Gina Brooke is the Artistic Director for Hourglass Cosmetics and a highly, highly sought after makeup artist. She works with people like, oh, Madonna. Yes, really. Recently I received word from a little birdie about Gina’s favorite products during pregnancy, and I had to share!

“I loved being pregnant, but it certainly inspired some changes in my beauty routine. Ensuring my body stayed hydrated, protected and free of irritants were my top priorities.”
–Gina Brooke

Problem: Sun Sensitive Skin
During pregnancy your skin is particularly prone to sun damage. Not only the typical sunburn increase your risk of cancer and promote aging issues, but also hyperpigmentation like melasma (the dreaded mask of pregnancy). Using sunscreen everyday is even more of a must during pregnancy, so adding it in to your primer is a great addition. The SPF in Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 is purely physical (read more about chemical vs physical sunscreens) with broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage.

Problem: Dry, Chapped Lips
I have to say that this issue took me by surprise. It wasn’t mentioned in any of my pregnancy books, but I had a real struggle with chapped lips during my pregnancy. I was very vigilant about lip balm and not licking my lips, but still had issues. Gina recommends Smashbox Emulsion Lip Exfoliant, which is something I haven’t heard of previously. It is a sugar based scrub with shea butter to help hydrate. Gina also recommends using a lip stain like Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain, which has Vitamin E and Green Tea to help your lips. Apply balm over the stain like crazy!

Problem: Dry Hair
I think this is a pregnancy issue that all women have. Dry hair and split ends. Like many new mommies, I ran to my hair stylist and chopped a few inches off after I gave birth. Intensive hair treatments can definitely help your hair maintain moisture. Gina loves Phyto’s Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream for Ultra Dry Hair, which is a leave in treatment. If you’re an intensive hydrating mask girl like me, my fave is Carol’s Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie.

Problem: Dry Skin, Non-Existant Glow
I completely, 100% agree with this one. I was definitely dry. To the point of scaly at times. But somehow also oily over the dry. And that pregnancy glow everyone wants you to have? It was no where near my face. I used a bunch of products to correct these issues. Typically a thick moisturizer, a primer with ingredients to help soak up oil (Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel), a light foundation, and usually a shimmer powder over all of that. Not exactly quick and easy.

Gina recommends Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer, which is more hydrating that many other tinted moisturizers. As well the moisturizer has light-reflecting properties (glow) and once again has SPF 15.

In the past I have received samples of the Carol’s Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie and Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel.