7 TOP MATERNITY BEAUTY BUYS

When you’re pregnant, you go through a load of unexpected and sometimes very weird symptoms, and these can take their toll on your wellbeing. I tested seven products you can buy on the Face + Body pages of ASOS ­– some of which are specifically designed for mothers-to-be – which will put you back on the road to feeling (or at least looking) like your sparkly old self again. Here’s the verdict… 

For those mornings where the baby’s been kicking you all night and you’re starting to know what sleep deprivation’s like even before the little one’s arrived, this is the perfect pick-me-up. It’s designed specifically for expectant mothers and is really moisturising compared to normal shower gels, with sea buckthorn oil, vitamin E and patchouli oils. The scent’s nice but not strong enough to set off sensitive senses of smell, and the bottle is big so it’ll last ages. Almost worth getting up for.

Cowshed Udderly Gorgeous Bath & Shower Gel, £18

If you’re looking for something that’ll prevent stretch marks, can be used on your nips, is all-natural and – bonus – can be used on your baby after it’s born, you’ve come to the right place. This coconut oil and shea-butter-based balm from cult brand Sister & Co is antibacterial and apparently works as a hair treatment, lip balm, hand cream and after-sun, too. I had to warm it up a bit by rubbing between my palms before using, but then it smoothed onto my bump like a dream. Oh, and its lavender and chamomile scent means it’ll leave you all relaxed. Is there anything it can’t do?

Sister & Co Dream Cream For Mothers & Babies, £28

Whether it’s those middle-of-the-night loo breaks or a screaming newborn keeping you up, this little spray promises to help you get your ZZZs. After a few nights of boiling hot feet stopping me sleeping (hello, weird pregnancy symptom #287), I really needed this to work and, thankfully, the little spray bottle packs a punch. I just spritzed a couple of pumps onto my pillow and had dropped off in no time. Welcome back, eight hours, my old friend.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, £18

For the mornings when you’re feeling particularly grey or nauseous and your skin is lacklustre, Benefit’s ‘pretty pink primer’ will help you look more like your pre-preggo self, even if you don’t feel it. Just a little bit applied under foundation or on its own brightened up my face a treat, with its light-reflecting pigments faking the ‘pregnancy glow’ that I certainly didn’t feel. As a bonus, it also kept my dehydrated features moisturised all day and was suited to even my sensitive skin.

Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer, £24.50

Apparently your hair doesn’t fall out as much in pregnancy, which means your mane may be thick but it’ll also be dry. Pureology’s 100% vegan hair mask will sort that out for you, pronto. I used it like a conditioner, applying after shampooing and leaving for five minutes to soak in. You don’t need much, which means the cost-per-wear isn’t too frightening, and its professional formula (and that pro smell you only get from posh hair products) means you’ll feel like you’ve been to a salon.

Pureology Hydrate Hydra Whip, £26.50

Getting pelvic or back pain as your bump gets bigger? Warm (not hot) baths will help and this luxe bath oil is just the thing to freshen up your tub. REN are a beloved bathing brand for a reason – their bath oils are the best – and this one has Atlantic kelp extract and omega-packed microalgae for major moisturisation. Plus, it’s anti-fatigue – just what you need after a long day carrying a bump around.

REN Atlantic Kelp Bath Oil, £26

This little sheet mask from Korean brand It’s Skin was like an afternoon at the spa, all wrapped up in a small but beautifully formed package. The mask holds a surprisingly good amount of a rose-scented oil/gel/water hybrid – you just pop it on for 20 mins, relax and let it brighten up your complexion a treat. I looked and felt like I’d had a pro facial afterwards – a major bargain, and ideal for cash-strapped mums-to-be in need of pampering.

It’s Skin Rose The Fresh Mask Sheet Rose, £3