFluential, HomeAway, Military Biz Connection and FamiliesGo. While stationed in Germany, she regularly discussed her articles on-air with the Armed Forces Network in Wiesbaden. A mother of two, Jackie enjoys coffee, freelance writing, languages and discovering new ways to express herself. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.