Finding the time to get ready as a busy parent can be challenging. Whether this is taking time to read a book, meet up with friends or pay attention to your beauty routine. There may be days when you have to decide between focusing on your appearance or making sure the kids are prepared to leave the house on time. However, it doesn't mean you must neglect yourself when you become a parent. Self-care and still the person you were is vital even as a parent.

If you are a busy parent and want to know how you can cut down on the time and effort involved with getting yourself ready, these hacks can help you out and help you look good even on those days when you barely have time to brush your teeth!

Get A Good Haircut

The power of a good haircut is undeniable, and while the age-old trope of women chopping their hair off after a breakup isn't always true, there is no denying the power a good cut and style can have on your mood and mindset.

Choose a hairstyle that is easy to manage and fits into your daily lifestyle for minimal maintenance. The "bob" is a popular choice with a modern twist on a slightly longer length; this style can give you seriously relaxed vibes on lazy days, sophistication for when you need it and the length to tie up on to create some stunning updos.

Semi Permanent Makeup

These days, there is a range of different makeup styles you can choose to have tattooed on to reduce your need to play each day. From HD brows to tattooed lipstick and mascara, whatever you wear every day, you can choose to have applied to avoid the need to apply it each day. This can save you time and money in the long run and if you can't leave the house without a swipe of mascara, have your eyelashes dyed periodically.

How long does semi-permanent makeup last? For mascara, for example, semi-permanent can last up to 4 weeks, while permanent can last for 6 weeks or longer, depending on the mascara and application.

Hair Removal

While body hair isn't something to be ashamed of, many people, both men and women, prefer to have body hair from the face, underarms, legs and other areas removed. Shaving, waxing and exfoliating can take time, and if you notice you are frequently shaving, it can be time to consider laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal can take some time, depending on your body, the hair, and the area's size. Still, once completed, the effects are permanent, meaning you no longer have to worry about hair removal daily or weekly.

Research different laser hair removal providers to ensure you know exactly what is included in the price, the duration of treatment and what you can expect once you begin the process.

Dry Shampoo

If you frequently wash their hair, you will know just how long it can take to wash, dry and style it. Sometimes for busy parents, this is time that can be spent doing something else, such as sleeping!

Dry shampoo absorbs excess oils from the roots of your hair and can provide extra texture for both up styles and loose hair. Dry shampoo comes in an aerosol can and can be a lifesaver for those who want to extend the periods between washing their hair. You can even pop a can in your bag for freshness on the go.

Ice

If you have ever used cucumber slices on your eyes, you will be aware of the soothing effects this can bring to your eyes. However, ice can be a great way to reduce eye puffiness and eye bags regularly. Remove the need for excessive concealer to reduce your eye bags by investing in an ice pack or ice mask for your eyes.

Simply place the cold pack on your closed eye for a few minutes before bed or first thing in the morning. The ice increases blood flow to the area it is applied, which helps to diminish the look of under-eye bags and puffiness.

Water

Not a life hack for getting ready to go but many parents neglect to drink enough water daily, which can affect how they look and function. Not drinking enough water can dehydrate your body and your skin.

Drinking around 2 litres of water per day regularly, not all at once, can help your skin look refreshed, reduce dry patches and improve elasticity. Drinking enough water can help you look and feel more refreshed daily, meaning you can feel comfortable and confident in your skin for those days when you need to get up and go.

Buy Double Duty Products

If you don't have the time to sit and apply a million and one different beauty products or apply a full face of makeup each day, investing in double-duty products can take time, effort, and expense out of all of this.

Products such as moisturising tinted moisturisers can reduce the need for foundation and moisturiser. A cream blush can double up as lipstick in a go and be used in a pinch on the way out of the door with a swipe of a finger. Creams with sun protection can be highly beneficial and again reduce the need to apply face creams and sun protection.

Conclusion

While there isn't always the time in the day to do everything you need to, you still need to take the time for yourself so you can look and feel good. Neglecting yourself can lead to more problems down the line, and as busy parents, you need to be at your best, whatever that means for you. Looking into beauty hacks for treating yourself, improving your diet, sleep and increasing your water intake are all parts of helping you support your busy lifestyle.

These 7 tips can help you reduce the time spent getting ready to face the day while still boosting your confidence and allowing you to retain who you are in a way that enables you to feel good.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.