The easiest 5-minute make-up routine for moms-to-be

Pregnancy and early motherhood can be exciting, but they often come with fatigue, hormonal skin changes and very little time to spare. The good news? Looking polished doesn’t require a full face of makeup. According to Cape Town-based professional makeup artist and beauty content creator Reneé De Wit, a few strategic products can make all the difference. “The goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a fresh, healthy look that helps you feel confident and put together in just a few minutes.” Follow this easy five-minute makeup routine designed for new moms.

Skin prep

Proper skin preparation is key. “A healthy, hydrated complexion requires less makeup overall,” says professional makeup artist Nafeesa Kherekar Salasa. “When skin is properly moisturised, even the simplest makeup routine looks more polished.” Start by cleansing your skin with a gentle fragrance-free formula to remove excess oil and impurities, then apply a lightweight moisturiser to keep skin comfortable and hydrated. This is especially important if pregnancy or postpartum hormonal changes have left your skin feeling dry or sensitive.

Reneé stresses the importance of never skipping sunscreen. “Daily sun protection helps prevent pigmentation and dark spots, which can become more noticeable during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations,” she says.

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Bioderma Sensibio DS+ Soothing, Purifying Cleansing Gel
Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE Anti-Pigmentation Sunscreen SPF50+

Even out and conceal

Rather than reaching for a full-coverage foundation, opt for a lightweight skin tint, tinted moisturiser or serum foundation. These formulas help even out skin tone while allowing your natural skin to shine through. Reneé recommends choosing non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores, especially if pregnancy hormones have triggered breakouts or congestion. 

Apply a small amount only where needed, blending with your fingertips for a natural finish. The goal is fresh, healthy-looking skin rather than heavy coverage. Next, use a brightening concealer under the eyes to disguise signs of fatigue. A lightweight concealer can instantly make you look more awake and refreshed, even after a sleepless night.

Tip: you can also dab concealer onto redness, blemishes or pigmentation for extra coverage without applying foundation all over the face.

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Rimmel Kind & Free Foundation
Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer

Glow on

Once your complexion is evened out, it’s time to add colour to your skin. Cream blush is ideal for busy moms because it blends quickly and creates a natural-looking flush. Tap it onto the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards toward the temples for a healthy, lifted appearance. If you have a few extra seconds, add a touch of cream highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose or your cupid’s bow. This creates a subtle radiance that makes skin appear fresh and well-rested.

Tip: Save time by choosing multitasking cream products that can be used on both your cheeks and lips. Fewer products mean a quicker routine and less clutter in your makeup bag.

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Stila Convertible Colour Dual Lip & Cheek Cream
Catrice Aura Glam Balm Highlighter

Perk up your peepers

Tired eyes are often the biggest giveaway of a sleepless night, but a few simple tricks can instantly make them appear brighter. Start by brushing and filling in your brows. Well-groomed brows frame the face and create a more polished appearance with minimal effort. Next, apply a small amount of light or soft white eyeshadow to the inner corners of the eyes. This simple step helps brighten the eye area and creates the illusion of being more awake. Finish with a coat of mascara to lift and define the lashes. 

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NYX Professional Makeup Blade & Shade Nano Brow Pencil
Catrice Glam & Doll Sensitive Volume Mascara

Lip love

Finish with a hydrating lip gloss, tinted balm or a light coat of lipstick to instantly brighten your complexion. Soft pinks, peaches and rosy nude shades are easy, everyday options.

Tip: applying lipstick with a lip brush rather than directly from the tube helps it last longer and creates a more precise finish.

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The Body Shop Pep Talk Lipstick Show Love

Pregnancy-safe skincare: ingredients to avoid

According to biomedical scientist and product development specialist Dr Judey Pretorius, the following skincare ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy:
•    Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives
•    High concentrations of salicylic acid
•    Products containing high levels of caffeine
•    Phthalates and synthetic fragrances 
•    Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers, which often lurk in nail polishes, eyelash glues, and mascaras.

Pregnancy-friendly ingredients

•    Hyaluronic acid for hydration
•    Antioxidants
•    Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

“Mineral UV filters such as zinc and titanium are safe during pregnancy and are essential for helping to prevent pigmentation and the darkening of existing hyperpigmentation,” says Dr Pretorius.

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