During pregnancy, due to the constant exchange taking place between the mother and the child, the consumption of certain foods is discouraged. The same applies to cosmetics. Thus, while combining makeup and pregnancy is not impossible, it is advisable to be cautious about the product composition. Let's explore this together.
How to apply makeup during pregnancy?
Published on April 25, 2023, updated on January 31, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Can we apply makeup when we are pregnant?
It is entirely possible to continue taking care of one's skin and applying makeup during pregnancy. Foundations, lipsticks, mascara... do not necessarily need to be relegated to the cupboard for 9 months. However, it is necessary to take some precautions. First of all, think about checking the composition of the makeup you wish to apply.
Products containing essential oils should be avoided, for instance, as some are neurotoxic and can cause nausea or spasms. Makeup products formulated withallergens are also not recommended. Indeed, skin sensitivity is heightened during pregnancy and it is not uncommon for a pregnant woman to react to a substance she previously tolerated very well.
Thus, it is crucial to pay attention to the composition of cosmetics and makeup that one applies to their skin when pregnant. Aside from this criterion, wearing makeup during pregnancy is not contraindicated. As a precautionary principle, it is possible to turn towards natural cosmetics or brands specialised for pregnant women. Prefer those with the shortest possible INCI list to reduce the risk of reaction. Finally, if a makeup product does not specify that its use is suitable during pregnancy, it is better not to incorporate it into your routine.
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Makeup to conceal the ailments of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a delicate period that can lead to the emergence of blemishes, signs of fatigue, and a loss of skin radiance. In order to conceal these marks, it is possible to resort to makeup. Pay attention to the composition of the products and check if they are explicitly described as suitable for pregnant women. Finally, we recommend a light touch.
For a unified and radiant complexion, you can start by applying a light foundation or a BB cream. This product will also help to diminish the signs of acne, fatigue or nausea. Some foundations are formulated with hydrating active ingredients, giving them a dual action: caring for the skin while concealing imperfections. For more targeted use, you can turn to a concealer or an under-eye corrector, which you would apply only around the eye contour or areas to be camouflaged (melasma, spots...).
If you're feeling festive, you can also colour your eyelids using a eyeshadow, which will add depth to your gaze. You can then further accentuate it by applying mascara. Finally, some women like to add a small touch of colour to their face with a lipstick. Numerous shades are available on the market, allowing everyone to find their perfect match.
Any recommendations?
At Typology, we offer a concealer suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, available in 6 shades to cater to all skin tones. This 2-in-1 treatment provides a natural finish and is enriched with caffeine and cornflower hydrosol (INCI: Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water) to help reduce dark circles over the long term. We also recommend our mascara serum, enriched with pea peptides (INCI: Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide) and castor oil (INCI: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil) to strengthen lashes and promote their growth.
Sources
EINARSON A. & al. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician (2011).
TYLER K. H. Physiological skin changes during pregnancy. Journal of Clinical Gynecology and Obstetrics (2015)
LADYMAN S. & al. Neurophysiological and cognitive changes in pregnancy. Handbook of Clinical Neurology (2020).
