Awesome Beauty Swaps for New and Expecting Moms
For beauty fanatics, skipping that deep-red lipstick during pregnancy could be as distressing as giving up that glass of pinot. Fortunately, in recent years, eco-minded cosmetic chemists have found wonderful ways to whip up all-natural potions, free of questionable compounds—such as parabens, phthalates, artificial colors and formaldehyde—while still providing the aesthetics and real results we love from our tried-and-true standbys. So give your old staples a sabbatical! Swap in a few of these pregnancy-friendly formulations, and you’ll look, smell and feel as good as you did before baby (and maybe even better).
Body Balm
Argan oil is wildly popular as an all-purpose beauty go-to, and for good reason: It’s softens skin like cocoa butter, but it’s light enough to be used as a frizzy-ends tamer without weighing your hair down. You’ll find the potent liquid in Josie Maran’s luxe balm; hair issues aside, this versatile multitasker nourishes cracked skin, softens chapped lips, heals dry cuticles and reduces stretch marks.
Buy it: $42, JosieMaranCosmetics.com
Face Mask
Squeeze in some R&R while keeping baby safe with a natural version of the ever-popular paper face mask. Yes To Cotton Comforting Paper Mask is infused with cotton extract and cottonseed oil to soothe the most allergy-prone and sensitive skin—hello, pregnancy glow!—while nourishing and softening.
Buy it: $2, Amazon.com
Facial Wash
Mama Mio’s Gorgeous Glow Facial Wash smells like lavender and is filled with lots of natural goodies, like probiotics, moisturizing oils and antioxidants.
Buy it: $35 for 100ml, MioSkincare.com
Body Wash
Developed by a top dermatologist, Aden + Anais’s Hair + Body Wash is oh-so- nourishing thanks to its main ingredient: pawpaw, a fruit that’s native to America and a cross between a banana and mango. The formula doubles as a shampoo, and it’s tear-free and gentle enough for kids too—so get ready to share once baby is here!
Buy it: $10, Adenandanais.com
Shampoo and Conditioner
Shiny, lustrous hair that’s super-clean and smells citrus fresh, thanks to organic juices and botanical extracts? Sign us up, please!
Buy it: $20 for set, Juiceorganics.com
Hair Coloring
Do you cringe when you think about dealing with dark roots or gray hairs for nine months? Then this will make your day. Madison Reed has perfected an at-home color formula that provides rich-looking results and is free of the six most toxic chemicals commonly found in hair color. Step-by-step directions and access to professional stylists (via email, chat or phone) mean it’s also super-easy to use.
Buy it: Starting at $30, Madison-Reed.com
Nail Polish
All women, not just moms-to-be, have grown quite suspicious of the chemical concoctions lurking in lots of polishes—so much so that a growing number of brands are changing over to a so-called “eight-free formula” (no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, or TPHP). Butter London was one of the first to make the switch, and it’s still going strong with high-fashion, eco-chic colors like Tart With A Hart, La Moss and All Hail the Queen.
Buy it: $10-$18 each, Butterlondon.com
Nail Polish Remover
Priti NYC’s soy-based polish remover contains zero harsh additives—and it still expertly does the job. Bonus: Its lemongrass scent smells nice and refreshing.
Buy it: $13 for 2 fl. oz., PritiNYC.com
Lipstick
No one wants to think about how much lipstick we inadvertently swallow over the course of our lifetime, and during pregnancy you want to make sure that everything you ingest is safe. So check out lipsticks made with mineral pigments. Dr. Hauschka’s natural lipsticks—which come in 18 shades—contain good-for-you botanical ingredients, including rose petals, almond oil and carnauba wax.
Buy it: $25, Dr.hauschka.com
Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees’s 100 percent natural tinted balms—which come in nine different shades—give lips a pretty hue that never looks overdone. Try Red Dahlia for a hint of rich red—it’s a sheer alternative to red lipstick, since it’s hard to find a red free of artificial coloring.
Buy it:$5, BurtsBees.com
Mascara
Pregnancy can leave your lashes looking limp or even sparse, so mascara will be your best friend. But what to do about that nasty toxic preservative, diazolidinyl urea. Enter Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Curl + Care Mascara. This green-as-they-come option will plump up your lashes, while the recyclable sculpting brush will add eye-opening curl.
Buy it: $5, PhysiciansFormula.com
Fragrance
Synthetic scents are something you may want to limit during pregnancy p. But now you can spritz on something that smells just as amazing and is toxin-free. Created by a former fashion magazine exec who couldn’t find a luxe-but-safe scent to wear while pregnant, Pour le Monde perfumes come in three elegant, all-natural aromas: Envision (exotic lavender, vanilla and spicy citrus blend); Together (classic, woodsy and floral) and Empower (fresh, unisex citrus scent).
Buy it: $82 for 1.7 fl. oz., PourleMondeParfums.com
Deodorant
Many formulas contain parabens—preservatives that have been linked to birth defects—as well as aluminum zirconium, an antiperspirant that has been associated with fetal health issues. A natural deodorant is the obvious choice, but they don’t always work as well. Luckily, LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant stands up to its traditional counterparts in the de-stinking department. What’s more, it’s not only 100 percent natural, but also chock full of antioxidants.
Buy it: $14, Sephora.com
Sunscreen
Sun protection should always be a priority, but even more so when you’re pregnant and your sensitive skin is more prone to burns. The Honest Company’s all-natural, mineral-based sunscreen lotion is so safe and gentle, you can even use it on baby once he arrives.
Buy it: $14, Honest.com
Anti-Aging Treatment
Everyone knows that retinol during pregnancy is a major no-no, but if you’re missing its anti-aging perks, check out the natural Hungarian skin care line Éminence Organics. Its Bamboo Firming Fluid touts a natural retinol alternative (made from chicory root, plus gum from the pest-resistant tara tree) that also contains skin-strengthening bamboo and deeply hydrating coconut.
Buy it: $58, BuyNaturalSkincare.com
Acne Treatment
Not all women get that pregnancy glow—some get that pregnancy breakout instead. Belli’s Anti-Blemish Basics kit is one of few acne treatments that’s ob-gyn and dermatologist recommended. Cleanse with the lactic acid facial wash, then follow up with the acne control spot treatment to keep a check on pregnancy-induced blemishes.
Buy it: $30, BelliSkincare.com
Updated December 2017
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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