From Belly Oils to Affirmation Cards: My Beauty and Wellness Routine Before Birth – As a First-Time Mum and Beauty Editor

As I write this, I’m just days away from meeting my baby – equal parts elated, nervous, and in awe of everything my body has done over these past nine months.
It’s my first pregnancy, and as a beauty editor, my curiosity naturally turned into research mode. I wanted to find the best products – the ones that were safe for pregnancy, effective, and still made me feel like myself. Because while I’ve had to adapt my routines, I didn’t want to give up the luxury or the ritual of good skincare and self-care.

Below is the edit I’ve come to rely on – my tried-and-tested, beauty-editor-approved list of what truly worked for me (and what I’ll keep reaching for postpartum).

For Belly & Body Care

Typology P92 Nourishing Body Gel-Oil

My daily bump ritual. This gel-to-oil formula from Typology feels silky and indulgent but never greasy. I massage it into my belly every morning and evening to keep the skin supple and comfortable. It’s packed with plant-based oils rich in omega fatty acids – my favourite find for keeping stretch marks at bay while making belly care feel like self-care. And important to note: I haven’t noticed a single stretchmark on my belly – it works!

Le Rub All-Day Sunscreen SPF 50

The sunscreen I trust for everything from walks to weekends away. The mineral-based formula blends beautifully, without the tell-tale white cast. It’s gentle enough for sensitive pregnancy skin but powerful enough to provide solid protection.

Green People Scent Free Body Lotion Hydrating

This fragrance-free lotion became my lifesaver during my scent-sensitive first trimester. Lightweight but deeply hydrating, it soothed my skin (and my nose) – and I’ll keep using it postpartum because it won’t interfere with my baby’s sense of smell during cuddles.

Omorovicza Body Serum

A future favourite for the next chapter. This nourishing body serum supports skin repair and elasticity – perfect for postpartum healing and maintaining that soft, glowy feeling long after birth.

For the Glow: Face & Skincare Essentials

Typology L42 Nourishing Moisturizer

A minimalist, fragrance-free formula that gave my face the balance it needed. When my skin shifted between radiant and reactive, this moisturizer always brought it back to calm, hydrated harmony. I use it everyday and my skin has been as calm and soft as ever.

SKN TO SKN Glow & Go Daily Moisturiser SPF 30

When I needed to get ready quickly (which, let’s be honest, was most days), this multi-tasking moisturizer delivered hydration and mineral SPF in one. The glow it gives is subtle, fresh, and very “I slept eight hours” – even when I didn’t.

SKN TO SKN Sleep Cheat Night Cream

Sleep has been hit or miss, but this night cream helps my skin fake it beautifully. It replenishes, calms, and softens without ever feeling heavy. I wake up looking refreshed, even when I’m not entirely feeling it.

Green People Firming Face & Neck Serum

A lifting, hydrating serum that I started mid-pregnancy and now swear by. It keeps my skin feeling supported and firm – like a gentle pep talk in skincare form.

Green People Scent-Free 24-Hour Cream Anti Ageing

For days when my skin needs more – richer hydration, soothing comfort, and antioxidant protection – this cream steps in. It’s a great one to carry into postpartum life, especially in those early, sleepless weeks.

For Effortless Makeup Moments

Refy Brow Tint & Lash Sculpt Mascara

Pregnancy had me embracing minimalism. These two from Refy became my secret weapons: defined brows and lifted lashes that last all day without smudging. Instant polish, minimal effort.

Refy Lip Blush in “Wine”

Soft, sheer, and nourishing – this hydrating tint adds just the right amount of colour. The shade Wine became my go-to for a natural, healthy flush (and it looks even better when I haven’t had time for much else).

Nail Kind Vegan Nail Polish in “Plum Passion” & “Bon Bon Blush”

A little colour therapy for my nails. These vegan, pregnancy-safe formulas come in chic, glossy shades that make me feel instantly put together. I decided to wear “Plum Passion” on my toe nails when giving birth.

Le Mini Macaron Vegan Nail Polish in “Praline”

A creamy, soft neutral that works with everything – and the vegan, low-toxin formula means I can keep my mani without worry.

For Mind & Mood: Affirmation Cards for Pregnancy

Pregnancy isn’t just physical – it’s deeply emotional. These Affirmation Cards for Pregnancy from Little Goose became my quiet morning ritual. Each card carries a message of calm, strength, or connection, and I’d pull one every morning (or whenever I needed a pause).

They reminded me to slow down, breathe, and trust the process – tiny, grounding moments of calm in the most transformative time of my life.

Planning by the Stars: My Venus Calendar Ritual

I also want to mention a little ritual I’ve folded into my days since day one of my pregnancy: the Venus Calendar by my favourite astrologer, Lori Haberkorn. It’s a beautifully designed, moon–and planet–inspired planner that tracks the cycles of the moon and other planets, offering space for intention setting, reflection, and aligning with cosmic rhythms. I started using it from the beginning to help me stay grounded during the emotional highs and lows, and I’ve found it surprisingly soothing – a kind of gentle companion for my inner life. Bonus: the new edition for the coming year is already available to order, so you can begin the journey anew (or start fresh postpartum) with your own cosmic roadmap.

For Restful Sleep & Support: bbhugme Pregnancy and Nursing Pillows

One word: lifesaving. The bbhugme pregnancy and nursing pillows have been my go-to for comfort, especially in these final weeks. They’re filled with soft microbeads that mould to my body and are fully adjustable so I can find the perfect firmness or shape – whether I’m propping up my bump, easing back strain, or cushioning my knees.

I use the pregnancy pillow nightly to find my sweet spot for side sleeping, and the nursing version is already waiting for postpartum cuddles and feeding support. I’ll bring it to the hospital to make sure I’m properly prepped.

Little plus – an unexpected fan: My Maltipoo, Cookie. He’s completely obsessed. Every night, he claims his corner of the bbhugme and snoozes right next to me – we’re basically co-sleeping pillow buddies at this point. I love that it’s become a shared comfort space for both of us.

For After Birth: Nurturing the Next Chapter

Green People Organic Babies Mummy & Me Set

This set feels like a hug in product form. It’s gentle enough for my baby and soothing for me, too. I love that I won’t have to think twice about what’s safe – just pure, organic care for both of us.

My Pregnancy Journey

Pregnancy has been the most humbling, awe-inspiring experience – and it’s taught me that beauty isn’t just about products; it’s about care. These are the little things that made me feel grounded, nurtured, and myself amid all the change.

Each one became part of a ritual: a way to slow down, reconnect, and remind myself that caring for my body is also caring for my baby. Now, as I count down the final days before meeting them, I’m holding on to that – and maybe keeping a few of these products close for the next beautiful chapter._

Giulia Wilzewski is a German freelance journalist, writing for titles such as GLAMOUR Germany and InStyle Germany. Find her on Instagram @_giulia_chiara_