Confidence to shine

Despite the aches and pains, the waddle (yes, it’s still my most recent bugbear) and the growing belly, one of the positives about being pregnant is the brand spanking new self-assurance that comes to some mums-to-be.

I’ve found this to be so for me. Whereas I may have cared what others thought in the past, I now have the poise to see that it really doesn’t matter.  Now I don’t mean that I step out looking a disheveled mess and I don’t give a dam, it’s just that I recognize that there are more important things to concern myself with – and the list is long. There’s my iron level, getting enough sleep, not overdoing it and, most vital, the health and wellbeing of the little person growing inside my tummy.

Having said that, a dramatically reduced beauty regime that still maintains the bare essentials required to disguise those sleepless nights (insomnia is not one of the positives of pregnancy!), complexion imperfection – also known as the pregnancy mask (dark patches caused by increased pigmentation) and hormone-related breakouts is a must for any mum-to-be.

My five favourites (I even have duplicates for my hospital bag!) include: Olay Total Effects Advanced Daily Moisturiser with Cooling Essence because not only is it lovely and lightweight on the skin, it has age-fighting properties and mint extract that gives the face a cooling freshness (makes you feel more awake than you actually are: gotta love that!); Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Cream Concealer hides blemishes and helps to correct skin tone for a more even complexion – plus it has the added benefit of SPF 10; Benefit Dandelion because a light dusting of this perk-me-up powder adds instance radiance to a tired, dull face; Face of Australia Pressed Bronzer gives a healthy glow to lackluster skin and who could be without a slick of their favourite lip gloss – not me: I love Burt’s Bees Radiance Lip Shimmer.

Then I catch a glimpse of myself in a shop window and remember I have a protruding belly that would give Santa Clause a run for his money, boobs as big as Dolly’s (well, not quite) and swollen ankles… Pass me a lippy quick!

What beauty essential would make your top five?