After trying out a few different products on my skin over the last few weeks, I had certain frustrations with my skin. The time has given me a chance to find out what works so I thought I would share some of my tips with you all. For those that are pregnant you can at last feel like your skin looks near enough as to how it should do before you found out the happy news.
With so many changes happening to the body, it is not surprising the skin can suffer slightly from all the hormonal levels constantly changing throughout pregnancy.
Some are lucky and have that pregnancy glow and look absolutely radiant with the increased levels of progesterone which plumps up the skin.
I have been suffering from very dry skin and once makeup was applied it exaggerated the dryness. I found the following skin care and makeup products have helped me so far in my 19 weeks of pregnancy.
Make sure to cleanse and tone the skin morning and night if you can. I know due to tiredness or sometimes laziness (I admit, I do it too!) this part can be skipped but it is important to remove the days makeup, let the skin breathe. Sleeping with makeup on denies the skin of oxygen therefore preventing it from repairing causing a dull complexion and sometimes can cause the skin to age causing cellular damage.
The products which are great for ALL skin types is the "Simple" range above.
Simple Purifying Cleanser
Soothing Toner
Kind to Eyes Eye Makeup Remover (Which is what I also recommend to my Eyelash Extension clients as its water based and gentle to the eyes)
Exfoliating is a must for all skins, even those are are not pregnant but it is most important now to help resolve any skin problems and keep the skin looking fresh. The most common during pregnancy are Hyperpigmentation (brown spots from the hormonal changes) exfoliating can help to lighten and gently fade these areas. Clogged pores, blemishes, dry skin can also be a problem. With dry skin adding rich creams to the skin is not solving the problem but exfoliating twice a week will help. Everyday exfoliating is not required!
My favourite and most gentle exfoliator is..
Origins Modern Friction Scrub
This is by far one of the best exfoliators I have tested in a long time. Fine rice starch cushioned in cream gently removes any dry skin and uneven skin tone. Resulting in no redness or scratching whilst using it. Use a small pea size amount, work a tiny bit of water into the product and work into the skin using circular movements.
A little purchasing tip! Ordering online you can receive samples with your order which will again last you a while and great to try for other skin concerns.
Great for ALL skin types!
All about the eyes!
Simple Kind to Eye Balm
This product works well under makeup and helps smooth any lines and revives the eye area making it appear brighter!
Apply morning and night, a small tiny dot and pat gently around the eyes. To be used after an eye gel.
Applying before an under eye concealer helps the product go on smoothly and last.
Origins No Puffery
Waking up often during the night can lead to puffy eyes and dark circles, with these interruptions in our sleep patterns we may feel we need a little help. A cooling eye gel works wonders for this.
Apply on an evening and leave it to soak into the eye area or on a morning leave for 10 minutes and tissue off the excess. Then apply the eye cream.
You will certainly have brighter looking eyes and feel a little more wide awake after using this. This will again come in handy for what is to come.. so I am told by many!
Masks..
A mask can be used after the exfoliation step which can be a 10 minute leave on then wash off or for a more intense mask try using an overnight product that can slowly soak into the skin. Once I apply any type of foundation the next day it just sits better on the skin. I recommend the following mask.
Origins Drink Up Intense Overnight Mask
Apply a small amount and work gently into the skin not rubbing in completely but it will absorb and not leave the skin feeling tacky or like product has been left on the skin.
Moisturisers..
Apply a small amount of product to the face and throat area using upwards stroke movements.
Dry /Dehydrated Skin - Origins Make A Difference+ (This one I use on my skin)
Normal/Dry Skin - Clarins Hydra Quench
Oily Skin - Dermalogica Active Moist
Sensitive Skin - Dermalogica Barrier Repair
If you enjoy using the Dermalogica face products, I find a skin kit is useful and can last you anything from 3 - 9 months and has everything you need to look after your skin.
Beauty Flash stock a good range of the Dermalogica Skin Kits
A quick bit on bodycare..
From my training with Elemis a few years back I remember some of the products which were used in their signature treatments and must buys for clients.
One which was most popular and seems to be with celebrities aswell was the
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil
This product smells amazing! To use all you need to do is warm the bottle slightly in warm water and then you can massage into where it is most needed. For pregnant ladies this seems to be bump, breasts, bottom and thigh area. This product also doubles up and can be used as a hair treatment. A small amount is needed then just wrap in a warm towel and leave on for 15 minutes or so. Your hair will feel so smooth. I have ran out of this product but I use the Morroccan Oil treatment on damp hair after washing and this helps my dry unruly hair calm down a little.
These products may seem a little extravagant but a little does go a long way. They will last you a long time, rather then spending money on a cheaper product, which you may not see the results plus use more to compensate.
For my birthday recently I received a pregnancy body pamper kit. It contained everything I need to get my body ready for what is to come.
Cussons Mum & Me Bump Gift Pack
Smooth & Glow Shampoo
Soothe & Nourish Body Lotion
Relax & Unwind Body Soak
Relax & Unwind Sleep Mist
All around 100ml per bottle and they all come in a wash bag so great to use again maybe for when you go into hospital.
Cooling Down..
Evian E50 Facial Spray
A great little product to take in with you for when the big day arrives or if any other mum to be ladies like me are going to get through the summer before we are due to meet little ones. A spritz of a cooling spray can really do the trick, plus it can revive your skin if feeling like it needs a bit of moisture and hydration. Great to spritz a bit of your foundation needs living up a little.
I have received feedback from pregnant ladies who used the Elemis Instant Refreshing Gel whilst pregnant which is great for tired, achy legs are those who suffer with water retention. As it is quite light in texture it can even be applied over tights! The product can be used on shoulders and neck to relieve any muscle tension.
Makeup Products..
This topic is close to my heart, as I always try to get the most perfect makeup application. If I could see dry patches on my skin after applying foundation I simply want to rub it off and would rather not bother then have big dry patches over my skin.
The products above have helped enormously and at the same time made me feel pampered. A good base is a good start to long lasting makeup and really helps when applying the makeup so it sits well on the skin.
I usually wear a primer but more so now, to help my foundation glide on and stay for the day I have planned. I usually just use a primer if I am applying foundation not tinted moisturiser.
A few good primers to try, tried and tested.
To reduce the look of pores or oily skin
Fashionista Secret Mattifying Primer
Good for ALL skin types, combats dry patches, fine lines and excess oils.
bareMinerals Prime Time
Apply with fingers or a foundation brush from the centre of the face outwards or just in the areas needed the most.
Foundations / BB Creams / Tinted Moisturiser
For my very dry skin I started off with my old favourites but as mentioned these just highlighted my dry areas so I switched to using lighter foundations, tinted moisturisers and BB creams.
An all time favourite of mine is MAC Face & Body Foundation comes in a 120ml bottle which is easier to use then the previous larger size saves the foundation slightly turning if not used after a certain amount of time.
This product is lightweight and I just use my fingertips to apply or you can use a foundation brush. The product at first will seem quite liquidy but will then change and can be buildable in the areas you need. The result is natural and slightly dewy looking.
Water based and water resistant is will be fine to use if sunny days and is great for ALL skin types. I often use this product for my brides as it looks great in photos on the big day!
Good for dehydrated skin and best used on a morning after cleansing. The product
Clinique CC Cream
Suitable for ALL skin types. Gives you a bit more coverage then a BB cream can.
This product can be worn under foundation in which I would suggest apply a light application or worn alone which is great.
Apply a small amount with fingertips and work from the centre of the face outwards or you can just concentrate on areas which you feel need it the most.
I would suggest going to the counter and being matched for this product in order to get the perfect shade for you. One other thing worth mentioning it contains a SPF30 and is completely oil free plus hydrates the skin!
Oily Skin Foundation..
Bare Minerals Foundation I usually purchase the Get Started Kit and it contains everything you need. They have updated the kit so you can choose from the original powder form or matte SPF 30 compact which might be easier for you or if you are slightly accident prone like me, so no spillages!
The kit contains..
Brushes
DVD to show you how to apply mineral foundation
PrimeTime (as mentioned above)
Finishing Powder
Warming Face Powder
This is great all for £50.00 and will again last you a while as you only need small amounts of the products. The technique you will master.. it is the Swirl, Tap & Buff technique which you can build up how much coverage you would like.
Great for ALL skin types but I think Oily skin types would benefit alot from this product.
Oily Skin Must Haves..
Blotting Papers, if you are going out or on a day out with family and a bit concisious that your are getting oily patches on the skin. You could slip a little packet of the blotting papers in your purse and use as required then just despose of each paper once done.
I like to use Elf Blotting Papers and I also recommend these to my brides if they are worried about shine on the wedding day.
A few little finishing touches..
For most skin types and very much dry skin this has worked well for me!
I would suggest applying with your fingertips to the apple of your cheeks and slightly along the cheekbone and make sure its all nicely blended in. I use like a patting technique instead smoothing the product across my cheeks. You could also use a stippling brush to apply the blusher also. How to video apply a cream blusher using stippling brush.
Fav Colour: Ladyblush
Benefit Boi-ing Concealer
Known as the industrial strength concealer!
Camoflages dark circles or discolouration. I use this as an under eye concealer and you can again just dab a small amout onto the under eye area and making sure the product is even or use a concealer brush to apply again using a patting motion and feathering out on the outer edges.
Go in store to be matched perfectly but they often say a shade lighter is good with concealing. You can take the product to the corners on the nose or use on any blemishes.
Use to brighten up those peepers! Can disguise dark circles on the inner and outer part of the eye, use a very soft amount and gently blend. Can also be worn as a liner on the waterline. This is the last step to my regime.
The last little bits to help brighten your look..
Use eyelash curlers before mascara to help widen the eyes to create that wide awake look. Gently pressing down on the lashes for a few seconds then releasing.
A couple of coats of Mascara, I have used the Rimmel Lash Accelerator or what brand of mascara you wish.
Bourjouis Delice De Poudre (Bronzing Powder)
This product smells lovely and looks like chocolate! Sweep a small amount onto the cheeks, down the nose, temple area where you catch the sun with a blusher brush. This will create a slight sunkissed look without the sun! Although we do need sunshine us pregnant ladies as the Vitamin D is very important for little ones development.
I hope you have enjoyed my blog!
I appreciate it is rather long but I had quite a few areas I wanted to cover. My trials have been ongoing as to finding the right products.
Kimberley
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