How to stay gorgeous while the kids are on summer vacation

Focus on arming your skin

You thought your routine was already pared down? Well, now is the time to become even more efficient and focus on sun care protection and repair. At night, alternate every other day with a hydrating cleanser or a gentle exfoliating cleanser; you can even make your own by adding baking soda to your existing cleanser. Since you will be spending more time in the sun, be careful about using retinol products. Use these only a few times a week, and if you know you will be in the sun a lot the following day, skip the retinol the night before. In the morning after you wake up, apply an antioxidant serum to your face, such as a vitamin C or green tea serum, followed by a high level sunscreen, such as Cetaphil UVA/UVB Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50, . Now your face is protected no matter what you do or how much time you have.

Keep makeup to a bare minimum

Too much makeup in the summer is already a no-no, which is great for busy moms. Just use enough to create a fresh face that hopefully won’t melt off during the day. Keep the warm weather essentials, including a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF, cream or stick concealer , waterproof mascara, eyebrow pencil and a lip balm, such as L’Oreal’s Colour Riche Balm SPF 15 , on hand in a separate makeup bag, all ready to go at any time.

If time permits or you need a more polished face, consider layering your makeup. While this extra step can take up precious time, it can make you feel "done" all day without having to reapply your makeup. The key is to apply the liquid or cream formula first, followed by a powder based product to "set" the makeup. For long-lasting coverage, start with silicone-based foundation, such as Laura Geller Phenomenal Foundation, . These formulas are generally oil-free and last through heat and sweat.

Set it with a light dusting of a translucent powder; one to try is Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder . For eyeshadow that lasts, use a cream formula first, followed by a powder formula. You can make your eyeliner last longer by using the pencil first, followed by eyeshadow in the same color applied with an angled brush. Finally, you can add on a cream blush followed by a powder bronzer, applied with a kubuki brush in a swirling motion to set the makeup with an air-brushed finish.

Stay fresh during the day

Most likely you will be out and about with your kids all day, which leaves little time to refresh makeup and shiny areas on your face. Your purse and beach bag alike should have oil blotting papers or anti-shine products. Try boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens or NYX Cosmetics Shine Killer , and touch up as needed.

Hats and hair treatments

Think of summer as the perfect time to treat your hair. This is the one season where you can get away with slicking your hair back and pulling it into a bun, ponytail or under a hat. Save money by using natural oils, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, available at your local grocery or health food store.