Let’s face it: If you’re juggling the whirlwind of a busy mom, corporate career, and entrepreneurial hustle, you’re already a superhero in sweatpants. But let’s be honest—there are days when "low maintenance" feels like a distant dream. You want to look polished, put-together, and effortlessly chic… all while the laundry piles up, the emails keep flooding in, and you're running on cup of coffee number 3.
Good news: it’s possible to look well maintained without investing countless hours. The key is a few high-maintenance steps that, paradoxically, will help you remain low-maintenance. Let’s get into it.
1. Master the 5-Minute Face
No one has time for a full makeup routine every morning. So, skip the 45-minute glam session and perfect a simple, 5-minute face. Think tinted moisturizer with SPF, a swipe of mascara, some brows (trust me, they make a difference), and a hint of lip gloss. Done. The goal is to look fresh, not overdone. That’s the secret to radiating that “I woke up like this” vibe.
Pro Tip: Get a multi use stick. It’ll double as blush and lipstick, and you can swipe it on between meetings or play-dates. Efficiency is key. I like the Ilia Multi-Stick in the shade, Dreamer.
2. Invest in Smart Skincare
In a world full of miracle creams and endless serums, the only thing that will actually save you time (and your skin) is a streamlined skincare routine. Find a couple of reliable products—think a cleanser, a serum, and a moisturizer—and commit to them. Make sure they’re multitaskers, like a moisturizer with SPF, so you’re not juggling a million bottles.
Pro Tip: Once a week, go for a deep cleanse and mask while you catch up on emails. Multitasking at its finest. My go to face mask for an even complexion is Rosen Dark Spot Erasing Smooth Jelly Mask With Lactic Acid.
3. Nail Care—But Make It Quick
A fresh manicure can make you look put-together, even when the rest of your life is chaos. But who has time (or money!) for weekly salon visits? Grab a high-quality at-home kit that allows you to do it yourself in less than 30 minutes. A solid color or neutral nude is timeless and won’t chip as quickly. Plus, the moment you glance at your hands, you’ll feel polished (even if your kids just spilled cereal all over your kitchen).
Pro Tip: Have some nail skills and a little extra time? Try a multi step dip kit for the professional look done at home. This basic nail kit was a life saver during the COVID shut down: Nail Boo Basic Dip Powder Kit.
Time Saver: Gel strips or press-on nails are your best friends for a quick manicure before an evening out.
4. The Power of a Capsule Wardrobe
This isn’t just a trend—this is the foundation of "looking like you have it together" while barely trying. Curate a small wardrobe of versatile pieces you can mix and match. Neutral colors, classic cuts, and fabrics that are both stylish and functional. You’ll have endless outfit options without the stress of figuring out what to wear every morning.
Pro Tip: Donate and de-clutter before you start shopping again. Having a firm grasp on the quality pieces you already own before you hit the racks or check out that cart is the first step to building a successful capsule wardrobe.
Time Saver: Make your wardrobe work overtime—buy pieces that can be dressed up for a Zoom call or dressed down for a play-date.
5. Invest in the Right Hair Tools
If you’re going to spend any time on something, let it be your hair. No one has time for a blowout every other day, but a sleek, healthy mane can make you look like you’ve put in more effort than you actually have. Invest in a blow-dryer that cuts down styling time and maybe a flat iron for quick, polished finishes.
Pro Tip: Heatless curl tools are taking the beauty industry by storm and let me just say, I am here for it! My go-to, easy-to-use, quality set is The Silk Heatless Hair Curler Gift Set- In Black!
Time Saver: Dry shampoo is still your best friend. It’ll keep your hair fresh for an extra day or two.
6. Plan Ahead—The Power of Sunday Prep
Ah, the Sunday night ritual. Don’t underestimate its power. Take a little extra time to set yourself up for the week ahead—forecasting meals, outfit planning, and scheduling your most important tasks. Planning helps you navigate the chaos like a pro without feeling like a disorganized hot mess by mid-week.
Pro Tip: Set aside one hour for “life admin.” It’ll save you from the mental load during the week.
7. Get Acquainted with the Time-Saving Power of Dry Cleaning
A life-changing move for anyone who wants to feel like a boss without wasting precious time: dry cleaning. It’s a luxury that saves you time and keeps your clothes in perfect condition. Just drop off a load and pick it up at your convenience. When you’re taking extra care to choose quality, timeless pieces, longevity is the name of the game.
Pro Tip: Use this tip to rotate between work-wear, so you always have something polished and ready to go.
8. Set Up Automatic Everything
I’m not talking about your coffee machine (though that’s nice too). I'm talking about bills, subscriptions, grocery delivery, and anything else that requires your attention. Life’s hard enough—don’t spend your precious time doing manual tasks when automation exists. Set it and forget it.
Time Saver: There’s nothing like the high of crossing items off your list in bulk.
9. Do Less—But Do It Better
The most important high-maintenance step to staying low-maintenance is recognizing that you can’t do everything. Being a busy mom (dog moms included), corporate gal, entrepreneur, or all of the above, means you’ve got a lot on your plate. But your energy is finite, so focus on the tasks that move you forward and make the most impact. Quality over quantity is the name of the game.
Time Saver: Learn to delegate. Hire help when you can. Use tools like virtual assistants or a house cleaner to free up your time.
10. Create the Illusion of Effortlessness
The last step is all about mental strategy. You’re a badass, and you’ve got this. You can look polished, even on a jam-packed day, by letting go of the idea that you need to appear effortlessly perfect at all times. Smile when things get chaotic, embrace the messiness, and remember that it’s okay if everything doesn’t go according to plan.
Pro Tip: Throw on a bold lipstick or a standout necklace when everything else feels too crazy—it’ll instantly elevate your look, no matter what else is happening in your world.
So, there you have it. Ten high-maintenance steps to stay low-maintenance. It's all about working smarter, not harder, while still looking like you’ve got your act together. Because let’s be honest—sometimes, we all need a little bit of polish to remind ourselves that we’re doing way more than we give ourselves credit for.
You’ve got this, mama. Go crush it.
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