Let’s face it, we are all supermoms.
Our endless juggling act of work, family, passion, and “me” time can put any superhero to shame. From managing conglomerates to households and coaching star employees to dealing with our annoying teenagers (and husbands), we do it all with shiny hair and sparkling eyes adorned with long lashes. After a victorious day at work, we effortlessly squeeze in some yoga before picking up our kids, and preparing a healthy, gourmet dinner.
Well, easy, as an Instagram post would say.
But let’s be honest—it’s hard to be a mom nowadays. The carefully curated, multi-hyphenated social media posts give us moms an unreal picture of perfection, especially in Filipino culture, where a little weight gain or unkempt hair can invite judgment from a tita at a gathering, accusing us of being “loshang” or neglecting ourselves.
And the traffic situation isn’t helping either. Since the pandemic is over, the buildups are real, making our stress-free travel time a thing of the past. Running errands has become increasingly challenging, and when it’s crunch time, what often is thrown out the car window?
Taking care of ourselves. According to magazine studies, women spend an average of 30-50 minutes getting ready daily. But for moms trying to get everyone to school, 30 minutes feels like an eternity. We’re lucky even to find five minutes to brush our teeth and ensure our shoes match.
But fear not. If we can activate a village to raise a child, we can also rely on the newest beauty technology to keep up with the upkeep. Here are some tips to make your mornings a breeze:
Practice the 10-minute HMU SOP (Hair and Makeup Standard Operating Procedure).
First, achieve fabulous hair without extensive styling. I dry my hair using a Dyson Supersonic (I swear by this) until my hair is 90 percent dry; apply an anti-frizz oil, and twist it in a bun with a clamp. I wear my hair like this until good hair is required. Voila, soft curls just like I came out of the parlor.
Second is the five-minute makeup routine: Opt for hardworking makeup products. On good days, I wear Supergoop Glow SPF, Benefit Benetint for a touch of color on my cheeks and lips and finish it with some pressed powder and tinted lip balm. On bad days, I add a bit of coverage using Cle De Peau Cushion to cover brown spots, redness, dark eye bags, my regrets, and hangover. If you don’t have lash extensions, add mascara.
Upkeep is a religion. Here are some hacks to make it not a novena.
Fuzz-Free Skin Routine. Good skin is one of the best ways to save time. Forget about the 21step beauty routine. I discovered Drunk Elephant, where they introduced the concept of a smoothie—mix everything and apply. No need to wait for three minutes between products. It’s fast, effective and hassle-free.
Additionally, I visit a dermatologist and take advantage of the latest non-invasive scientific breakthroughs. Why suffer in the name of being a “derma virgin”? Even Aphrodite asked Demeter for her magic girdle to achieve radiance.
Semi-Permanent Makeup. I admit to having my eyebrows micro-bladed once every one to two years and getting lash extensions every two months. These are two of my best decisions in life (the other one being marrying my husband, hehe). I started when I was competing in triathlons. Why suffer ugly when you can be camera-ready.
The Traffic Jam Jam. Traffic jams are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyable! Create your car karaoke playlist to keep your spirits high. Belt out your favorite tunes. Just make sure with the windows rolled up (you don’t want to scare the other drivers or make it rain). Studies have shown that singing can reduce stress and uplift your mood. So, go ahead and turn that steering wheel into a stage. You’ll feel fabulous and ready to conquer the day when you reach your destination!
Moms truly have one of the most challenging jobs in the world. Often underappreciated, underpaid, and constantly working overtime, we have our good days and bad days. It’s essential for us to love ourselves more. I have two favorite sayings: “If you have money and you are still loshang, it’s your fault,” and a more serious one, “We can’t give what we don’t have.”
So, when we find ourselves stuck in traffic, we can either look at “loshang” and sing sad songs or choose the fabulous road, belting out Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” The choice is yours.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Disclaimer: We do not intend to offend anyone. Everything written here is based on the author’s personal experience and is meant to be lighthearted and humorous. Life is already serious enough, so taking it too seriously is unnecessary. Peace!
