Ever run out of your go-to peanut butter, coffee, or toothpaste and felt that nagging irritation with every substitute? Now imagine your favorite product being discontinued entirely—no replacement in sight. That's exactly what happened to me recently with my foundation, shattering my fabulous mom-to-be vibe.
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As a mom-to-be with years of balancing self-care and life’s demands, I know how small rituals ground us amid bigger challenges. Male readers or those uninterested in makeup might tune out, but stick around—this is about holding onto joy in everyday routines, even when life throws curveballs like discontinued products. I've traveled to rural India, where foundation worries feel trivial next to real hardships, yet these moments still matter to our well-being.
I'm a firm believer in a solid morning routine. Beyond showering and brushing my teeth, I dedicate time to my curly hair and makeup, spending about 75 minutes total including breakfast. My beauty case stays shut only for workouts or beach days—then it's out for a quick powder touch-up.
My mother’s wisdom stuck with me: “Child, being plus-size doesn’t mean you can’t look polished.” I’ve embraced that, curating a personal style with statement handbags and confidence boosters. It's not about trends in plus-size fashion but owning your look—uneven skin, dark circles, freckles, and all. I present my best self daily, and I’d love your support in that mindset 😉.
Read also: Morning routine stress, I'm done with it!
Then came the bombshell: my trusted Clinique foundation, perfect since my late teens for my mixed-skin-tone needs, was discontinued just before Christmas. After 18 years of loyalty, I was back to square one, feeling insecure like a teenager again.
My husband watched skeptically as I tested samples—too gray, too light, too dark, not opaque enough. With holiday parties looming, desperation hit. At De Bijenkorf, a longtime Clinique advisor guided me to MAC, where I found my new match. Loyalty shifted seamlessly.
Problem solved? Not quite. The next morning, my husband remarked, “Great products now, but soon with the baby, no time for an hour of prep.” He’s right—a newborn demands priority. That planted a new fear.
Without judgment, I've observed 'practical moms' at school drop-offs: ponytail, sweats or jeans, weatherproof jacket, cargo bike, minimal makeup like gloss and mascara, sturdy shoes, and a backpack. It's functional, intentional—not sloppy.
My stepkids were potty-trained when I met their dad, so newborns are new territory. How do I juggle my ritual? Baby first, then me? Or get fabulous before breakfast chaos? Must I abandon my fabulous look for practicality—trading my Mulberry bags for backpacks, skipping foundation?
Sweat breaks out just thinking about it. What mom archetype will I become? A few months to go, and I’ll find out. For now, lipstick touch-up time—my nose is shining.
Image used via Shutterstock
