Make-up Tips For Pregnancy and Beyond

Pregnancy can gift you with an amazing glow, but it can also bestow a few surprising changes on your skin. 

Whether your complexion's become blotchy, prone to acne, dry or oily, you don't have to grin and bear it. Take the time to dab on a bit of make-up each morning. You may feel tired, bloated or be running late for work, but just a few minutes of clever application can give you a day-long lift.

Perk up your eyes

To reduce puffiness and dark circles from lack of sleep, dab a light but nourishing eye cream under your eyes before your usual moisturiser. Then gently pat or brush on concealer or corrector. This should diminish that drowsy look and brighten your eyes.

Don't worry about concealing all of the dark under-eye area, as you can follow up with a blemish balm (BB cream) or tinted moisturiser for extra coverage.

Pregnancy glow in a tube

Now isn't the time to apply heavy foundation. Pregnancy hormones may have made your skin sensitive. Or you may have developed spots, so try to let your skin breathe.

If you're suffering from a lot of pigmentation, and have patches of darker skin on your face, a tinted moisturiser will combat this. Whatever the temporary changes to your skin, this will even out your skin tone, with no need to wear foundation on top.

BB creams and colour-correcting creams (CC creams) are multi-taskers that can give you a much-needed healthy glow, and perk up your complexion instantly. They even out flaws and won't feel cakey. Many also contain a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Smooth the cream over your cleansed face and neck, paying special attention to any blemished areas. You may want to temporarily use a slightly different shade than before you were pregnant, depending on how much your skin has changed.

Healthy glow in an instant

Blusher is your friend, both now and after your little bundle arrives. No other product can lift your face, brighten your eyes and trick people into thinking you've had some sleep the way that blusher can. 

Choose a cream blusher or cheek stain that can quickly double as a lip tint if you're short on time. Your face will look instantly fresher and your skin more radiant. Apply it directly, or on top of a BB cream or a tinted moisturiser. 

Powders and stains tend to suit normal and combination skins, while creamier or mousse formulations tend to last longer if you have dehydrated skin.

Dab a little blusher on your finger tip, then smile and lightly pat it on to the apples of your cheeks. Blend it in until you have a level of colour you prefer. Post-pregnancy you may want a brighter shade than usual.

Bronzed and even more beautiful

Deflect attention from tired eyes with a face-brightening bronzer. A gentle sweep of highlighting bronzer can lift even the palest of complexions. 

Using a big, soft brush, apply a bronzer to the tops of your cheeks, a little to your forehead and chin, and a little dab on your nose. 

Gently tap any excess bronzer off the brush before applying, as you want this to enhance your make-up, not cover up all your good work.

Eye-opening tricks

However exhausted or bloated you feel, pregnancy gives your eyes a natural sparkle. You just need to enhance that with a bit of clever but quick-to-apply make-up.

A sweep of eye pencil, applied just above your top lashes, will help to define your eyes. Choose a thick pencil, so you don't have to be too precise, and try one with a hint of glitter for an extra boost.

An eyelash tint will define your eyes without the need to find time to apply mascara, though do a patch test first, as your skin may be more sensitive than usual in pregnancy. Or try using eyelash curlers to open tired eyes and give instant lift to your face. 

Choose a black, lash-coating mascara to give you long, fluttery lashes and more defined eyes. Wiggle the mascara wand from side to side while applying to separate and coat each lash.

Lip uplifters

There's nothing more uplifting than a new, bright lipstick. A long-lasting formula will last most of the day without the need for touch-ups. 

The right colour lipstick can lift your face instantly. Choose the shade that flatters your features and enhances your natural skintone. It's usually one or two shades darker than your natural lip colour, but don't be afraid of trying red for a bit of daytime glamour.

If you prefer a more natural look, a lightly tinted lip gloss will perk you up and is easy to apply without a mirror.

Quick facial pick-me-up

For an instant skin refresher, try an unscented facial mist. This will help to reduce puffiness, calm sensitive skin and refresh your make-up. 

Close your eyes and spritz a few pumps about 25cm (10in) from your face. 

Carry a small bottle in your bag so you can refresh whenever you feel the need to perk up your sleep-deprived face. Or pop it in the fridge to soothe you in the summer (or holiday) heat.



Source: Baby center