#BUMPLIFE: Where You At Pregnancy Glow?

Pregnancy glow is something I have heard for years. At some point during a woman’s pregnancy they will supposedly have that “pregnancy glow” from increased hormones and an increase in blood flow to the skin. I have learned the last eight months that pregnancy is not easy and can take a toll on the body but hey at least there is pregnancy glow!

Well for me, I haven’t felt that glow. I am extremely flattered at anyone who tells me, “you’re glowing!” but I don’t think pregnancy glow has been a thing for me. It’s been quite the opposite. I have had pigmentation issues my entire life but as this pregnancy has gone on I have developed brown patches and splotchiness all over my face. At one point I genuinely thought I had accidentally stained part of my cheekbone and around my eye with self tanner or something before realizing it was not coming off. It was just the color of my skin in that area.

L’Occitane Peony Collection

It is amazing to see how the body changes in so many ways during pregnancy and thankfully I know these brown spots *should* go away. Since there is nothing I can do about pigmentation during this time my skincare focus has been on hydration. To me there is nothing more beautiful than a fresh face that looks healthy and hydrated! As you know I am a big fan of L’Occitane products so when they reached out to me about their Peony collection I could not wait to try the products. Everything they create is so natural and beautiful and most importantly, works (I literally have one of their travel size hand creams in every one of the purses I carry…)!

You may remember me talking about the importance of dedicating time for yourself and part of that was taking the time to pamper yourself. We all have busy lives and don’t always have time to dedicate an entire evening to a bubble bath and full-blown pamper session. Something I do think there is always time for is a face mask. L’Occitane’s peony collection has a set of six face masks that include two focused on moisture, two on purifying and two overnight perfecting masks. These face masks are easy to apply and can work their magic in minimal time. I love the flash moisture mask (what I’m wearing in these photos) because it goes on clear meaning I will not frighten my husband if he happens to be home when I apply it! The minute mask is wonderful if you’re short on time because you only need to have it on for 3 minutes before rinsing and it will leave your pores looking tighter and your skin softer.

The Necessities

Before applying any mask I want to make sure my face is clean. I’ve been using the Peony Petal Cleansing Oil to gently remove any dirt or impurities on my face. This is very similar to the shower oil I use except it is for your face. It leaves your skin feeling so soft and ready to absorb other hydrating products.

I recommend dedicating time to applying at least one mask per week and a good 30 minutes (more if you can!) of “me” time. Lately for me that has meant laying down with a pregnancy book (or watching an episode of The Real Housewives… guilty), a glass of sparkling water and a piece of chocolate (really any sweet treat will do). I know it seems impossible sometimes to just set your phone down or get away from work but even a quick little face mask pamper session will make such a difference in both your appearance and mood. I instantly noticed a difference after applying the flash moisture mask and feel like taking care of my skin with these types of products is what will help me achieve that pregnancy glow!

So pregnant or not, I think we all would love to have that pregnancy glow. Incorporating these face masks into your skincare routine 1-2 times per week (along with a little relaxation) will go a long way and I truly think you’ll see a difference in your skin!

Let me know if you have any questions about the products! You can get the face masks and the cleansing oil HERE.

Thanks for reading!

Thank you to L’Occitane USA for sponsoring this post!