To Moms, From Moms: Makeup and Skin Care Advice
As a skin care junkie, I’m always conscious about protecting my skin & body. I can imagine the stakes feel that much higher when you’re carrying a tiny life!
In simplest terms, pregnant & breastfeeding mothers are advised to stay away from toxic, harmful products. You can find my favorite brands to feel good & safe about here.
Now I know, I’m not a mom myself, so I thought I’d get some extra assistance on this topic! I reached out to three moms who put a little extra TLC into their skincare & makeup when they were expecting and while breastfeeding! They graciously shared with me their stories, their favorite products, and favorite brands to share with you! Of course, while these products worked for these mamas, make sure to check ingredients or consult with your doctor before using. Remember, different products work differently for everyone. My hope is that this list guides you on your beauty journey during this exciting time!
Check out their advice below!
Caitlin, Mama to Baby Dylan
“I took my pregnancy and then especially time home quarantined pregnant & with a newborn to not only cut back on the products I use, but also focus on bringing more cruelty free items into the rotation. So not a lot of makeup to recommend, but skincare, since hormonal acne is an issue for me - pregnant or not!”
What are some clean & safe beauty brands you used during pregnancy/breastfeeding?
Plantioxidants
SheaMoisture
DollyMoo
Glossier (Cruelty-Free)
What safe skincare products did you use during your pregnancy? (If different...) what safe skincare products did you use when breastfeeding?
“I briefly subscribed to Kinder Beauty Box to try out some cruelty free, clean vegan items and really loved the Plantioxidants range of skincare - it was so refreshing, firming and soothing. I love the feel and smell of the Toning Essence, which I continue to use on and off with regular old Witch Hazel, was super into the Brightening Eye Cream (w Fermented Teas) and the Reparative Serum (which contains Chaga & Ginseng) when I was having any acne flare ups.”
“For body, I am obsessed with anything and everything Dolly Moo and went through bottles of their Tangerine Body Oil while pregnant (by far my favorite must have item). I know stretch marks are largely genetic, but I’m convinced this further helped me avoid them. Their Sacred Sage bath bomb (w Sage & Greenman Oils) is also one of the most decadent, relaxing and moisturizing I’ve used.”
“Facials at Namaste Organic Spa in Ridgewood, NJ are next level. They use the Eminence Organics skincare line and while I haven’t splurged on any products for home use, I LOVE the effect they have on my skin after a treatment.”
Did you face any particular skin issues during pregnancy/breastfeeding that you focused on?
“I picked up Shea Moisture products to help with acne - their African Black Bar Soap & African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask is awesome, and I’m super into their SheaMoisture Cannabis & Witch Hazel Skin Rescue Cream Cleanser right now since it feels rich and hydrating while cleansing.”
“I don’t know that it qualifies as clean (it is cruelty free), but Glossier’s Solution AHA/ BHA exfoliator is the holy grail for problem skin and I continued to use it on and off while pregnant. I tried replacing it with Moon Juice’s Beauty Shroom exfoliator bc I knew it was clean, but wasn’t impressed (now discontinued).”
Additional products used once Baby Dylan arrived!
“Finally loosely related that I would recommend to all moms is the Earth Mama Organics line of products for mom and baby. We only use their Olive & Shea Oil-based Diaper Balm on Dylan and it doubles as a salve for any skin issues like dryness, cradle cap or minor irritation she might have. They make a really nice Nipple Butter (a vegan version available too) that again can be used as a general salve or for things like chapped lips or nursing blisters on baby.”
“Alba Botanica makes a nice ‘Un-Petroleum Jelly’ we use on Dylan’s face when needed, too.”
Megan, Mama to Baby Rumi
What are some clean & safe beauty brands you used during pregnancy/breastfeeding?
Summer Fridays
Farmacy
Biossanse
Kosas
ILIA
W3ll PEOPLE
Tata Harper
rms beauty
What safe skincare products did you use during your pregnancy? (If different...) what safe skincare products did you use when breastfeeding?
Origins cleansers such as Origins Original Skin™ Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly with Willowherb, Tata Harper moisturizer such as Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer with Skin-Smoothing Peptides, Summer Fridays Vitamin C Serum, Caudalie Water Mist (Megan used limited edition fresh rose)
What safe makeup products did you use during your pregnancy? (If different...) what safe makeup products did you use when breastfeeding?
Did you face any particular skin issues during pregnancy/breastfeeding that you focused on? Ex. Acne, redness, darkness, etc.
“Acne on my chin for one trimester. I used clean-brand LimeLife Cleanser and Face Oil and it cleared right up!”
What was your FAVORITE product to use during pregnancy/breastfeeding? Why?
“Summer Fridays Vitamin C Serum because it smelled good and brightened up my face.”
Did you stick with any of those products after pregnancy/breastfeeding?
“Yep! All of them. Not planning to go back. All clean forever!”
Micayla, Mama to Baby Isla
What are some clean & safe beauty brands you used during pregnancy/breastfeeding?
CeraVe
It Cosmetics
Shiseido
Demalogica
The Ordinary
Vanicream
What safe skincare products did you use during your pregnancy? (If different...) what safe skincare products did you use when breastfeeding?
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream for overnight (pregnant + breastfeeding), It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer (BF), Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream (P + BF), Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil (P+BF), The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser (P+BF)
What safe makeup products did you use during your pregnancy? (If different...) what safe makeup products did you use when breastfeeding?
“I didn't change my makeup or self tanner (Bondi Sans and Isle of Paradise)!”
Did you face any particular skin issues during pregnancy/breastfeeding that you focused on? Ex. Acne, redness, darkness, etc.
“Acne during early pregnancy. I used Clindamycin (prescribed) and The Ordinary Azelaic Acid. I also had an eczema breakout in early pregnancy and used Vanicream and Aquaphor.”
What was your FAVORITE product to use during pregnancy/breastfeeding? Why?
“The Ordinary Azelaic Acid! It was just as good as salicylic for me and the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream -- super thick and moisturizing. I also love the It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream because it's super moisturizing.”
Did you stick with any of those products after pregnancy/breastfeeding?
“All of them but still breastfeeding!”
Huge thanks to NKB Photo for all of the beautiful photos above!
*Has the idea of clean beauty intrigued you? If you’re expecting, breastfeeding or just passionate about using clean, non-harmful products, I highly encourage you to check out this Youtube video:
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Healthy, glowy skin will always be in!!! No need to overhaul your entire makeup bag to achieve it. You can simply add in some products that will illuminate your look with just an additional step or two!! Here are some of my favs!