3 New Moms Share How Their Beauty Routine Has Changed After Giving Birth

It's true what they say—your world turns upside down once you become a mom. Apart from all the obvious changes in your life, even the littlest things such as your preferences in your skincare and makeup routine is affected. And while being a mom is a full-time job (hello, sleepless nights), it is a beautiful gift that a lot of women enjoy. And because of the challenges that come along with motherhood, a lot of women these days know that taking care of oneself is the key to being able to give more to the ones she loves, so it comes as no surprise that moms nowadays are a lot more open to indulging in a little more self-care than ever before.

Just in time for Mother's Day 2021, we are fortunate enough to have caught up with three new young moms—Alex Godinez-Lopez, Fel Sison-Garcia, and Manna Vargas-Morada, about how their beauty routines have changed since becoming full-time mamas. Scroll to read up on what their must-haves are, and what they miss pre-baby!

ALEX GODINEZ-LOPEZ

Could you briefly describe how your skincare and makeup routine was pre-baby? Were you a trendy girl or otherwise?

I used to pamper myself quite a bit at night with a cleansing oil routine, micellar water, face masks, moisturizers, eye cream, and serums- with the occasional jade rolling. My sister always used to remind how full my medicine cabinet was with skincare products. I was pretty addicted to trying different products. Make up routine in order (when I used to go out): Lip balm, Primer, cc cream or foundation, concealer, blush, contour, setting powder, highlighter, lip stick or gloss depending on the occasion.

How have your routine and habits changed since becoming a mom?

I only put make up on when I have an important Zoom meeting—concealer to hide my no sleep dark circles, and cc cream to cover any redness. Other than that, I’ve been barefaced since the first day I found out I was pregnant til now. For skincare, it’s basically wipe any excess dirt off with simple skin micellar water with a face halo and that’s it! It’s funny, my skin has actually gotten more supple skipping the facial wash actually. Just micellar water. I’m happy to realize that I don’t need to use so many products to achieve my skin goals.

What are your new skincare practices? New must-haves?

Just simple skin micellar water, a face halo! and Pacifica dream shot booster serum if there’s time.

In terms of makeup, what are your go-tos? 

Soothing Touch grapefruit lip balm—my favorite lip balm. It’s an inexpensive all natural, vegan product, really combats dry lips as it provides antioxidants and vitamins.

Chanel CC Cream in beige 20—it’s skincare and make up in one, it never breaks me out, it doesn’t look like make up; it’s not cake-y, a little goes a long way, it hides skin discoloration, it doesn’t wash away when you sweat or jump into the pool, and it has SPF 50!

Tarte Shape Tape concealer in the color light medium honey—I just feel like out of all the concealers I’ve tried, it’s been the best. It's vegan, long-wear, crease-proof, waterproof, and non-comedogenic. It has shea butter to help retain skin's elasticity, mango butter to help moisturize and condition, and licorice root to brighten appearance of dark circles, plus it color corrects. And it doesn’t have Parabens, Mineral Oil or Phthalates. 

Dab a little Happy Skin Blush Cream on your cheeks and a little on the bridge of your nose for color.

If I had to set, Laura Mercier’s translucent setting powder is the best. It gives a smooth finish. 

And if I had a work engagement and time to do a full on face these, would be my go to products in order: Soothing Touch lip balm, Farsali Unicorn Essence Primer, Chanel CC Cream or Milk foundation, Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, Happy Skin On-the-Go Blush Cream, The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer for contour, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder to bake, Bare Minerals Pure Radiance, MAC Lip Liner and Lipstick in Soar.

Is there anything you miss about your beauty routine from when you were not a mom yet?

I guess maybe just the time to play around with different looks. But have learned to love the au naturel lifestyle!

FEL SISON-GARCIA

Could you briefly describe how your skincare and makeup routine was pre-baby? Were you a trendy girl or otherwise?

Come to think of it, I never really stuck with just one skincare routine. Of course, the essentials would be there like cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen but I would always be willing to try new brands, add new steps, and splurge (again, pre-baby ). At one point, I even tried the 10-step routine! But when it comes to makeup, I’m not as adventurous or creative as I was with skincare. I would always go for that natural or “no make-up” look—until now!

How has your routine and habits changed since becoming a mom?

There’s definitely lesser steps! I keep it simple and quick so I really only do the essentials. As long as I have my facial wash, toner, serum, sunblock, and derma meds, I’m good to go!

What are your new skincare practices? New must-haves?

Now that I’m not able to take care of my skin the same way I did pre-baby, I make sure to visit my derma and do facials every month—or at least I try to! With my daughter in the picture and even with the current situation we’re in, schedule changes are inevitable. But thankfully with professional help, I now know what kind of products work well with my skin type so my skincare routine only includes products and medicines recommended to me by my derma.

In terms of makeup, what are your go-tos?

Like I’ve said, I’m not as creative when it comes to makeup so I really stick to neutral tones and keep it as natural as possible! Sunscreen is a must so I put it on everyday, even when I’m just at home. I use Issy & Co.’s Active Skin Tint because of its lightweight and gentle finish. It’s blendable too, so I use it as a concealer as well. My other go-tos are my mascara and eyelash curler to make my eyes look more alive (and hide the puyat—I’m sure moms would know!) plus blush and lipstick/lip tint just to add a pop of color!

Is there anything you miss about your beauty routine from when you were not a mom yet?

Me time. I still get to have them but my daughter is 24/7 on my mind so I can’t say it’s the same as before. But no matter how much I want my ‘me-time’, I’d rather spend that time with my daughter. I’m all good with a 5-minute skincare routine! I feel like she’s growing up too fast so I’m just really happy to be able to stay home and spend my days and nights with her.

MANNA VARGAS-MORADA

Could you briefly describe how your skincare and makeup routine was pre-baby? Were you a trendy girl or otherwise?

I actually had little to no skincare or makeup routine before I got pregnant. I have very sensitive skin so it was very basic; soap-free cleanser once a week, sunblock, moisturizer morning and evening, as well as an occasional face mask when I had the time. I can’t say I was trendy but as I got older I did start testing out different “cleaner” beauty brands.

How has your routine and habits changed since becoming a mom?

After I gave birth, my hormones changed dramatically, most evidently through my skin. I noticed more intense reactions when I would eat certain food or put certain products on my skin. So while my routine is still very basic, I experiment a lot less and eat more consciously.

What are your new skincare practices? New must-haves?

My diet! I can attest to what consuming internally can do for you externally, which is why I believe what you eat plays an increasing role in skin, as well as overall health. I found this to be true especially as I grew older and my metabolism and hormones changed. 

In terms of makeup, what are your go-tos?

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer and RMS Luminizer. Despite the massive changes to my skin these last few years, these two have thankfully been able to retain their place in makeup bag.

Is there anything you miss about your beauty routine from when you were not a mom yet?

Nothing really from my beauty routine but more of being able eat anything and everything without concern for what it will do to my skin the next day!