For our second My Beauty Routine installment (missed the first one? you can read it right here) we knew we had to talk with Laurel. Laurel is a speech therapist who lives and loves in Brooklyn. She and her husband are expecting their first child this winter and we just know they’re going to be the most incredible parents.
Continue reading as she tells us how she takes care of herself during these nine months and what she does to feel the most like herself.
*all photography by Bethany Michaela Jones*
What is your daily beauty routine? What products do you use?
I’m sort of a minimalist on the daily routines. I’m pretty blessed with easy skin so I try not to put a lot on my face. I use a natural face wash by neutrogena and great moisturizers by Laura Mercier. One for for day and one for night. Lately I tend to throw on a little makeup as I’m rushing out the door but nothing fancy!
Do you have any beauty rituals you adopted since becoming pregnant?
My most favorite has been a home made coconut sugar scrub infused with lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. I use on it my belly and hips every time I shower. It keeps my skin so smooth and moisturized and so far I haven’t had any stretch marks! Here’s hoping it stays that way 😉
What has been your go-to style during pregnancy? Describe your favorite outfit you’re wearing these days?
I’ll be honest, the transition of style during pregnancy hasn’t been easy at every stage. There’s the weird phase where none of your normal clothes fit, but you’re not quite big enough to be full on “maternity” bump zone. I ended up wearing lots of yoga pants and cute flowy tops during that time. Now that I’m into the 3rd trimester, it’s fun to get dressed and show off my bump. The hard part is bending over and getting my socks and shoes on, haha! My favorite are tunics or dresses with a belt over my tummy and maternity tights or leggings. I’ve also fully embraced the cozy fall sweater and am pretty much living in one that feels like a warm blanket.
Are there any particular food or drinks you love to keep you feel good and glowing?
I drink coconut water almost daily. It’s great for keeping hydrated and getting those electrolytes. I put slices of cucumber and fresh mint in my water bottle to get a fresh twist on the constant need to hydrate.
What wisdom do you hope to pass down to your little one?
When it comes to being a woman, I hope she learns from me that true beauty comes from the inside, and who we are deep down, not just from how we look or what clothes we wear. I also hope she learns to appreciate and love her body and not feel ashamed of it, to accept and care for her body and not idolize a false standard of beauty. I know this is something many women, including myself, struggle with, and I know it will be an ongoing challenge for me to model those ideals I hope to pass on to my daughter.
What advice would you give to other pregnant moms about feeling like themselves and enjoying this time?
There is a lot of pressure, about what you should be doing or shouldn’t be doing, how active you should be, how much rest you should get, what things are essential to buy for baby… it can be really overwhelming. And its easy to compare yourself to other pregnant women, which is a mistake. I think the best advice is to remember that every mama and every pregnancy are unique, and you need to go at your own pace and remain true to yourself. Trust yourself and your body, and shake of those haters (or well-meaning advice givers).
Thank you, Laurel, for sharing your routine with us!
For more from Laurel, follow her on Instagram right here!