When it comes to pampering, there's one thing that most new mums will agree on – and that's that it goes out the window when baby arrives! Afternoons spent at the day spa or hair salon are a thing of the past ... or at least are on hold for now.
But that doesn't mean that you can't indulge in a few DIY treats. With a little imagination, a few beauty products and an evening (or just an hour if that's all you have) to yourself, you'll be surprised at how good you can look and feel after a little pick-me-up.
Here are some tips for creating your own spa retreat at home. Grab a girlfriend and make an evening (or morning) of it – your mind and body will thank you.
Create a spa atmosphere
Pick a room in the house that's the tidiest and comparatively free of toys, play mats and all those other essentials that come with a little person (or at least throw those toys and items into a basket out of sight, just for a little while). Light a scented candle and pop some relaxing music on. Gather a few fluffy towels, cotton balls and small bowls of warm water.
If you really feel like going all out, grab a bottle of something special, or a selection of herbal teas.
A fresh fruit platter or chocolate dipped strawberries will provide the ultimate treat. Fortunately, most supermarkets and good grocery stores sell fresh pre-packaged options, so you don't have to think about preparing the snacks.
Face
Cleanse your skin with cotton wool soaked in a gentle cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup, oil and daily grime. Then, gently buff an exfoliating scrub over your face using damp fingers in circular motions for a minute or two to remove dry, dead skin. Wipe over with a damp cotton ball.
Next, apply a face mask. Pick one to suit your skin type – from brightening, hydrating, anti-ageing and blemish-busting formulas, there's a huge range to target your concerns, so pop a few in the basket the next time you're at the chemist or supermarket.
Once you've peeled or thoroughly wiped the mask off, warm a few drops of facial oil or serum between your fingertips, and gently pat into the skin for a supercharged dose of hydration.
Finally, apply a nourishing eye cream.
Top tip: If you suffer from puffiness under the eyes, look for something that contains caffeine to reduce bags and tighten the skin.
Hands and feet
Starting with clean, polish-free nails, give yourself (or ask your friend to do it!) a five-minute hand or foot massage using a rich, nourishing hand cream, then file nails into a neat shape. (Be sure to wash your hands or use nail polish remover to get rid of any cream on your nail beds before moving on to the next step.) Applying a clear base coat to start is a must if you want the nail colour to last. You wouldn't skip priming your walls before painting them, so don't miss this important step. Better still, pick a polish with a built-in base coat to save on time!
Once the colour has dried, apply a slick of top coat to seal the colour and prevent chipping.
Top tip: Nude shades don't show chips as much as darker nail polish colours.
Hair
If time allows, wash your hair: apply an in-shower treatment to give your locks a lift. Give yourself a quick scalp massage while the product works its magic.
And did you know that many of the ingredients found in your fridge can be used as natural, homemade hair masks? Egg yolks are rich in fat and protein and are great for moisturising and adding shine to strands, while many swear that beer helps to plump up the volume in tired tresses, due to its yeast content. Give it a go!
If no chance of visiting the salon for a root touch-up, do it yourself. If you have one-tone hair it's super easy to apply an at-home colour – these days, there are so many options available, from colouring creams to mousses in a multitude of shades, that you're bound to find one that's close to your colour. There are even natural and organic formulas, and varieties that contain plant oils to condition your locks as you colour - it's win-win.
Top tip: Apply a barrier cream or petroleum jelly to the skin around your hairline to prevent staining. Also avoid shampooing your hair for 48 hours after colouring, to give the dye a chance to settle.
So there you have it. Quick and simple ideas to help you feel positively pampered ... you deserve it!