By CYNTHIA MORRISON EIKE
Visage Designs by Cynthia, LLC

As kids grow up and head off to school, many moms are returning to the workforce. Transitioning your beauty routine from “stay-at-home mom” to “working mom” can be a snap with these tips.

■ Improve your skin and save time by washing your face every night with multipurpose face cloths. Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths ($7) regenerates skin’s surface at the cellular level as you cleanse. It gently removes dirt, oil and makeup -even waterproof eye makeup. Just wipe away the day’s grime and follow with your nightly skin treatment. Simplify your morning routine by using a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($7.50) in the shower. Its convenient pump dispenses just the right amount of lightly foaming cleanser to wash away nightly skin renewal residue without over drying.

■ Prep your skin for makeup with a multipurpose moisturizer that serves as a light coverage foundation while protecting from harmful UV rays. Pur Minerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($34) can be used alone for a one-step, ultra-natural complexion, or as a hydrating, broad-spectrum base for makeup application.

■ Keep makeup light and fresh for daytime work. After foundation, smooth on a cream based, multipurpose face stick like NYX Stick Blush in Hibiscus ($6) over apples of cheeks, onto lips and lightly into the crease of the eyelid. Follow with a light dusting of translucent powder like Almay Nearly Naked Loose Powder in your shade ($11), brush on a shimmery champagne eyeshadow like Maybelline Champagne Fizz ($4), dark brown eyeliner like Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Eyeliner in Bold Brown ($8) on upper lids and two coats of black mascara like Lancôme Definicils in Black ($26). Finish your look with a lip balm that doubles as a lip color like Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie ($7.50) if you like more lipcolor.

■ Keep hair neat and professional with a light spray of dry shampoo at the root between shampoos, like Pssssst Instant Dry Shampoo Spray ($6) and a silicone hair band tied into a low ponytail for long hair or a thin head band for shorter hair. Keeping hair neatly off the face gives a fresh, professional look and frees you from upkeep to remain focused on your work.

■ Keep your work wardrobe simple by choosing different colored tops and interesting accessories to pair with sharp, well-fitting suits. Wear pieces together or separately to maximize combinations through the week. Try wearing slacks from your pant suit with a shell and a contrasting cardigan instead of the matching jacket. Change up your jacket by draping a color-coordinating scarf around the collar and keeping it unbuttoned.

Cynthia has been a makeup artist for more than 25 years. She provides consulting and makeup application services through Visage Designs by Cynthia. Contact her at visagedesigns@gmail.com or at 770-331-9957.