It’s made for your baby—but turns out it can also work magic on you.
I like to joke that my baby is my human shield, bravely protecting me in public from any potential judgment about my worn-out leggings, frizzy hair and general unkempt appearance.
Oh, she’s a mom, I imagine people thinking as we roll past them on the sidewalk, my gross scrunchie barely containing my fly-aways. That explains it.
Meanwhile, my baby is dressed like a Gap model, with flawless skin, rosy cheeks and the cutest matching booties and hat. For some reason, I’ve always been willing to indulge in the very best outfits, lotions, balms and accessories—it’s just that they’re always for the baby, not me.
Well, good news. Many of those same products you lovingly apply to your kid morning and night can actually be used as health and beauty products for yourself. Yes, you, an actual person who deserves some pampering (even if it comes from the Pampers aisle). After all, you share bodily fluids and bathroom trips, and you have zero time, so why not share a little baby balm?
Here are six double-duty beauty products to borrow from your kid:
1. Hello Bello Everywhere Balm
Photo: Hello Bello
More like everyone balm. This soothing, fragrance free balm from Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard’s baby line can be used on kids and adults. It’s a great option for treating cradle cap, chafing and sore bums on babies, but on adults it can be used as a lip balm, under the eyes, as a highlighter on the cheekbones, to soften cuticles, and even to tame frizz and flyaways. $9, indigo.ca
2. Live Clean Baby Soothing Oatmeal Relief Non-Petroleum Jelly
Photo: Live Clean
Any baby jelly or moisture stick can double as a lip balm, but the soothing oatmeal in this one is great for dry lips. Plus, it goes on glossy! You’re basically a runway model if you use it (just don’t double dip if you’re also applying it to your baby’s butt). $9, well.ca
3. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Photo: Johnson & Johnson
The same gentle formula you trust to clean your baby is also a fan-favourite beauty hack for cleaning makeup brushes. Baby shampoo gets rid of the dirt and oil in the bristles without drying them out. Just lather and rinse! $6, walmart.ca
4. Aveeno Baby Daily Lotion
Photo: Aveeno
It’s gentle enough for newborns—and your own parched body and face. This fragrance-free moisturizer can be used wherever you need some TLC. Its light formula means you can dab it on your face for a little glow after another sleepless night. $7, well.ca
5. Ombrelle Kids Wet’n Protect SPF 60
Photo: Garnier
Even if parenting doesn’t age you, the sun definitely will. A good sunscreen is your best beauty ally, and chances are you already have one kicking around in your diaper bag. This kids sunscreen has a high SPF, is fragrance-free and it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts, so slather it on. It’s also less expensive than many high-end facial sunscreens. $19, shoppersdrugmart.ca
6. Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes
Photo: Pampers
Baby wipes are the Swiss Army knife of personal care. You probably already rely on wipes as a replacement for showering some days, but you can also use them to remove eye makeup. (Even though the package says not to use near your eyes, dermatologists say the ingredients are safe.) They are also handy for rubbing excess hair dye off your forehead after colour treatments. Keep a perfume-free pack by the toilet for a little freshening up after a big sneeze (IYKYK). $15 for six poptops, amazon.ca
