We often hear about how pregnant women “glow” and expect to see them with radiant skin and rosy cheeks. But in truth, many an expecting mom experiences breakouts, pigmentation, puffiness, and signs of fatigue that can change the look of their skin. Even though these symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy, if you choose to wear make-up to offset some of them, make sure to consider our tips.
What happens to the face during pregnancy?
Skin can change under the influence of hormones, often becoming oiler and prone to pigmentation. It can also become overly sensitive and react even to cosmetics that didn’t present any issues before pregnancy. The good news is that if you suffer from atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, these conditions may bother you less during pregnancy [1].
Is all makeup safe for pregnant women?
As with skincare products, there is no single list of approved and non-approved ingredients. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends avoiding cosmetics that contain the following:
phthalates;
parabens;
oxybenzone [2].
Phthalates and parabens can be present in any product, and oxybenzone is in foundations with SPF. If you want to be extra careful with the makeup you use during pregnancy, choose products with short and simple ingredient lists or marked as hypoallergenic.
Which makeup tips should pregnant women consider?
All conventional “beauty standards” aside, if you wish to soften some of the skin conditions you experience during pregnancy, we’ve listed below some great tips from professional makeup artists that you can use to enhance your natural beauty.
Pigmentation
According to color rules, you can cover brown spots with a concealer in an opposite color. Yellow helps correct redness, and purple helps cover dull yellow undertones. An orange color corrector is best for lessening dark circles and brown spots on medium skin tones.
Puffiness
Using a two-toned contouring palette, lightly apply the darker shade under your cheekbones, chin, and wings of your nostrils. Then, blend the lighter one in the center of your forehead and above your lip. Use concealer sparingly if you have undereye puffiness because it can make things more noticeable.
Rashes
The most common mistake is to try hiding a rash under a thick layer of foundation. That can create a “greenhouse” effect, which promotes bacterial growth. If you still wish to use foundation, try to leave it on for as little as possible and wash it off thoroughly. If you're only worried about a shiny complexion, apply a light powder with a clean brush on your nose and forehead, and don't forget about the basic principles of oily skin care.
