Everything changes when you're pregnant: Your lifestyle, diet, mood, and the most obvious of them all, your body. And in addition to the baby bump, your skin may undergo some changes throughout your pregnancy. It's different for every woman — effects range from that storied pregnancy glow, to hormonal breakouts, skin pigmentation, and even increased sensitivity.
Because of all these changes — not to mention, the health of your baby — you're probably going to want to think twice about your beauty routine. Just as with food and activities, there are so many different chemicals and ingredients you watch out for. You're going to want to avoid ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, formaldehyde, parabens and many more.
Luckily, this doesn't mean that you'd have to abandon your skin care regimen and makeup routine entirely for the whole nine months — turns out, there are plenty of nontoxic, pregnancy-safe beauty products out there. Keep reading to see some of our top choices.
Image via Imaxtree
Formulated with the safest ingredients, this full-coverage foundation is designed to give you smooth and flawless skin without feeling cakey. And in addition to being free of harmful chemicals, it's also made with antioxidants to help keep your skin firm.
Due to sleepless nights and skin conditions like melasma (a type of hyperpigmentation that's common during pregnancy), you may find yourself in need of a good concealer. This 2-in-1 option also works as an eye primer to hide imperfections and reveal a naturally brightened glow. It has aloe which moisturizes and soothes, and it's free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances so it's 100 percent pregnancy safe.
(And we're obsessed with the packaging.)
Go for a no-makeup makeup look or a sexy smoky shadow look (because date nights are a must, even when you're pregnant!) with this versatile palette. It has 8 pigments with both matte formulas and fine-textured shimmers. It's made with love and not with harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic perfumes, and dyes.
Keep those lashes long and looking up to the heavens during your pregnancy without any flakes (or scary chemicals). This mascara has a buildable formula that perfectly adds volume for fuller, natural-looking lashes. It's made with ingredients shea butter and fortifying arginine to give your eyes that extra oomph — plus, it's cruelty-free so you won't have any guilt when adding it to your shopping cart!
