As a busy mum of two and a beauty content creator, my days are a constant whirlwind of filming, editing, and managing the beautiful chaos of family life. While I’ve transitioned away from working as a professional Makeup Artist for other people, the lessons I learned during those long years on the “front lines” of the beauty industry stay with me every day. If you’ve ever worked in a salon, on a film set, or at a bridal booking, you know the physical toll it takes. You’re standing for eight, ten, sometimes twelve hours at a time, often on hard concrete floors, hunched over a makeup chair with total focus.
I remember those days vividly, the thrill of the transformation, but the absolute agony in my feet by the time I got home. Now that I’m focused on creating content from my own studio and keeping up with two energetic kids, I’ve taken those professional “survival tips” and applied them to my life as a mum. One of the most important things I learned was that you can’t produce your best work if you’re in physical pain. I recently came across a fantastic guide on choosing the right shoe inserts for all-day support and it instantly reminded me of the gear I wish I’d had back in my pro MUA days.
From the Studio to the School Run
Back when I was a working MUA, I used to prioritise style over everything else. I’d wear flat, unsupportive shoes because they looked the part, only to end the day with throbbing arches. Now, I know better. Whether I’m standing in front of a ring light filming a tutorial or chasing a toddler through the supermarket, I rely on high-quality shoe inserts to keep my alignment in check. The fatigue that starts in your feet quickly travels to your lower back and neck, areas that are already under stress when you’re a parent or a creator.
Incorporating shoe inserts into my daily footwear has been a total game-changer for my energy levels. When you eliminate that constant, nagging foot discomfort, you suddenly find you have more mental bandwidth for creativity. I’ve realised that beauty isn’t just about the products we put on our skin; it’s about how we support our bodies so we can show up as our best selves. It’s the ultimate “internal” beauty hack.
The Pro Secret No One Tells You
When people ask me for advice on starting a career in the beauty industry, they expect me to talk about blending techniques or kit organisation. Instead, I always tell them to invest in their shoes. If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to stop ignoring the aches and start using specialised shoe inserts immediately. It prevents the long-term wear and tear on your joints that comes from a career spent on your feet.
Even though I’m no longer working on clients, my “content creator” life is just as demanding. I’m constantly hopping up and down to check camera angles, moving heavy lighting equipment, and spending hours at a standing desk. I’ve made it a rule that any shoe I wear for work must be fitted with supportive shoe inserts. It makes my sneakers feel like a customised piece of equipment, allowing me to focus on my eyeliner wing rather than my aching heels.
Beauty and Lifestyle Resources:
- For professional-grade product reviews, Cult Beauty’s Blog is my constant source of information.
- I still look to British Vogue to keep my finger on the pulse of high-fashion trends.
- For the most detailed ingredient breakdowns and swatches, Temptalia remains the gold standard.
A Foundation for Everything
In the beauty world, we talk endlessly about the importance of a good primer to make your foundation last. Think of your foot health as the “primer” for your entire day. By taking a few minutes to ensure your footwear is correctly fitted with the right shoe inserts, you’re setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re a former pro like me or a busy parent just trying to get through the daily grind, don’t underestimate the power of a solid foundation.
Taking care of your body is the most sustainable beauty routine you can have. My time as an MUA taught me that while we can use makeup to cover the signs of tiredness, nothing beats the glow that comes from actually feeling good. I hope these reflections from my professional past help you find a bit more comfort in your present, ensuring you have the energy to pursue whatever passions keep you on your feet!
