12 Must-See Beauty Hacks For The Grown-Ass Mom

I can spend a lot less time in the morning if I take time to do some preventive maintenance on a regular basis. I always wash my face before bed. I use a micellar water or one-step wipe and then my favorite moisturizer.

Beyond that, I find if I get my brows waxed, get regular cuts, and treat myself to a facial and a manicure once in a while, it speeds up my daily routine. When I can't afford to do those things, I throw on a mask (try an overnight one) and use an exfoliating scrub once a week. I've also found it useful to use a good hand cream, and spend some time cleaning up my brows when I have a day off.

Whether it's choosing a short, no fuss pixie, a messy bun, a spiky cut, natural curls, or a shaved head; it's time to embrace the ease and fun of messy hair. Getting a faux hawk after years of a sleek "soccer mom" bob was so liberating, and I literally can roll out of bed and out the door. Well, maybe literally after some coffee and getting four kids up for school and preschool.

Concealer is not a replacement for sleep or skin care, but some days it looks like one. Fake it till you make it.

I have watched too many contouring videos to count. Most of them take way too much time for #momlife or make me look like I don't know what I'm doing. I have boiled down the method that works best for me into three easy steps:

• light bronzer right below my cheek bones
• rosy or coral blush on the apples of my cheeks
• curved swoop of highlighter right above blush, above my brows, and down my nose.

I suggest a solid regiment of BB cream, tinted moisturizer, lip and cheek stain, highlighter and shadow, and last night's mascara that you didn't get completely off creating a "smoky eye" look. OK, that last one was a joke, but you get the idea. Time is money (or an extra five minutes of sleep).

I love to play with makeup and try new product. In pursuit of colorful happiness, I have discovered that if the only thing I do in the morning is put on bright lipstick or eye shadow, people see the bright and don't notice the rest.

I prefer a volumizing mascara with a wand with firmer plastic or rubber bristles, that comb and separate, while you apply, because I am super lazy. Also, waterproof is a must for this pregnant, emotional mom.

I used to spend a ton of time bronzing my pale skin, covering up freckles, and plucking my brows to a fine line. Now, I focus on accentuating what I have and don't worry about being someone I'm not, and I've found I like the way I look way more.

I have come to the conclusion that "less is more" isn't just an old saying. It's totally real. Do less. Eliminate steps. Find a cut that works for you, a few multipurpose products, a great skin-care routine, and a killer mascara, and you're done; leaving you more time to stop your kids from fighting and clean up messes.

On second thought, ignore me and stay in the bathroom as long as humanly possible.

A little bit of gloss can have the same impact as a bright lipstick. And, if you are lucky, you can find one in a yummy flavor and cute shade to match your skin tone.

My hair looks way better when I don't wash it as often. Seriously. Even when I was running 40 miles a week. I rinse and condition when I shower, or don't get it wet at all, but only wash once per week. It takes some adjustment, but you can just wear a hat in the meantime, and it's totally worth the wait.

Be yourself. Have fun. Sure, my kids occasionally wonder why my hair changes color every two months, and I get weird looks at the school pick up line, but loving yourself is way easier (and more fun) than trying to be someone you're not.

Being a mom is hella hard. I know that choosing the right lipstick isn't the most important thing in your life right now. Sometimes, you're too busy being an awesome mom and conquering the world to think about it. However, I hope you find time to take care of yourself, embrace who you are, and have a little fun in the process. Maybe you'll find that #momlife will run a bit smoother and look a little brighter, if you do.