Beauty tip

Looking Good During Pregnancy

Makeup
Keep it simple is the golden rule for any pregnancy makeup routine (and postpregnancy too — once you’ve got a baby to care for, makeup application will be seriously compromised). Right now, your new best friends are a good concealer to camouflage blotchy skin and dark circles, and a natural bronzer or blush to give you a bit of a glow (no need to tell anyone that your glow is coming from cosmetics and not from within).

If you have particular skin issues triggered by your pregnancy hormones, you might need to adjust the types of cosmetics you use until your skin gets back to normal. For example, if you’re oily or breaking out, switch to noncomedogenic, oil-free moisturizers and foundation. You might also want to substitute powder for your cream blush for now; powder is less likely to clog your pores.

Two more tips: Chipmunk cheeks and an ever-broadening nose often come with the pregnant territory, but there are ways to minimize the situation. If you think your cheeks look as round as your belly these days, try this technique to make your face look slimmer. Apply a lighter shade of blush onto the apples of your cheeks; then, following the line of your cheekbones, apply a sheer sweep of a slightly deeper shade. Blend the two and smile — you’re gorgeous!

To slim down a wide nose, blend foundation or concealer — in a shade darker than your natural complexion — along the outer vertical edges of the sides of your nose. Next, dust a hint of blush or bronze powder down the center. Make sure to blend all edges with your fingers or a makeup sponge so there are no patches, streaks, or lines.