It happens to the best of us. As teens and young adults, we take pride in the way we look. We spend hours on our hair, make-up and clothes. We get married, have a few kids and it isn’t until years later, when we catch a glimpse in the mirror, that we realize that we barely recognize the woman we have become.

Women wake up one morning after they have cared for their children and brought them to a more independent stage and all of a sudden they realize they need a pick-me-up, says Dr. Anna Guanche, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in California. Guanche says that sadly many of her clients come in and start having procedures done, taking care of their skin, and exercising … post-divorce.

“I have always felt that women should take care of themselves consistently whether they are a new mom, a newlywed, or a long-term wife,” says Guanche. “Women who take care of themselves feel better, act better and are empowered. Women who put themselves on the back burner will find that other people are more likely to take them for granted.”

You don’t need plastic surgery or a major overhaul, the biggest changes happen when you implement little changes consistently over time. Below are some tips to help you get started on a mini make-over and a new and improved you.

Skin and Nails

Always wash your face before bed. “I am always surprised that women go to bed with mascara on because they are too exhausted to wash it off. Then they want a good eye cream to get rid of wrinkles and under-eye circles,” says Guanche. “Makeup is an irritant, so the eyes constantly get swollen and skin stretches, causing lines. Many nights of sleep with make-up on do a disservice to the face.”

Pick a moisturizer with a sunscreen. Guanche says that using a moisturizer with sunscreen on the face, neck, upper chest and hands every morning can make a big difference in helping to keep away “crinkly neck and brown spots.”

Don’t forget your nails. Keep your nails looking nice (and don’t forget your toes). Tammy Nordahl, a local beautician, says that the best time to care for them is after a bath. “Use an orangewood stick to push back the cuticles on your fingers and your toes. It will be easier because they will be soft.

Hair

The right color does wonders. When highlighting your hair, go two shades lighter than your hair color. “Not only will this brighten your face,” says Nordahl, “it will help grays blend better and can buy you more time in between color.” Nordahl says that you can also buy time by using shampoos and conditioners made for color-treated hair.

Take care of over-processed hair. If your hair is dry, brittle and over-processed, add a leave-in conditioner to your daily routine, says Nordahl. But don’t forgo your normal after shampoo conditioner; you will still need to do that.

Take extra care with wet hair. When hair is wet it is easily damaged. Nordahl says to use a wide-tooth comb and start detangling at the bottom, working your way up the hair shaft. “If you start at the top and work your way down, you will end up ripping your hair and the knots and tangles won’t come out, they will just be pushed into lower knots and tangle up even more.”

Make-up

A make-up routine can be as fast as brushing your teeth. If you don’t have time for full make-up with foundation, go for a tinted moisturizer with SPF or mineral make-up, says
New York beauty guru and author Wendy Lewis. “In one application, you get color, skin protection and a natural glow that brings you back to life.

There are three steps to brighter eyes. Everyone has time for a one-coat mascara like the new spinning wands made by Estée Lauder and Lancôme, says Lewis. “One coat and your lashes will curl and stand at attention,” says Lewis. “Define your eyes with a smudgy neutral pencil and, if time permits, a clean sweep of neutral shadow on your lids adds some glamour. These three steps and you are good to go.

Don’t forget the brow. Lewis says that you should get a brow-shaping professionally done. “It takes 10 minutes and you will have a lesson so you can do it yourself at home. Brows get straggly in 3-6 weeks, so this is maintenance. Buy yourself a brow-shaping kit (match the color to your hair color) and use short strokes to fill in where you need it. It opens up your eyes and is like a faux eye job.

Clothes

Just because no one sees it doesn’t make it less important. Sexy panties and bras go a long way in making a woman feel good about herself, says Nordahl. Never feel you are too old or overweight to treat yourself to something lacey.

Camouflage with clothes. “If your bottom is your problem, stick with darker tones of black, navy, brown charcoal and dark denim jeans,” says Lewis. “Clothes that fit are infinitely more flattering. Styles to avoid – skinny jeans and leggings, thin or short tees and tops that show every bulge; baggy jeans and loose sweats that make your bottom look much bigger. And, if you need a quick lift, get a great fitting bra with support.”

Make the most of your assets. Got great legs? Show them off with a mini-skirt. Have a sexy décolleté? Accent it with v-necks and u-shaped tops. Toned arms? Go sleeveless. “Make the most of all your assets and minimize flaws,” says Lewis. “That will make every mom feel like her sexy self again.”