As a mum with two kids, I don’t have time for 10-step skincare routine. But these quick beauty habits keep me feeling human.

I’ve never been the kind of person who has the patience—or the uninterrupted time—for a 10-step skincare routine. Between juggling early-morning lunch prep, racing to virtual meetings for my consulting work, and making sure my kids remember to feed our dog, there’s very little space in my day to devote to elaborate rituals.

Yet, I do want to take care of my skin and appearance because it helps me feel a sense of normalcy. Sometimes, just looking a bit more put-together can shift my mood. And I’ve discovered that a few targeted habits can make a world of difference.

I started comparing notes with some friends on Instagram, and I noticed plenty of other busy parents have turned to shortcuts, too. We’re not ignoring our self-care—on the contrary, we’re focusing on what truly matters and cutting out what doesn’t.

It’s a philosophy I’ve tried to bring into my work and personal life: find the essentials, make them work for you, and don’t sweat the rest.

Why simpler skincare works for me

I remember a time when skincare felt like a long, drawn-out process. Back in college, I would test product after product, layering toners, serums, essences, moisturizers, and face masks, thinking each one was the missing puzzle piece for perfect skin.

A few years ago, I realized that while it was fun to experiment, all those steps weren’t exactly sustainable in my current lifestyle.

So these days, I’m all about simplicity, and it’s largely because I understand my own limits. I think of this in the same way that I structure my work. When I advise startups on behavioral strategy, I remind them not to overwhelm their customers with too many choices.

The same principle applies here: when I have too many steps in a routine, I’m more likely to skip them altogether. But if I keep it simple—just a few core steps—I actually follow through.

I also like to streamline how I choose products. Ideally, they should work quickly, be easy to apply, and offer a combination of benefits. I stay away from products that promise too many miracles but require complicated usage.

Instead, I look for the tried-and-true or dermatologist-backed options that align well with my skin’s needs. There’s a sense of mental relief in not having to chase every new release.

Finding products that multitask

Being an entrepreneur has taught me a lot about efficiency. That same mindset applies to picking skincare products. Why use two different moisturizers if a single one can deliver the same results?

I have one moisturizer that contains SPF, and that alone saves me an extra step. I don’t need a separate sunscreen for my everyday routine unless I’m spending all day outside. It’s a small tweak, but eliminating even one step makes a difference when I’m rushing in the morning.

I’ve found that an effective cleanser (which I also use as a gentle makeup remover in the evening) and a moisturizer with SPF can be enough to keep my skin feeling comfortable throughout most of the day.

I’ll also keep a simple serum on hand for the occasional extra boost. And that’s pretty much it for the basics. With just a handful of products, I’m able to maintain a decent regimen that doesn’t clog up my schedule.

Sometimes, I feel the pressure to keep up with the latest skincare trends. I see glowing reviews of new serums on Twitter or watch a short video about a fancy mask everyone’s raving about.

But I remind myself that I can always try new products in moderation. Multitasking formulas often exist precisely for people like me who just don’t have a lot of time. If one good product can cover multiple concerns, I consider that a win.

Small pockets of self-care

I used to believe self-care required scheduling a spa day or carving out a dedicated hour for a face mask, a bubble bath, and a relaxing playlist. While that all sounds fantastic, it’s not exactly realistic day after day. My routine has transformed into stealing quick moments rather than setting aside long blocks of time.

Here’s a personal example: sometimes, I’ll do a quick face massage with my moisturizer in the morning. We’re talking maybe 30 seconds, but it wakes me up and gets the blood flowing.

Other times, I’ll put on my serum right after I brush my teeth at night. It feels like a small gesture, but it’s enough to remind me that I’m taking care of my skin. These tiny acts don’t require a huge chunk of my evening, and they still make me feel better.

I’ve also found that little self-care routines extend to my mental well-being. While applying moisturizer, for instance, I’ll take a few deep breaths, reset my posture, and silently thank my body for getting me through the day

. It might sound a bit cheesy, but combining functional tasks with mindfulness can help me stay present. If you’re a busy parent or simply short on time, try linking your self-care to habits you already have in place, like brushing your teeth or doing your nightly reading.

This concept is often referred to as “habit stacking,” a popular idea from James Clear and also discussed in places like Farnam Street. It’s one of the easiest ways to create routines that actually stick.

Mindset matters too

I’ve always been fascinated by how mindset affects our behavior—probably thanks to my background in behavioral science. Even in something as seemingly small as a skincare routine, how we think about it can either motivate us or make us feel guilty for not doing enough.

There’s a quote I recall from Adam Grant about focusing on “progress over perfection,” and that perspective has helped me immensely. Trying to aim for a flawless, multi-step routine often left me feeling inadequate when I inevitably skipped something. But if I see it as “doing what I can, consistently,” I’m happier with what I manage to accomplish.

There’s also the confidence factor. When we present ourselves in a way that makes us feel good, we’re more likely to show up with a positive attitude—even if it’s just for a casual Zoom meeting or the weekly grocery run.

It reminds me of the concept of “enclothed cognition” I once read about in Psychology Today, where what we wear or how we groom ourselves can directly affect our mental state.

If you feel your best in minimal makeup and a clean face, that’s great. If you prefer a bright lipstick or a quick mascara application to perk you up, that’s good too. The key is doing what works for you.

Part of mindset work is also letting go of any lingering guilt. I used to feel pressured by Instagram’s portrayal of perfect “me time,” with bath bombs and the soft glow of a dozen candles. Now, I remind myself: just because I can’t spend a full hour on my skincare doesn’t mean I’m missing out. My quick routine still gives me a sense of personal care and confidence.

Making it doable day after day

If something’s not doable, I’m probably not going to keep it up. That’s true for everything from my exercise routine to how I schedule work calls.

The same principle applies to beauty habits. My routine has to fit into the natural flow of my mornings and evenings. Otherwise, it becomes a dreaded chore or an extra item that I keep bumping to the next day’s to-do list.

I’m a big believer in the idea that creating structure around your habits makes them easier to maintain. Simon Sinek once said, “Consistency is more important than intensity,” and that resonates with me.

Doing a full-fledged facial treatment once in a blue moon is less impactful than maintaining a simpler, more manageable practice every day. By structuring my routine around, say, bedtime or a morning coffee break, I’m ensuring it doesn’t slip through the cracks.

Practicality also comes from making sure your skincare stash is accessible and well-organized. In my bathroom, I keep only the essentials right in front of me, so I’m not rummaging through drawers when I’m half-awake.

Sometimes, a well-placed sticky note on the mirror (like “don’t forget your serum!”) helps me remember the steps I often skip. It’s these tiny nudges—similar to the concept of “nudging” in behavioral economics—that make it easier to stick to habits.

Moving forward

Life is rarely predictable, especially when you have kids. We can’t always guarantee a relaxing morning or a peaceful evening routine. But that doesn’t mean we have to abandon taking care of ourselves.

A simple, consistent approach to skincare can keep us grounded and remind us that self-care isn’t about having endless free time—it’s about making the best of the time we do have.

I hope this helps you rethink your own approach to looking after your skin, even on the busiest days. If something in your routine feels like a burden, consider simplifying it.

Look for products that save you steps, find small pockets of time you can devote to feeling good, and remember that caring for yourself mentally is just as important as caring for your skin.

When you keep it manageable and focus on what really matters, you might be surprised at how easily it fits into your life.