ACNE, hyperpigmentation, unwanted appearance of skin marks and many more are expected during or after pregnancy. While pregnancy is a beautiful moment, these skin-disrupting imbalances aren't. More than ever, women should become keener as to what makeup brands they choose. During pregnancy, the presence of harmful ingredients in some non-safe brands can cause birth defects through endocrine disrupters. It also makes skin duller and more prone to aging. But here are five makeup brands for pregnant and breastfeeding women that beautifies without the risks:
1. Human Heart Nature
Based in the Philippines, Human Heart Nature prides itself as an all natural, vegan, and environmental-friendly brand. Paraben, fragrance (SLS), and mineral oil are externally and internally harmful to the body. These are very strong preservatives used in most cosmetic products to mimic natural components. Human Heart Nature, however, manufactures all its products without these. On top of that, all their makeup and skincare lines are approved by obstetrician-gynecologists.
As for the makeup lines, the brand offers a wide array of products from skincare needs to makeup essentials like foundation, powder, and lipsticks. If someone prefers softer and less intense makeup without unwanted chemicals, Human Heart Nature is known for its lightweight, everyday-friendly products. The affordability of their makeup lines is also beneficial for those who seek effortless beauty on a budget!
2. RMS Beauty
Synthetic cosmetic alternatives such as Nano, soy, paraben, GMO, and PEG trigger excessive estrogen production. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, high levels of estrogen are linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. RMS Beauty's makeup line contains none of these cosmetic preservatives. Instead, the brand incorporates hypoallergenic and chemically safe ingredients in curating their long-lasting makeup products.
Performance-wise, their eyeshadow, blush, and lipsticks are intense in pigmentation and creamy in texture. RMS Beauty is a great option for pregnant and breastfeeding women who want a one-time application that will last throughout the entire day. Their products are also travel-friendly in size which is a big help for women who do not like bulky packaging that takes up too much space in their bags or purses.
3. W3ll People Makeup
W3ll People has successfully fused skincare and makeup for 13 years now. Their products are approved by the Environmental Working Group last 2016 which indicates the complete absence of toxic material. The chemicals used in some brands are cancer-inducing or carcinogenic. These harsh ingredients also irritate the skin and cause allergies. However, W3ll People continuously strives to produce makeup lines without these.
Their makeup line consists of active skincare ingredients. So, W3ll People is a good alternative to those who want to combine the best of both makeup and skincare in one. If you are someone who does not like the feel of multiple layers of moisturizer, toners, foundation, and concealer on their faces, their two-in-one makeup lines can help reduce the products you apply.
4. Burt's Bees
Burt's Bees is a well-known producer of nutrient-rich makeup and skincare products anyone can purchase from grocery stores. All their products are free from phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These chemicals are known to be linked with cancer and other skin diseases after constant use. Instead of these ingredients, Burt's Bees use natural origin components like shea butter, honey, and aloe.
The brand's makeup line is favorable for those who want minimal makeup without the expensive price tag. Burt's Bees powder, highlighter, and eyeshadows are known for its sheer and vibrant finish. If you are someone that likes the "no makeup" or the "fresh and glowing look" trend. Then, their all-natural makeup line is something you would want to consider.
5. ILIA Beauty
Ilia Beauty is a skin-centric, well-researched makeup brand that prides its clean and hydrating cosmetic formulation. Instead of using harmful chemicals that are absorbed easily by the body and promote diseases, Ilia Beauty applies multiple studies and testing to guarantee that each product comes with quality and safety.
This skin-loving brand caters to those who want to look more, but do less. Their multi-awarded makeup line contains products that act as a blusher, lip tint, and eye cream in one. Their foundation and highlighters also contain moisturizing agents that make the skin look and feel healthier. These are also great options for those starting out in makeup since Ilia Beauty is not just danger-free but also beginner-friendly.
During and after pregnancy, the skin's sensitivity to harmful chemicals increases. Women should be extra careful because what they glide onto their skin, affects what goes inside their bodies. In looking for makeup brands, you should always consider a product's transparency in listing their ingredients, the preservatives and fragrances they use, the main component, your budget, and of course, the style in makeup you are more comfortable with.
The makeup brands listed are all clinically tested and approved. In purchasing, always remember the main reason why we use makeup; It should give you confidence and not problems. (Alyssa Castillo/Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Multimedia Arts)