If you're a mother with a newborn, looking sexy probably isn't as high on your priority list as, say, remembering to eat. Still, on occasions when you actually manage to get out of the house, the right beauty products can help you feel more like a human being.? These 25 fashion and beauty buys turn minimal effort into big results — like recognizing yourself in the mirror again. — Melissa Schweiger
Between cleaning bottles and washing up after diaper duty, a new parent's hands can start to feel reptilian. Slather this soothing ointment onto paws (it also does wonders for cracked heels) and they'll start to feel almost as smooth as your little one's tush. $35 for 28 ounces.
2. Belli Tinted Anti-Cloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25
If you only have time to put one thing on your face in the morning, reach for this multi-tasking tube. The tinted formula not only covers imperfections, it also protects skin from the sun and fights those dark splotches (aka chloasma) a lot of women get from pregnancy. $24 for 2 ounces.?
Want to get rid of lumps and bumps without spending a moment schvitzing at the gym? You're in good company — hot mamas Gwyneth Paltrow and Rebecca Romijn are both Spanx users. Spanx Power Panties are like underwear on steroids, leaving you looking svelte and sexy in all your pre-pregs clothing.? $25-$30 each.
4. Geox shoes
You may not be on a first name basis with Manolo and Jimmy at the moment, but that doesn't mean you have to relegate your footwear rotation to sneakers, flip-flops and Crocs. This pair of flats from Geox is chic enough to pass for Chanel with the extra benefit of their patented "breathable" technology (read: they're super-comfy). $91.
5. Pantene Pro-V 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner
You're setting new records in the quickie shower department. Beat your latest time with Pantene's two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. $18 for 51 ounces.
6. Nars The Multiple in "Orgasm"
Fake a post-romp glow with this creamy stick of shimmery, peachy pink. Pop it in your diaper bag and dab onto eyes, cheeks and lips whenever you need a beauty pick-me-up. $35 a stick.
This iconic tin holds the cure-all for dry, chapped lips and diaper rash. Toss it in your purse and take it everywhere! $5 a tin.
Your hair seems to be in a perma-ponytail these days. Whatever you do, do not reach for a scrunchie! That's like admitting defeat. Instead, tie your hair up with one of these discreet hair elastics. ?$3.50 a box.
9. Pssssst Instant Spray Shampoo
You haven't washed your hair since last Monday? Rather than putting a paper bag over your head, spray Pssssst, the original dry shampoo, onto your roots for instantly refreshed scalp and hair sans water. $6 for 4 ounces.
10.?Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen
Dark roots only look good on Madonna. Touch yours up in between salon visits with this genius little hair coloring pen. It comes in five hair-matching shades and washes out the next time you shampoo. $23.
11.?Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream
No time to blow dry? Apply a dime-sized amount of this wonder cream to wet hair and let it air dry. The olive oil formula fights frizz and leaves behind a lovely shine. $20-$27.
Squeezing into your old jeans can take some time. Instead of shopping for new sizes, use this handy button to make your pairs tighter or looser. It fastens onto the waistband of your jeans, either to the right or left of the original button, and voila — a perfect fit! $15 each or $25 for two.
A fresh mani and pedi can make you feel like a new woman. Use MAC's no-fail quick dry so you can get back to baby business ASAP. $11.
14.?Clinique Non-Streak Bronzer For Men ?
Dreaming about an island vacation? Fake that golden glow with Clinique's genius gel bronzer. It may be marketed for men, but its natural-looking tan crosses gender lines. $15.
There's something about curled eyelashes that immediately makes you look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed — especially when you use makeup artist fave Shu Uemura. It takes only 20 seconds to curl both eyes; consider it time well spent! $19.
16.?Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses
These classically cool shades not only protect your eyes on stroller walks, but thanks to the nose guards, they don't slip while you're rooting through your diaper bag. $129.
17. ?Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Your sense of humor isn't the only thing that's dry these days. Dr. Lipp's medical grade lanolin does the trick for soothing cracked nipples and dry lips — it's a diaper bag essential! $14 for 10 ml.
The extra poundage around your center remains an unwelcome guest after pregnancy. Yummie Tummie tanks and tees chicly and discreetly camouflage unsightly lumps and bumps. $76.
19.?TheBalm TimeBalm Concealer
You haven't pulled this many all-nighters since college. Show your dark circles who's boss with this like-magic concealer. Blend the super-creamy formulation into the corners of your eyes and over the circles and watch them pull a disappearing act. $18 for .25 ounces.
20. Air Stockings
Thanks to increased blood circulation during pregnancy, spider veins have reared their ugly heads. Cover them with this silky spray-on body foundation. And don't worry if your application is less than perfect — unlike self-tanner, it washes off with soap and water. $25-$40.
21.?Bliss Triple Oxygen Eye mask
The Bliss Triple Oxygen Eye Mask de-puffs, soothes and oxygenates in as much time as it takes to feed your munchkin. $54 for 4.
22. Kimara Ahnert Mineral Core Lip Tint SPF 15
Lip color is the easiest way to up your MILF factor. This lipstick from makeup artist and mom Kimara Ahnert comes in four gorgeous shades, has a moisturizing center and sun protection. $28.
Poopy diapers can really take a toll on the olfactory senses. Treat yours to something a bit more uplifting with one of Kiehls' portable roller ball fragrances. Choose from classic Kiehls scents like grapefruit, vanilla and cucumber. $25 for .23 ounces.
24. ?T3 Bespoke Labs Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Dryer
T3's proprietary technology cuts drying time by 70% and leaves hair looking silky smooth. What else could you ask for in a blow-dryer? From $85.
25.?Nair Lasting Results 5 Day Hair Removal Gel Cream
Rushing through a shaving session will leave you with nicks and missed patches of hair. Swap your razor for Nair and you'll get smooth legs that stay hair-free for up to five days. $4 for 5.4 ounces.