The Morning Ritual

Since I was old enough to drink it, my morning has begun with coffee. I don't even remember when it began, only that my requirement for functionality since childhood has been that steaming black liquid. Though, as I got older, I looked forward to something else as much as I did that first cup of coffee: Makeup.

For years my morning ritual was generally this: Get up, get coffee, shower, and then figure out what crazy thing I wanted to do with my eyeshadow. Makeup was just fun, another way to express my, sometimes over-driven, creativity. Of course, I would skip that step now and then, but usually, it was an essential part of preparing for my day. Perhaps it is needless to add that I am a creature of habit, one might even say a creature of ruts, if there is such a thing.

When my son came home from the hospital my mornings ground to a stop. Suddenly just taking a shower was difficult. Even worse, there was no time for my usual application of cosmetics. At first it wasn't a worry at all; I knew my makeup did not define me, but I think most women can agree it feels good to put just a little on. Soon I discovered that I missed that bit of 'me' time in the morning. I struggled with feeling guilty for still wanting to feel nice and pretty when I knew that there were 'more important' things around the house that needed doing. There had to be a balance between that craving for just a bit of pampering and the mounting demands of caring for my son, doing my laundry, cleaning my kitchen, and the many random tasks on my to do list.

Mothers, it is entirely natural to crave just a few moments of time for you. As women we are wired to desire that. I finally established a much simpler make up routine for every day life that is very fast and leaves me feeling like I've taken care of myself that day. If you also feel guilty for wanting just a few minutes of time to take care of yourself each morning then perhaps the following 'Morning Ritual' will give you the same lift it did me.


For a quick and easy natural look evenly apply a liquid foundation that is one shade lighter than your skin tone over your entire face. After you buff in the foundation, evenly apply a powder that matches your natural skin tone over your entire face. This creates a natural 'glow'. Next apply mascara. Finally, add a blush that compliments your natural tones and a natural lip gloss.

The whole process takes ten minutes at most (I have trouble getting my lashes to curl) and leaves you feeling good even when all you have time for is the bare minimum.

~MissyK