Rediscovering You — Dominique Sensabaugh

“Rediscovering You” —Finding your sexy after MOTHERHOOD

Beautiful Photos by Lavish Moments Photography

After I had Marri, the last thing I thought about was how to maintain my sexy. I barely even showered regularly let alone had time for self-care. In fact, I was lucky to be able to get my nails done once a month! This was a huge transition because I am an advocate for taking care of the essentials; skin, hair and makeup. When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you do good. During my recent sit down with my close friend and beauty guru, Nicole Gilchrist, I was able to learn from one of the most glamorous #girlbosses in my circle. I am in awe at how Nicole is able to be an amazing wife and mommy and still maintain her flawless glam. During our interview, she gave me the rundown on how she slays and serves.

DS: I’m sure you have had to make sacrifices to your glam routine when you became a mother. What advice do you have for Mamas who want to look amazing but, are struggling to carve our me-time?

NG: When you become a mom, you lose time because baby becomes a priority and takes up most of your (time) and attention. Essentially you have to train yourself to wake up earlier, to stay awake when your child naps during the day or to stay up later at night just to have time for self- care and/or glam. For me, I started wearing less makeup on a regular basis and began to cater to my skin so I’d feel more confident wearing less or nothing at all.

Beautiful Photo by Lavish Moments Photography

DS: What are some of your favorite beauty tips and tricks?

NICOLE’S BEAUTY TIPS

• Using one eyeshadow and blending it out with setting powder will give your eyes depth and make them look more awake and open.

• Using one product on several areas I.e- using blush on the cheeks and for eyeshadow, using a highlight shade to highlight your inner corners, cheekbones, “cupid’s bow” and brow bones. Bronzer can be used for its normal use as well as eyeshadow. And the same thing for lipstick, you can use red lipstick as a color corrector for dark circles before applying foundation and still wear it as a lipstick.

• Mixing oil and a wee bit of shimmer and rubbing it all over your body, (except face because it’s too sensitive) legs, arms, back etc will make your skin look luminous, healthy and glowy. • Curling your lashes will make your eyes look more awake.

• A 10 min hydrating face mask is like giving your skin a tall glass of water!

• Exfoliating your lips will make your lipstick appear smoother. • Brushing your brows make your brows look well groomed.

NG: Here are some product combinations for a mommy with no time, women on the go or a pretty glam for the gym.

• Concealer + bronzer + highlight + curl your lashes + lip balm • Tinted moisturizer + blush + gloss,

• Mascara + highlight + lip gloss

• Curl your lashes + shimmer gloss

• False lashes + blush + lip stain + highlight • Brows + bronzer +blush +lip balm

DS: What about the days when I don’t feel as rested and wonderful, mentally & physically?

NG: Now, I don’t want you to get confused with my message because beauty is in the eye of the beholder and makeup doesn’t make you but, looking beautiful starts with feeling beautiful. Applying makeup and enjoying beauty products will only enhance what you already have!

DS: How do you find the time to balance baby and beauty?

NG: Since I’m a makeup artist, I can do my own makeup. When I have a special occasion coming up, I plan in advance what Sophia and Skylar will be doing during the time I need to glam. I give myself two hours for hair and makeup. And I’ve learned a tough lesson! My daughter loves makeup just as much as I do so she will play in my products and my setting powder will be thrown down the hallway somewhere if I’m not paying attention. So, I’ve learned to glam when she naps. Even if the event I’m attending is not until hours later. I’ve learned to be ok with touch-ups. If you own quality products then your makeup will have longevity anyway. So a touch-up could as simple as setting powder and lipgloss.

DS: What is your best beauty & makeup secret?

NG: A flawless face comes from having a regimented cleansing routine at night and NEVER sleeping in my makeup. That habit will clog up pores and give you wrinkles! I believe that great skin will yield an awesome canvas for makeup application. After all your makeup will only be as good as your canvas (your skin).

As a mom, you’ll always be one nap away from tired but, if you look amazing then you will feel amazing! And— a happy wife is a happy life.

I learned early as mother you will almost always feel tired but, finding that balance and taking the time for self care is essential. Feeling and looking your best will only uplift you and make you feel powerful and confident. Why not be the best version of you? 💋-Nicole Gilchrist

Follow Nicole on her Glam Nicole Youtube Channel or Instagram for more beauty & technique tips, fashion tips, and overall glam inspiration.

Edited by Joy Davis