Having perfectly-polished fingernails is the last thing on most working moms’ minds. But soap opera diva Lisa Rinna, who’s returning with Joey Fatone for her second year as pre-show host for the 60th Primetime Emmy awards says that moms should go ahead and splurge on themselves every once in awhile.

Mother to Amelia Gray and Delilah Belle, Lisa knows all about the struggle to balance motherhood with career—throwing glamour in the mix often isn’t even a thought. “It’s not easy being a working mom—you have to be able to juggle, and I always feel a sense of guilt because I can’t be two people at once.”

In fact, Lisa had to take a few breaks from our interview to help her kids out. (“They’re having a video game meltdown,” she explained.) Now that the girls are 7 and 10, Lisa says she actually learns quite a bit from them when it comes to fashion.

“Delilah is really creative, and has always had a real sense of style naturally—and now she’s getting big enough to start pulling from my closet. I’m going to have to put a lock on the door!” she says. “Amelia has a different sense of style than Delilah, but I try to encourage creativity each and every time they put something on.” The girls are always thrilled to play dress up at Belle Gray, their mom’s boutique in Sherman Oaks, California. “Coming from this family, you have a sense of fashion whether want to or not—it’s in your DNA!” Lisa says.

When it comes to fellow celebrity moms, Lisa says her fashion icons are Cindy Crawford (“she’s a fantastic businesswoman and mother”) Jaclyn Smith, Meryl Streep, Annette Benning, Goldie Hawn (“she’s a great mom—you can tell by how her kids turned out!”), and Angelia Jolie. She confesses that she’s really just a “jeans and t-shirt” girl at heart, and that she’s as “far from a glamour girl as you can get.” It’s easy for her to get dolled up and be a diva to pay the bills, but, she admits, being a working mom is the hardest thing in the world.

“Being a mom is humbling, amazing, and blissful…it’s definitely not glamorous,” she says. “I applaud all working moms, and I’m honored to call myself one. I struggle with it daily, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. We’re all doing the best we can, and that’s all you can do.”

Lisa has some great tips on how to make it look like you’re ready for a stroll down the red carpet even without a celebrity budget. You can make an appointment with your favorite hairdresser for a fabulous updo in preparation for a girl friend’s wedding or date night with your hubby. You could always stop by a department store for a free makeover at the makeup counter (just don’t forget to buy a lipstick or eyeliner!), or use your lunch break to pamper yourself with a mani/pedi at that salon around the corner from the office.

“These are luxuries that most women have never given themselves…but it’s so easy to do,” Lisa says.

Enjoy healthy meals and lots of water, and try to find some time to invest at the gym, to really glow and feel confident for that special evening. “Moms can take all the tricks that I do and just apply it to their lives when there’s a special event coming up,” Lisa says. “It’s that kind of stuff that takes you to the next level and makes you feel red-carpet-ready.”

Sometimes, it’s simply changing out of your “mom clothes” that makes all the difference. You can’t don the same jeans and tee you wore to the grocery store, bank, and dry cleaners during the day out on a date with your husband that night. “It just doesn’t work,” Lisa says. “You have to be able to dress up and feel good.” She urges moms to invest in just a few pieces to boost your self-confidence, whether it’s the perfect pair of jeans, a cute top, or a little black dress. Don’t forget about accessories—sometimes throwing on a cashmere shawl, a stylish pair of sunglasses, or toting an awesome bag is all it takes to look like a movie star.

Most moms may not have a celebrity budget to work with, but retailers like Target are perfect for picking up trendy pieces at a price that won’t drain your bank account. Lisa is currently in love with the Lia Sophia line of costume jewelry. “It’s a great way to bling it up,” she says. “It doesn’t cost a fortune, yet it’s not so cheap that it looks…cheap!” Cubic Zirconia diamonds are always beautiful, and will make any mother sparkle.

“It’s about taking the time to give yourself that gift…and making yourself feel extra special,” she says.