Efficiency is KEY: 6 brilliant beauty hacks for busy mums on the go

So you can stack the dishwasher with one hand whilst juggling hot pans with the other; find the best value nappies in the county and have sale-shopped so smartly you can clothe the child until they hit college.  

Phew! Being a mum calls for five-star efficiency, so here are a few corner-cutting beauty hacks to look fab, fast. 1) BB (Beauty Balm) cream is a genius invention that combines moisturiser, SPF, colour and coverage for an even skin tone in five seconds flat. Just rub it on; no sponges; no brushes; no problem. 2) Double-duty products save time and money. From chubby crayons to pigment-rich crèmes, most brands offer multifunctional cosmetics designed for eyes, cheeks and lips. 3) If you look like a boiled egg without make-up, do a quick coat of mascara and then use the almost clean wand to lightly brush your brows. Voila! Instant features. 4) Use a nude or pink lip liner to colour in your whole lip area and the colour will stay all day, even if your lipstick disappears after your first coffee. 5) Mornings can be chaotic, so shower at night. Body lotion can sink in; your hair will be done and all you’ll need is a quick spruce. If you plait your hair when it’s still a bit damp you’ll get that fashionably wavy look the next morning; no wrestling with hot irons required. 6) Lastly, it’s worth spending a little money on beauty hacks that last, and you just can’t beat a really good haircut. A great cut falls into place by itself no matter what length your hair is and is well worth the money.