two quick beauty routines for new moms (or for anyone).

Since {jv} came on the scene, time is in even shorter supply than I expected. I knew my routines would have to change, but I now have two paths to take when I put my face on in the mornings. I have a "bare minimum" routine, which can be enhanced with the "four-minute pick-me-up". {jv} watches my every move when I get ready in the mornings for work, so I have to keep it quick. If you're a fan of efficient makeup routines (whether you're a mom or not!), these are for you!

When it comes to makeup, my priorities are the length of wear and ease of use. Some of these products require a bit of an investment, but for me, it is an investment in myself (for once these days). If something can make me feel even the slightest bit more like a human, I jump at it ;) These routines may work for me, but I would love to hear what works for you too. Leave your favorite in the comments below -- even as a creature of habit, I'm all ears to what works for you. Enjoy your weekend!  xoxo {av}

P.S. I don't know about you, but when Sephora offers a sale, I act on it. As a creature of habit with my makeup and hair routine, I know what products I need at any given time. As long as you're a Sephora VIB, you'll get 15% off your order through April 21st using the code VIBLOVE. Don't say I didn't warm you ;) 

THE BARE MINIMUM: Though it looks way more complicated than it actually is, my bare minimum routine just gets me to a solid starting point -- and gives me enough confidence to face the world, even if I don't have the time I'd like to get ready.

-Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion: It's a fact that makeup goes on much better when your skin is hydrated. I had to do some research to find a lotion compatible with my sensitive skin. With an SPF included, this lotion from Clarins is lightweight and easy to apply. It has a soft and pleasant scent, which didn't offend my sensitive nose while pregnant. I have this lotion on every day of the year.

-Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer: My bff introduced me to this concealer the year we graduated from college -- and it's been my go-to ever since. It doesn't require a special brush for application and it packs a serious punch for dark circles.

-Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder + Bronzer Brush: I was leery about bronzer until a few years ago, when the winter pastiness really got the best of me. Since I do my best to stay out of the sun, I need a little color in some shape or fashion. This powder + brush combo is the best I've found; the color lasts for hours and doesn't look cakey. 

-Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara: This mascara has been a favorite since college. The waterproof mascara requires a bit more in the way of makeup removal at the end of the night, but it helps with the new mom hormones (aka spontaneous tears). 

-Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow: When time is of the essence, a couple of quick swipes of a light shade + a dark shade of this long-wear shadow will do the trick. 

-Aquaphor Healing Ointment: We have tubs of Aquaphor in nearly every room of our home. It works wonders on a number of baby ailments, but it also works as an incredible basic lip balm.

THE FOUR-MINUTE PICK-ME-UP: This routine includes the extra steps I add on days when {jv} may have fallen asleep after his morning feed while I'm getting ready for work  -- or is just being kind enough to let me have a few extra minutes ;)

-Benefit Cosmetics Erase Paste: If I need a little extra coverage after a long night, adding this concealer below my Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer makes a big difference. (Be sure to watch Sephora's video on application to prevent excess application.) 

-Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush: Another bff shared this with me during a recent visit to Rhode Island. It is the newest piece of any of my makeup routines -- and I absolutely LOVE it. It is seriously a magic blush which creates the perfect amount of color for your cheeks.

-Bobbi Brown Bobbi's Browns Eye Palette: I created my own palette of Bobbi Brown hues, but this set contains similar tones to the ones I use on an every day basis. 

-Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum: This plumping serum works as a fantastic primer for my waterproof mascara. I use it to help keep my eyelashes from getting too brittle, which is a phenomenon I discovered in my late twenties.

-Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner: When I have an extra minute to get ready, I love adding some eyeliner to help make my eyes pop. This eyeliner doesn't require a pencil sharpener, only a twist of the pen. 

BONUS STEPS:

-Clarins Eye Contour Gel: I've professed my love of this eye gel before, but I can share it again, can't I? It definitely softens dark circles and cools down your eyes before a long day begins.

-Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes: Actresses tout these wipes on TV, but I just wish they hired people who use these wipes day in and day out (like me!). I can't start or end my day without them.

-Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm: I mostly love this lip balm for its scent; the plumping feature is just a bonus.