Julie Williams

Julie Williams

As a pharmacist and a mum, I spend my days helping people choose products that actually work… but I also know what it’s like to juggle everyone’s needs and put yourself last. My skincare routine has to be simple enough to do when I’m rushing to get the kids to school, but effective enough to deliver results.

At 39, I’ve refined my routine down to a few key steps that are both evidence-based and realistic for a busy parent’s life.

The Core of My Routine

Morning – Protect & Prepare

Even on mornings when we’re running late, I make time for these steps:

  • Cleanse: A gentle cleanser to prep my skin without stripping it.

  • Boost Lab Vitamin C Serum: Antioxidants are crucial for protecting skin from oxidative stress and supporting collagen production (Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology).

  • Olay Collagen Peptide24 Serum: Peptides are well studied for their role in stimulating collagen and improving firmness.

  • Olay Collagen Peptide24 Moisturiser with SPF: I love that this hydrates while also providing daily sun protection – arguably the single most important anti-ageing step anyone can take (Cancer Council Australia).

Evening — Repair & Renew

Once the kids are in bed, this is my mini wind-down ritual:

  • Cleanse: Removing makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s grime is essential.

  • Olay Retinol 24 Serum: Retinol remains the gold standard for improving fine lines, skin texture, and cell turnover (Dermatologic Therapy).

  • Moisturiser: Just a light layer if my skin feels dry after retinol.

I don’t currently use an eye cream – mainly because I don’t feel I need one right now. (Full disclosure: I do have Botox around the eyes, which definitely helps!)

The Inside-Out Step: Collagen

Topicals only go so far, which is why I also take Bioglan Marine Collagen – four capsules daily for maximum benefit (Nutrients Journal). I’m great with the morning dose, but evenings used to be hit-and-miss.

That small frustration actually became a turning point for me. As a pharmacist, I’d seen countless patients struggle to remember their evening medications or supplements, and for them, the consequences were far more serious than just missing a beauty capsule.

That’s part of where the idea for CueDose came from. I wanted something that didn’t just organise tablets, but gently nudged you when you needed it – especially in the evening, when routines are less structured. Now, my CueDose reminds me when it’s time to take collagen, but more importantly, it’s helping people across the pharmacy community stick to their health routines, whether that’s supplements, prescriptions, or antibiotics.

3 Quick Tips for Mums on the Go

  1. Keep your SPF by the door
     So you never “forget” as you dash out. Apply to your face, neck, and hands before school run.
  2. Double up night cream as a hand cream
     Any leftover moisturiser can be rubbed into hands and cuticles before bed.
  3. Set reminders for supplements
     Use alarms or smart tools like CueDose to stay consistent – consistency is key for results.

My Skincare Philosophy

I don’t believe in 10-step routines or chasing every new launch. What matters is:

  • Evidence-backed ingredients – peptides, retinol, vitamin C, SPF, collagen

  • Consistency – doing the basics every day

  • Lifestyle foundations – sleep, diet, stress, hydration, and of course daily sun protection

For me, skincare is not about perfection, it’s about supporting my skin’s health so I feel confident moving into my 40s with a routine I know is grounded in science, and one I can actually keep up with.

What about you? Which step do you find hardest to stick to – and which one makes the biggest difference for your skin? I’d love to hear your busy-mum hacks for fitting self-care into an already packed day.

References

  1. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(7), S9–S12.

  2. Berson, D., et al. (2019). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Dermatologic Therapy, 32(5), e12942.

  3. Proksch, E., et al. (2019). Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Nutrients, 11(10), 2494.

  4. Cancer Council Australia. Sun protection and skin cancer prevention guidelines.

Author Bio

Julie Williams is a pharmacist, mum, and founder of CueDose — a smart medication organiser designed to make health routines simple and stress-free. She’s passionate about evidence-based wellness and helping parents feel confident in their self-care.