Words: Jessica Clark  Top Image: Nicole Bentley

There’s no point kidding ourselves that a beauty regime will look anything like what it was prior to giving birth. Exhaustion, lack of time and new priorities make way for a simpler approach to beauty – and for good reason. Choosing the right products that will perform even when the care-factor is low is essential – plus there’s something to be said for a little bit of ‘me time’ to lift the spirits and dust off the cobwebs. I’ve rounded up my hero edit of the best beauty products for mums, to restore a bright, rested and radiant look, even if you’re feeling none of those things…

Shu Uemura eyelash curlers 
The best £20 a tired mum can spend; they’ll cheat an open-looking eye even when your eyelids are falling off your face with fatigue. A complete beauty must-have, even if you don’t have time for mascara.
£20, shuuemura.co.uk

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Gel
In a sea of potions promising eternal youth, this is one product that actually lives up to its claims (though no dragons were slayed in the making). Despite being a touch on the exxy side, it de-puffs and hydrates with an instant refreshing effect: just the thing for cheating that ‘awake’ look you can barely recall.
£45, rodial.co.uk

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 
After giving birth (especially if painkillers or anaesthetic such as epidural was used), skin is extra sensitive – so opt for a non-irritating PH-neutral cleanser. Cetaphil is cheap, cheerful and a must-have for any new mum’s beauty cupboard.
£7.99; boots.com

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
An oldie but a goodie – Beauty Flash Balm is a classic moisturiser for picking up tired, stressed skin and adding a ‘lit from within’ radiance. Wear on its own for a dewy glow – even if you don’t have time for anything else.
£29; clarins.co.uk

REN Rose Otto Oil
This one’s a treat for battered post-pregnancy bodies, with a hit of Rose Otto, Rosa Damascena, omega and Argan oils to target stretch marks and dry, uneven skin. Slather it on just after a shower or bath when the skin is still damp, for more effective absorption.
£34; renskincare.com

Burberry Fresh Glow B.B. Cream SPF 20
New in from Burberry Beauty, this is a luxurious all-rounder with skin enhancing and SPF properties, plus a sheer dewy finish. Perfect for the time-poor, this will protect skin as it perfects it, making skin look like a better, more-rested version of itself.
£30; uk.burberry.com

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
A cult classic with make-up artists in particular, this creamy, densely pigmented concealer covers just about anything – from dark circles to broken capilleries and spots – and leaves a brighter, more luminous finish in place of whatever ails you.
£22; narscosmetics.co.uk

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
Once pregnancy hormones stop (and breastfeeding begins), hair can become brittle and less abundant. This famous pre-wash treatment from hair doctor Philip Kingsley will completely nourish stressed locks – leaving them almost as bouncy and shiny as your ‘pregnant hair’ was.
£28; philipkingsley.co.uk

Lambert’s Fish Oil
Beauty is as much or more about the internal health as it is about the external. If you’re not already taking a quality fish oil every day, add one in and watch the radiance and moisture return to your dry, stressed-out skin. This one’s particularly good and ethically sourced.
From £10.40; lambertshealthcare.co.uk

Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Stick
Great for on-the-go mums, these genius lip gloss sticks from Pur Minerals are a proper handbag must-have. Easily applied without a mirror (even one-handed), they’re full of natural emollients to soften and add a touch of colour in four flattering lip-like shades.
£16; marksandspencer.com