Good morning lovelies! The minute I got pregnant I started second guessing every beauty product in my regime and was very aware of all of the pricey products that caught my attention that promised me the world (no stretch marks, toned thighs blah blah blah). Instead of panic buying products, I asked all of my friends who had done all this before for their recommendations and I’ve found some truly incredible products. Now, pregnancy is tricky as everyone has different skin types and different experiences but here’s what’s working for me. Firstly, if you are pregnant right now, just know, you’re smashing it regardless of whether you have super thick pregnancy hair or 567 stretch marks. If you’re not pregnant, bookmark this post and pop some awesome products in a hamper for your pregnant friends.
This Works – Lavender Sleep Spray
If you had told me a year ago that I would be spraying a pricey sleep spray on my even pricier pregnancy pillow every night, I would have laughed. A LOT. However, this is exactly what I do each night. Funny story, it was actually my other half that ordered this and when I say ordered it, he Amazon primed it, as in it was a same day emergency buy after having to sleep in the spare room due to my pregnancy snoring issues. Sexy. Intrigued that any man would spend £18 on a sleep spray, I spritzed a bit on my pillow and I’m now officially converted. It’s incredibly calming which I love and it makes your bedroom smell like a really posh spa. My only regret is that I didn’t try it sooner. Let’s face it, sleep is precious and we need to get it while we can.
Clarins Tonic Body Oil
Everyone and their mum recommended this oil to me as soon as I announced the news. Again I’m sure there are lots of cheaper body oil alternatives (Bio Oil is a prime example) but I was bought this by my lovely mother in law and it is phenomenal. In fact, massaging my bump on a morning and evening is one of my favourite activities, not only does it make for a lovely bonding experience for you and the baby but it adds a little luxury to your day. At £40 a pop, it isn’t cheap, but let’s face it with the pennies we’re saving on Prosecco over 10 months, I think we can afford to splash out a little. This oil smells delightful and take this from someone who usually despises body oils, it doesn’t leave you all greasy and well, oily. It’s a nice dry oil that soaks in super quick. I don’t want to speak too soon but I haven’t got one stretch mark yet and I’m giving this little product all the credit. However, my Grandma had five children and not one stretch mark and she used good old baby oil so there really is no need to break the bank.
Palmers Body Butter
A classic! While I’ve been using the Clarins oil on my bump, I still like to use a lotion on other areas of my body and when I found out I was pregnant, I swapped my classic Palmers lotion for a stretch mark specific one. Finally, a product that isn’t bank-breakingly expensive.
Hatch Belly Sheet Masks
Soooooo. Face masks for your belly are a thing and I am SOLD. These are a fun one to try if you are experiencing the third-trimester itch. My bestie gave these to me during our trip across the pond and I’d wanted to try them ever since I saw them on Kate Hudson’s Instagram. Now if you like sheet masks for your face, you will love these bigger versions that are like a mini facial for your belly. A bacial, if you will. You pop on one and relax for 15 minutes while the hydrating formula works its magic. I know that as a new mum, I’m not going to have the time to take 15 minutes to apply a cute sheet mask and there’s never been a better time to indulge in a little me time. So, sit down, watch a Youtube Video, prepare yourself a snack and relaaaaaax. These moisture filled masks are packed with Aloe Vera and are an adorable way to feel like you are winning the war against stretch marks.
Hourglass Powder
That pregnancy glow isn’t a thing for everyone (I’m pretty sure it’s a myth) and while my skin has been breakout free recently, I’ve been shiny, sweaty and more than a little bit dull. This powder has got rid of the pregnancy shine while giving me a nice glow. In fact, it gives your skin an airbrushed finish. I wouldn’t usually rave about something as vanilla as a setting powder, but when you are constantly 100 degrees and the upper lip sweat is real, having great glowing skin is a great distraction from your ever-expanding waistline. Prepare for those ooh you’re blooming comments.
Where to start with pregnancy beauty products:
Make a checklist of products you currently use and have them checked with your dr or a dermatologist. Always check with a professional before you try new products, these are what work for me but always scan the ingredients for any red flags such as Retinol or Salicylic Acid. Keep an eye out for ingredients such as Retinyl Palmitate and Retinol (vitamin A), Phthalates, Parabens, Dibutyl phthalate, Triclosan, BP-3, Bisphenol A (BPA), BHA and BHT, Dioxin, Oxybenzone, Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA), Diazolidinyl Urea, Phenylmercuric salts, acetate, nitrate, Hydroquinone or glutathione. These are big no nos.
I managed to keep lots of my pre-pregnancy products in my daily rotation, brands like Neal’s Yard, Palmers, Simple and Weleda are all worth checking out. I’ve found the best thing for my hormonal skin is to avoid anything overly fancy.
What are your pregnancy go-to products?
