We chatted with Stephen Sardella, regional training executive for Elizabeth Arden Canada, about the fastest ways to get new moms out the door while looking their best. His routine takes less time to apply than reading this article!
MySweetBaby: What are new moms most concerned with when it comes to their makeup routine?
Stephen Sardella: One of their main concerns is the appearance of their skin. A lot of new moms are looking for a foundation that’s very quick, long-lasting and makes them feel and look their best. Using a concealer will also help if you’re skin isn’t looking its best – it can reduce puffiness and brighten the eye area.
MSB: What products should new moms have on hand?
SS: There are three essential products every new mother should have in her makeup bag: mascara, a lipstick or lip gloss, and color for her cheeks -- a blush or bronzer. You won’t have to think about what you need to get ready and it will make the application that much easier.
MSB: What are your tips to putting on a fresh face quickly?
SS: Step 1: Prepping the skin – cleansing and toning, putting on moisturizer, applying foundation, then adding concealer. For the foundation, go light and build where you need more coverage, like on the center of the face or around the nose. You can put it on in less than two minutes and it will last the whole day.
Step 2: Applying a double-density mascara. I would definitely suggest going black, it makes the strongest impact, makes the whites of the eye looks whiter and looks great on everyone. Look down, start at the very root of the lash and work it up. Make sure there’s not too much mascara on the wand -- that will give a more natural, softer look.
Step 3: Applying a lipstick or lip gloss. A nice, neutral shade a new mother can put in her makeup bag and feel comfortable putting on any time of the day. If she wants to make just a little bit of a statement, then move into some of the warmer tones.
Step 4: Applying cheek color. When the baby is sleeping and you have that instant smile on your face, that’s the time to put on your blush! Smiling is the best way to find the apple of your cheek. Take a light powder brush, start on the apple of the cheeks and work it out in very light, round strokes. Always start off with jut a very light application, then build.
MSB: If a mom has time to apply one thing, what would it be?
SS: Lipstick! It gives an instant fresh look to the face, it takes less than 20 seconds, and it’s the first thing people notice when they’re speaking to you, when your smiling or when you’re talking.
MSB: What other tips would you like to pass along?
SS: It’s really important for all moms to place the importance on their newborns, but don’t forget about themselves. When you look and feel your best, you do your best.
Stephen’s product suggestions (all from Elizabeth Arden)
- Foundation, concealer: Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm concealer and foundation. The latter has an SPF 15, softens and smoothes, locks in moisture and has fantastic coverage.
- Lip gloss, lipstick: Peony or honeysuckle. They are quite neutral and very fresh looking.
- Cheek color: For a warmer shade, tearose. For your blond hair-blue eyes or red-heads, the pinker sunblush. It gives that instant boost of radiance and luminosity.
- Triple duty: Ceramide cream blushes, which come in four shades. They’re fantastic because they’re compact and they can be worn on the eyes, cheeks and lips. Just use your fingertip and blend it on.
