Having been on the beauty block for a long while, I’ve pretty much tried and tested most of what’s out there — barmen’s shaving products (using various boyfriends as guinea pigs), together with maternity and baby goods. But I’m about to become better acquainted with the latter, as I’m expecting a little bundle myself this year. Pregnancy has introduced me to a lot of things — not just all-day nausea (“morning” sickness — my foot!) but also the fun of shopping for maternity bras and new beauty products. The last time my body noticeably changed was during puberty, so to suddenly see things shape-shifting has been fascinating (albeit slightly bizarre) and I’m excited to embark on a new beauty routine.

Retinol is not advised for pregnant women (nor is smoked salmon, which for me has been tougher than no alcohol), so I’ve been looking for alternatives for my nightly routine.
I’ve been trying Formula 9|v.8 (£58) by 16|11 Labs for several weeks now, which has kept my skin looking healthy and nourished. It contains cell-regenerating rosehip and pomegranate seed oils, together with collagen-boosting plant extracts.

It also works to reduce pigmentation — something we pregnant folk are also prone to. For aching limbs and feet, the wonderfully named Spritzy Toes (£24) from Bloom And Blossom has been a bedside staple, with circulation-boosting lime oil and refreshing aloe vera leaf.
My insomnia ramped up during the first trimester, and I’m not allowed my beloved Nytol to take the edge off. So I’ve been relying on Hawaiian Tropic Self-Tanning Drops (£15) to perk up my ghostly, tired complexion, while my favourite cooling facial globes (£25.99) have soothed my puffy eyes, as well as the throbbing headaches that accompany the nausea.
My child will have Indian heritage, which means there’s a good chance it will arrive sporting a beautiful head of hair. (Although I’m not looking forward to the heartburn that apparently comes with it — I’m hoping this is an old wives’ tale.)

My own hair has never looked better; however, I’m told it will fall out once bubaleh is here. But if you’ve recently given birth, don’t worry. Apparently it’s just backdated hair that didn’t shed while you were pregnant, so even if it seems as if it’s coming out in clumps, you should end up with the same amount that you started with.
In the meantime I’m making the most of my Pantene-commercial mane with As I Am’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Water (£8.95), a spray-on conditioning formula that is super-light and non-gloopy.

Although I’m ecstatic to be a mum, pregnancy is no cakewalk — and while I can’t relax with a cocktail in the evening, I’ve been carrying around Malin + Goetz’s Dark Rum Perfume Oil (£27) in my handbag, which delivers a delightful boozy hit, with notes of spices, plum and leather.
Now I just need to find a good smoked salmon substitute. Answers on a postcard…

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