WASH & GLOW
Pregnancy can play havoc with your usual hair and beauty regime, so here are some tips for mothers to be
Katy Perry opted for 60s Hollywood glamour with thick groomed brows and heavy eyeliner at a gala dinner in LA. Try these products to get the look. Clarins Illusion Blush in Coral,
www. clarins.co.uk A brilliant portable mini compact with powder puff and mirror with hint of shimmer to add glow. BEAUTY needs can change significantly during pregnancy.
Not only are there the demands that a growing baby makes on the body but there is also the hormonal havoc that manifests itself in the hair and complexion.
And this all happens at a time when mums-to-be would probably like to have a simple, natural look which doesn’t require time or effort.
Here, then, is our guide to how to manage your maternity hair and beauty regime. DIY RADIANCE Is the radiant glow of a mum-to-be eluding you? Is your skin failing to toe the pregnancy party line?
You’re not alone. Maria Schmid, Clarins UK’s head of training, said: “That glow doesn’t come naturally for all women. Some expectant mums struggle with difficult skin during their pregnancies.”
Her top tip is to stay hydrated. She said: “Because you carry extra blood flow and additional body fluids during pregnancy, it’s tougher to remain hydrated. Drink lots of water to maintain soft skin and give the skin a drink with your skincare.”
Try Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum, £44, and Silky Cream, £36, or the moisturisers in the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost collection.
If you want instant radiance, you can fake it with the help of some beauty buys.
Estee Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer + Finisher, £25, is a terrific new, slightly golden, primer which gives a subtle glow, while Superdrug Naturally Radiant Radiance Balm, £5.99, is the secret weapon of many a beauty bargain hunter. PREGNANCY PROBLEM SOLVERS It’s not unusual for women with normally perfect skin to find that they are sprouting spots while they’re carrying a baby.
If you’re finding that break-outs are blighting your pregnancy, you might need to consider making some changes to your basic routine.
Look for skincare that purifies, deep cleanses and tackles excess oil production – but remains gentle.
The Rolls Royce of these beauty buys is Sisley’s classic Tropical Resins range. Its Facial Cleanser, £59, and Purifying Mask, £80, both have purifying, soothing powers and help to restore balance and clarity to combination and oily skin. The mask can also double as a spot cream to be used on outbreaks between mask sessions.
The most obvious pregnancy skin issues are stretch marks. Try Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil Blend, £34, the stretch mark oil Victoria Beckham swore by during her pregnancies. Marie Schmid points out that exfoliating is a great way to minimise stretch marks. Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub, £30, and Sanctuary Body Scrub, £5.50, are ideal for this. PREGNANCY PAMPERING If sleep is difficult or uncomfortable, or you’re having trouble relaxing during your pregnancy, it’s worth considering booking yourself in for a salon treatment.
Elemis Peaceful Pregnancy massage, £105, is a relaxing and hydrating massage performed while the mum-to-be is resting on a beanbag which moulds around the bump and supports the body.
Aveda 60-minute Pregnancy Massage, £89, helps to relieve discomfort and fatigue, reduce stress and improve circulation which in turn decreases swelling. This massage is suitable from 14 weeks into pregnancy.
If you want a complete, all-over treatment, go for Clarins Pampering Face & Body Treatment ( from £49) a 75-minute session in which you will be spoiled. HAIR HELP Most pregnant women say their hair looks shinier and fuller but for some, pregnancy can tip oilprone hair over to greasiness.
If that’s you, invest in a deepcleaning shampoo such as Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two from £5.50) which helps minimise oil production so that hair becomes less oily over time.
Dry shampoos, such as Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo, £22, or Batiste Dry Shampoo, £1.99, are handy for emergencies, and ideal to shove in your hospital bag.
If break-outs are blighting your pregnancy, you need to make some changes