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It’s been far too long since we’ve had a chance to chat. But I have a good excuse — a great one, in fact. My son Marshall was born in late September and I’ve been on mommy duty ever since. Needless to say, I’ve been a busy bee and he’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on (scroll down for a pic). I miss spending every second with him, but it’s great to be back.

It’s funny how much my relationship with beauty has changed since having a baby. For one, I’m much more forgiving of my body. Yes, it’s a little softer, but look what it can do! And before, on any given day, I might ponder which shadow color I was “feeling,” whether to go for a dewy or matte face, and if the day warranted bothering with extra touches like highlighter. Since becoming a mom, it’s a get-done-and-get-out-the-door situation. If I have time to slick concealer on the bags under my eyes and some blush on my cheeks, I consider myself lucky.

The skin-care routine has become spotty at best. I try to use my Clarisonic every night, but too often, it doesn’t happen. My Dr. Dennis Gross EZ4U cleansing towelettes see a lot more action than actual soap and water does these days. The good news is, I have a lot less time to focus on my imperfections and the little man doesn’t give a hoot what I look like (or if I get any sleep, but that’s another story…). Although, I’m guessing his daddy might, so I try to maintain some semblance of attractiveness when at all possible. Here are some of my go-to products in these early days of mommyhood:

• It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye (a must)

• Josie Maran’s Argan Color Stick in Rosey or tarte’s Cheek Stain in Flush (I’ll use Bare Escentuals Foundation and It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush in Pretty in Peony if I have a few extra seconds to use a makeup brush)

• It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara

• Whatever bareMinerals gloss or tarte 24.7 Lip Sheer happens to be in my purse at the moment

• bliss lemon + sage body butter to soothe my over-washed hands (I also really need to order some L’Occitane shea!)

• WEN Replenishing Treatment Mist to revive my days-unwashed hair

But enough about me. When I returned to work, I noticed a few questions for me posted on previous entries. Apologies for not being able to respond in a more timely manner, but hopefully you’ll forgive me. Here are my answers (better late than never, right?):

Shawnie asked: Vanessa, I currently use Dr. Denese's Facial Firming Pads. Can you tell me how [Dr. Dennis Gross’] Today’s Special Value compares? Are her pads Dr. Gross' Step One Packet?

Both products are essentially designed to do the same thing for your skin: exfoliate, boost radiance, minimize the look of pores, and create a more youthful appearance. Both can be used daily if your skin can tolerate it, and both are at-home versions of peels used by the doctors in their practices. Both Facial Firming Pads and Dr. Gross’ Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel Step 1 packet contain the AHA glycolic acid, but if you compare the complete ingredient lists, they are in fact different products. For example, only Dr. Gross’ pads contain salicylic acid. My advice would be to try Dr. Gross’ Alpha-Beta Peel if you haven’t already to see which works best for you. With our generous return policy, you can always send them back if you’re not satisfied.

Willma asked: Does the PaloVia laser work on the forehead; especially the deep squint groove between my eyes?

The PaloVia laser has only been clinically tested and FDA-cleared to treat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around and under the eye area. But you can read the customer reviews to see how others are using it here.

Keep the questions coming! And if you have any tips for this new mama, I’m all ears (eyes?).

My cutie pie, Marshall Henry