In the eight (!) months that Baby Girl has been officially “in da house,” I wager that I’ve spent an average of 30 minutes per day moisturizing my bod.
I know, even I’m rolling my eyes at the moment, ’cause that’s A LOT of time to be spending rubbing lotions and potions on yourself.
It’s true though. And it took a lot less time earlier in the process when I could move around more easily than I can now, because, ya know…I could touch my toes and whatnot, but now I have to do all kinds of creative things and maneuvers to get to the places I can’t reach.
It’s been a moisturizing adventure; that’s for sure!
Anywho, I just finished a bunch of products from the Mustela Maternity Skincare line. I used every last drop of the body oil, the stretch mark cream and the balm, and I liked all three, but, because I have a notoriously short attention span for beauty products…I’ve already started a new routine with Clarins!
You know, just to see. 🙂
I’ve been using Clarins products on my face for years (and their body care products off and on throughout that time), and I’ve always loved them. Sometimes their products are pricy, but they generally always work well with my skin.
Actually, very early on in my pregnancy, during the scary time in the first trimester before El Hub and I broke the news to our families, I bought and ended up finishing an entire tube of their Stretch Mark Minimizer because I knew I’d probably like it, and I did. Finished it down to the last drop.
So now I’m doing a whole five-piece pregnancy beauty system Clarins calls “Beautiful Beginnings,” which has a body scrub, stretch mark cream, body oil, a gel for firming zeh bust, and they also recommend using their cult classic Beauty Flash Balm on your face, which is supposed to help you look better rested, although, I dunno…I feel like that’s going to require three solid weeks of sleep (I’m so not kidding).
The Beautiful Beginnings process is designed to take care of pregnant skin and keep it looking beautiful. It includes…
- Beauty Flash Balm ($46), a smoothing, tightening face treatment. Clarins recommends layering it under makeup to help your products last longer.
- Smoothing Body Scrub ($37), an everyday body scrub with bamboo powder for all over zeh body. Clarins says that you should concentrate it wherever you expect possible stretch marks, like the tummy and bust.
- Stretch Mark Minimizer ($52), an unscented body lotion with olive extracts. It’s designed to reduce that tight skin feeling and prevent stretch marks.
- Tonic Body Treatment ($56), a body oil made from 100% plant extracts (oils of rosemary, geranium, mint and hazelnut) to prevent dryness and keep skin hydrated.
- Bust Beauty Firming Lotion ($59), a lotion specifically for the breasts; Clarins says it helps to tone and restore firmness.
I’ve heard so many good things about Clarins body products from other moms, so I’m really excited about this. I hope it carries me (and Baby Girl the Ninja!) through her big debut in March.
Have you ever used any Clarins body products? What did/do you think?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I’m so glad you started this line! These products, especially the Huile Tonic, are really cult in France, almost all women I know who have kids used them during pregnancy. I’ve actually used the Huile Tonic before to tone and nourish and I really liked it.
I’ve tried a handful of other body products by Clarins, their cellulite treatments mostly.
I love Clarins skin care products. I love the cleanser and the eye balm. Everything smells so good!
The title of this post made me giggle a little bit…like a pre-pubescent middle school boy. Yep, I’ve got nothing of relevance to add. And I haven’t forgotten send in the docs. Once I get past the next day or two, I’ll be free as a bird 🙂
I’ve got the tonic oil and I love it. I just recently started using Clarins products and I am happy with the way they feel on my skin. Most recently I’ve fallen in love with their lipsticks, blushes, and lip balms…
I started using Clarins products when my girl was born while we were living in Europe. One of the other moms in my prenatal class gave me the Moisture-Rich Body Lotion after I gave birth and was still in the hospital.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clarins-jumbo-moisture-rich-body-lotion-84-value/3978875?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=1908
Then I visited my local Clarins counter and the lovely lady there suggested a whole range of products that helped my skin as I was getting back into pre-pregnancy shape. Not to be gross, but the one thing that surprised me was what I looked like after the birth. My stomach was still rather big and squishy for a while. Then as it started to return to it’s pre-pregnancy size all the extra skin just started to peel and flake. Thank goodness for the Clarins products. Hope this wasn’t TMI. Extra bonus, I think Clarins products smell really divine.
I was lucky not to get stretch marks through my first pregnancy and I have been oiling and rubbing again this time around, but when I am completely honest, I don’t think anything is able to prevent them entirely. They do occur deep down in the tissue where no product will penetrate. That being said, I DO believe that well moisturized skin is more elastic and resilient when it comes to damage, they are just no guaranty. And they will help your skin get back into (kind of) the same shape it was before after delivery, because that is a lot of saggy skin at first. But it will get back, promised.
I worked for Clarins for a few years and absolutely love their entire line. I think the Face and Body Oils would have to be my favourite. It was such a treat to be able to use all Clarins products for many years and it’s one of the things I miss most about working in the cosmetics/skincare industry. Definately one of the best lines ever!
I haven’t tried any of their products! Stretch marks have a lot to with genetics/hormones but a small portion of that can be helped with diet and topical treatments. Eating all the right things will help support your skin and ligaments. You need lots of omegas, healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Hydration in and out will help some too.
I have never used Clarins before, but your reviews have piqued my interest. Thanks for keeping us abreast of additions to your favorite products list!
Eight months…holy…!! Clarins is amazing, Karen. You won’t be disappointed, and BG approves! It’s a natural!
8 months, how exciting. Not long until your little girl will be in your arms. I’m currently in my sixth month of pregnancy, and I’m also expecting a little girl.
I always love everything I try from clarins. They always seem to hit the mark. I may have to look into their stretch mark minimizer as I am too current
-xx
I had no idea that had a range specifically targeted at pregnant women, that’s awesome. It’s great that you’re moisturizing so religiously, I am convinced it will make a big difference in the end.
Can’t believe it’s 8 months already! Exciting! I am happy for you and your hubs and the coming attraction. I haven’t tried Clarins, but I’m glad to hear it’s working for you.
Not pregnant but try the Burt’s Bees mom sets also, I like some from there like the body oil and pepppermint leg cream. And priced really good too, so I don’t feel too bad about pouring it over my expanse of skin.