Recommended beauty products for a new Mum!

I don’t normally have “beauty” posts on NorthHantsMum but Vicky, one of the NHM Writers, did such a great job on this post, it would have been wrong not to publish it!

Thank you Vicky for this great post!

I wish someone had bought me some or all of these products when I was a new Mum! lol.

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Recommended beauty products for a new Mum!

Is it just me or is there always some advert trying to tell you that this wonder product is what you’ve been waiting for? And that this is especially true for new mums. Whether it’s an all-singing all-dancing changing bag that unfolds into an amazing entertainment centre for your little one complete with iPad and safety harness (ok, I am exaggerating) or something as simple as a buggy clip (these are brilliant by the way), there is always something.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently and decided it’s time to be selfish on my blog, because I’m going to tell you about some wonder beauty products I have come to rely on as a new mum. And guess what, they aren’t for baby, they are for you!

Now don’t get me wrong, there are days when pyjama bottoms, an old t-shirt, greasy hair scraped up in a ponytail and not a scrap of make-up are the best anyone can hope for, but I’d certainly be lying if I didn’t say that there are times when you just want to look nice and be ‘like your old self’ again rather than wandering around in a zombie-like state in yesterday’s clothes.

I’m afraid I don’t really subscribe to the notion that you can never look nice or have time to do your hair or slap on a bit of make-up (if that’s what you want to do of course) just because you’ve had a baby. If you want it, or more to the point, need it that badly, you will find time – even if you do have to sing the ABC song on repeat at the same time!

So, let’s get on to the important bit, what are these products. For me, dry shampoo is an absolute must. I used to be a strict every other day girl when it came to washing my hair, not anymore! But since my little boy was born almost eight months ago, I’ve got a bit creative with up dos and my hair is actually in much better condition to boot, as I’m not straightening it to death every day. Batiste dry shampoo with a hint of brunette is my go to product. An absolute essential.

Next up is No 7 Instant Illusions. This does what it says on the tin. It gives the illusion of eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, brightens those weary faces and gives you a lovely magical glow. You can wear it on its own or under foundation. It’s essentially the budget version of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.

Sticking to the skin for a second, Maybelline’s Baby Skin primer is also a dream product for me. Now this is definitely just for adults, not the little ones! It’s a really lightweight primer which again, does what it says on the tin, and gives you super baby-soft skin. It’s great either on its own or excellent as a base for foundation to give it some staying power – and we all need that!

I am a firm believer that mascara can transform your mood in one fail sweep – all puns intended. For me, it’s my desert island product. It opens up my tired eyes and gives me a little bit of put-together-ness. My all-time favourite is Max Factor Masterpiece Transform in black. People actually have asked if I am wearing false lashes several times, when wearing this… flutter flutter.

My final product (for this post anyway – I could go on…) is concealer. An absolute must for hiding those dark circles or camouflaging some post-birth hormonal breakouts. The Max Factor Mastertouch is my favourite. For me, it’s a budget version of YSL Touché Éclat. It suits my skin perfectly and there are several shades to choose from to ensure you get the best colour match.

So there you have it, a little insight into my inner sanctuary when it comes to beauty products. For me, there’s nothing better than personal recommendations, especially when it comes to skincare, hair care or make-up. Don’t feel guilty for taking 10 minutes to ‘put your face on’ or do your hair some days. It’s not called war paint for no reason.

For more of my inane ramblings, check out my blog misschiefv.wordpress.com

A Summary of NHM posts that will be useful for YR starters in Sept 2016

Below is a list of posts that might be useful to you if you have a little one starting school in September.

I haven’t written a post for a while about our experience of school. That’s because we haven’t had a particularly good experience with the school that Miss NHM is currently in.

I am trying to put together a post about this, but I am delighted to say that despite all of the issues that Mr NHM and I have with the school, Miss NHM still absolutely loves going to school.

A Summary of NHM posts that will be useful for YR starters in Sept 2016

Top Tip: Clarks Shoe Fitting Service – Online Appointment Booking!

It is ESSENTIAL to book any shoe fitting appointments in August because any shoe shop that sells children’s school shoes will be rammed. It’s enough of a stressful experience, without having to wait for an hour for a fitting!

Skoolkits in town does 10% off school uniform for a week in July, before the summer holidays start, so if you have the cash funds, buy all of your logo’d stuff then.

Also double check whether your new school has a second hand clothing sale. Ours does one on a regular basis and although I’m always at work when it is on, it’s on my list of things to check out at some point. You can save a fortune this way.

Will your “baby” start school in September 2015?

Starting School – did you know?

My experience: Starting school – three months before September start date

My experience: Starting School – the night before…

My Experience: Our first few weeks of school…

My Experience: Things I have learnt since Miss NHM started school…

My Experience: Our first three months of YR (Reception Year)

Cheaper School Uniform Campaign….

Homeschooling in Basingstoke and North Hampshire

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Google+,Facebook PageFacebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

NHM Readers Recommend: Local Places to donate Preloved Items

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if anyone could recommend the best places to take second hand items. (Thank you very much to everyone who responded!)

These were the responses I received. They are in no particular order. Thanks to Shona for putting this post together!

NHM Readers Recommend Local Places for Preloved Items

Spotlight Centre

Wendy said: Spotlight Centre. If you ask they can pass them onto those in need.  

Penny said: Spotlight have links with social services and can pass them on but please state that they are to be passed on.

Spotlight UK

Christ Church, Chineham

Vicki said: If you take them to Christ Church, Chineham we have contact that we can pass them on to one of which is a charity that helps trafficked individuals and has safe houses and refuges amongst its range of support.

Christ Church

Besom

Abigail said: Besom have taken loads of my baby clothes and baby items (and other stuff like kitchen goods and bed sheets etc) and they have gone to the women’s refuge. They come and collect and all the stuff goes to people in need rather than just charity and you even get a thank you letter in the post which was a surprise.

Besom

Basingstoke Voluntary Action

I have also suggested Basingstoke Voluntary action.

BVA

Is there anywhere else you would recommend?

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Google+,Facebook PageFacebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

My Experience: My “uniform”

I picked up this idea from one of my favourite websites, Modern Mrs Darcy. She wrote a lengthy post about her “summer uniform” and it really hit a note with me. (Try this free Myers Briggs test if you want to understand what she means by INFP).

I then realised that I have a “uniform”. Most days I wear jeans with a short sleeved T-shirt and a long sleeved T-shirt over the top, both from uniqlo (their T-shirts wash really well and don’t shrink!).

As someone who is allergic to polyester, this can make clothes shopping rather challenging. This isn’t helped by me being someone who doesn’t enjoy clothes shopping!

Perks of having a “uniform”

I don’t have to make ANOTHER decision in the morning!

Morning’s are frantic enough in our house as it is. Getting Mr NHM ready for work (although he’s fairly self sufficient these days :-D), Miss NHM ready for school and myself ready for work means that I have enough to think about without having to worry about what I’m wearing.

I don’t even have to bother about sorting out what clothes I’m going to wear the night before.

You could argue that my wardrobe is part of a capsule wardrobe, but I’d go so far as saying it’s not even that. I have five of the same T-shirts in the same colour!!

Whilst writing this, I’ve realised this could be deemed as being a bit sad, but it’s actually a huge weight off my mind. For example, I can tell instantly when I’m running out of clothes and need to do more washing.

I realise that I’m incredibly lucky being able to work from home most of the time and wear what I like and I totally appreciate that having a “uniform” won’t work for everyone but it really works for me.

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Google+,Facebook PageFacebook Profile, LinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

Top Tip: Clarks Shoe Fitting Service – Online Appointment Booking!

I found out a while back that you can book online for Shoe Fittings at most Clarks stores.

I tried it out for the store in Hatch Warren Mothercare during the October Half Term last year and it worked a treat!

No hanging around and waiting for other people to finish their appointments. Just turn up at the slot you’ve booked and 15 minutes later out the door.

That’s the kind of service that I love, even if the shoes do cost a FORTUNE!

  • Appointments are available in Clarks stores only. (Festival Place and Clarks in Mothercare, Hatch Warren)
  • Appointments are 15 minutes per child. If you book an appointment for multiple children, the appointments will be one after the other.
  • If you would like to book an appointment for today, please call the store directly, see our store locator for contact details.
  • Once you confirm your appointment, you will receive an email confirming the details and a reminder email the day before your appointment.
  • If you have saved your mobile number in your account, you will receive a text message to confirm your appointment booking and a text message reminder the day before your appointment.
  • If you have any questions about your store appointment, please call our friendly Customer Care team on 0844 248 8408.

Unwanted Baby Items – Recycle/Reuse/Sell

What do you do with all of those baby items that you no longer need but don’t want to throw away? If you don’t have friends with babies whom you can pass the items on to, then the linky’s below might help. Regardless of the state of the material, someone, somewhere, will be able to make money from it, even if the item is no longer salvageable. So don’t throw those baby clothes away, just take them to the textile bank/bin.

Recycle/Reuse

(I’ve used Freegle many times as it gives me a little buzz when I’ve made someone’s day by giving them something that they need, for free!)

Give them to charity

(If you are looking for furniture for your children’s play room then this is a great place to pick up cheap sofas, cheap tables, etc.)

Charity Shops in Basingstoke

  • British Heart Foundation – Wote Street
  • RSPCA – London Street
  • Cancer Research UK – Wote Street
  • St Michaels Hospice Shop – Kings Road
  • Shaw Trust – Wote Street
  • St Michaels Hospice Retail Ltd – Chineham Shopping centre
  • Annies Charity Shop – Elmwood Parade, Winklebury

Donate them to North Hants Hospital Maternity Ward

I don’t have the details for this but it’s on my list of things to find out about. I think they will take newborn clothes, sterilising equipment and donations of unused pre-packaged formula. If you are breastfeeding and are very lucky to have “extra” they are also desperate for breastmilk donations for SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit). However, the closest breast milk bank is at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton. 

Sell Them

(There are also Nearly New Sales coming up in Hartley Wintney and Fleet, Woodley, Yateley and Farnham)

(I’ve used this site to sell goods that are priced less than £50)

Does anybody have any other suggestions for recycling, reusing or selling unwanted baby items?

Facebook Selling Networks