3 Easy Ways to Feel Pretty Again as a Busy Mom

DISCLOSURE

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links which means that if you follow a link and make a purchase, I will receive a commission. This helps support my business so that I can bring you more sparkly free content. Thank you for your support!

Darling, let’s discuss those mornings when the universe clearly forgot to set its alarm clock.

The children are awake at 5 a.m., the coffee machine is giving attitude, and you haven’t so much as looked at a shower.

You glance in the mirror and think, Non, merci… let’s simply rewind the day and try again.

Stack a few mornings like this on top of one another and voilà: you’re exhausted, a little cranky, and feeling anything but glamorous.

Add in a few stubborn pounds and a to-do list longer than a Parisian baguette, and it’s no wonder you feel like a frumpy extra in your own life.

But here’s the scandal, ma belle: this “I’m just a mom” mindset is practically an American invention. In France, motherhood is not a costume you put on and take off.

A French woman does not pack away her femininity next to the Christmas decorations the moment she has children. She is mother and woman, toujours. Whether she’s strolling along the Seine or chasing toddlers through the park, she remains unapologetically herself.

No frumpy “mom uniform” for weekday chaos and a sudden sexy transformation for date night. Just one woman, deliciously consistent, kids in tow or not.

Now before you clutch your stained sweatshirt and whisper, “That’s a lovely fantasy, Mrs. G, but I don’t have time to look like I’m headed to a cocktail bar,” let me assure you: neither do the French. No one is suggesting a smoky eye for school drop-off. What I am suggesting is a gentle shift away from “just a mom” toward something far more interesting: everyday elegance.

Because feeling pretty isn’t a frivolity, darling. It is a survival tactic. Neglecting yourself breeds envy and resentment faster than a croissant disappears at brunch. So let’s return the sparkle to your mornings, shall we?

1. Ditch the Frump

Yes, comfort matters. But comfort and chic are not mortal enemies.

Retire the tattered sweatpants that look like they survived a toddler-led art project. Upgrade to a matching set of soft knits in a single shade of nude, grey, or creamy latte.

Monochrome creates a long, slimming line and whispers effortless sophistication. Half-tuck your top for a little je ne sais quoi and you will be perfectly prepared to greet the UPS man without diving behind the sofa.

2. Tame the Tangle

Long, glossy hair is a Frenchwoman’s quiet rebellion against chaos.

Yes, brushing can feel like a full-contact sport when small children are in the room, but do not surrender to the scissors just yet.

Invest in a luxe leave-in conditioner. A few spritzes and even the most unruly mane will glide through the comb like butter on a warm croissant.

3. Add a Little Sparkle

Makeup optional, sparkle required.

A delicate earring can do more for your confidence than an entire contour kit. Think understated studs or tiny hoops that catch the light while you pour juice boxes.

If you crave variety, try a jewelry rental service. You can enjoy three chic pieces each month without the guilt of permanent commitment. Très French.

Voilà, ma chérie. With the smallest of tweaks, you can feel polished, pretty, and perfectly yourself even at 5 a.m. with a chorus of small humans demanding breakfast. Motherhood is not a reason to dim your light. It is the very reason to shine.

With crumbs and charisma,
The Glamtorious Mrs.