I just had a baby girl. Her name is Alabama Lee. I’m currently on maternity leave from the Calabasas store where I work as a skincare specialist. With Mother’s Day this month, I wanted to share with you my recent beauty experiences before, during and after my pregnancy. For any new and expecting moms out there, I hope you can use some of my advice to take better care of your changing body, hair and skin while looking after the health of your baby too.

Alabama Lee weighed 7lbs 6½ oz at birth and we are both doing great. I’ve already started
using the California Baby products and they are wonderful. I love the fact that there are products out there that are paraben free, delicate enough for newborns, and not too expensive. I also love the fact that Cal Baby is local and green. That makes me very happy.

While I was pregnant, I used the Mama Mio line. I found that the Tummy Rub was very moisturizing and it helped to prevent stretch marks. I used the oil at night because it was heavier and I found I could use it all over. It felt great. I also used the Boob Tube which was super moisturizing and the shea butter in it made it very soothing. Anybody who was ever pregnant knows that “soothing” is key!

For my skincare, I normally use Darphin but because of all the essential oils I knew I had
to use something else. I switched to Dermalogica which was easy to use and I got great results. I have bleached hair and during my pregnancy I used the dry/delicate shampoo by JF Lazartigue, again paraben free! I also used the Kusco Murphy dry leave-in spray which is great for all hair types but especially for fine hair like mine because it doesn’t weigh it down.

Now that the baby is here, I can start to use my old products again. I started using the Tummy Toner from Mama Mio. It has a tightening effect which is nice and I am using it also on the back of my legs twice a day. Even mentally, I feel like I am doing something good for myself and I will probably continue to use it because it makes me feel great. For my hair, I now use the Lanza Manuka shampoo because it gives my hair strength and elasticity. I am using Darphin again and I love it!

For all new mothers out there…. carry a concealer stick (I like Hourglass) in your purse or diaper bag wherever you go. It will help with those dark circles that come with sleep deprivation. Also, carry shea butter with you to stay moisturized, it always make you feel good.

Alabama is now two weeks old. I have to say, things are still a blur, it’s like one long day…. But it’s a great feeling to be a mom! And by the way, I appreciate my mom so much more now!!!!

By: Jennifer Hale