Hot Mom Era: How to Have a Glow Up After Pregnancy
Finding yourself and your confidence again after becoming a mom can be such an uphill battle! You’ve been in total survival mode since you found out you were pregnant.
From nausea and the crazy changes and hormones it takes to grow and birth a literal human being. And then the craziness of diapers, sleepless nights, and zero time freedom. It’s not easy. And YOU and your mental/physical/emotional (the list goes on) wellbeing take a total backseat.
But now, the dust has settled and you’re ready to feel like yourself again. It’s time to enter your Hot Mom Era, where confidence, self-care, and a little glam meet real-life motherhood. This isn’t about perfection, but it’s about progress!
Here's how to glow up from head to toe, without needing 3 hours of "me time" (because lol, who has that?).
Mindset: Your Inner Glow-Up
1. Set the tone with positive self-talk: You are more than a mom. You’re a whole, beautiful, powerful person with so much depth. Remember that!
2. Romanticize your everyday: Turn routines into rituals. Your morning coffee, applying moisturizer, even folding laundry with music. Main character energy.
3. Create mini "you" moments: 5–10 minutes to stretch, journal, or just breathe without a toddler attached to your leg. YOU set the tone. If you decided that looking and feeling your best is priority, then make sure you find pockets of your day to do just that!
Skincare: Real Solutions for Postpartum Skin Issues
1. Tackle the top three mom skin struggles:
Acne: Try gentle salicylic acid or azelaic acid (safe for nursing). But honestly the best thing you can do? DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE. And wash your pillow case. And hydrate!
Melasma/ Skin Discoloration: Daily SPF is a must, but if you want some serious results I signed up for Musely and it absolutely worked!
Wrinkles: Add a retinol alternative like bakuchiol if pregnant or nursing. Otherwise retinol is your bestie and you can even really up the ante by using a service like Nurx to get a Tretinoin prescription. Of course Botox is an option once you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, but I am a fan of Frownies if you want a natural Botox alternative!
Me 7 weeks postpartum rocking my Frownies because I was still breastfeeding/pumping
2. Less is more: Cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF are your core four. Add in extras if/when you can. But even though time is of the essence- make sure you don’t skip your routine! I am definitely guilty of that after hours of trying to get my baby to sleep. I just want to hop in bed. But really what is five more minutes to apply your skincare?
3. Add a face mist or ice roller for an instant wake-up glow—even if you’re running on 4 hours of sleep.
Hair: Cute & Practical for Hot Mom Life
1. Postpartum hair loss hacks:
Biotin-rich prenatal vitamins + collagen (more in wellness!)
Scalp massages to stimulate growth
Style with volume—claw clips, messy buns, or soft waves hide thinning spots
2. Quick put-together styles:
Sleek ponytail with a middle part- hair wax sticks are your friend
Claw clip half-up half-down- - search Chelsea Parke claw clip on TikTok - quick, easy, volume!
If you want to wear your hair down and you’re strapped for time- just blow dry / style the face framing pieces and let the rest do it’s thing.
3. Follow creators who do hair tutorials for inspo: Make sure you find someone with your same hair texture and length! Because some of the tips mentioned above don’t work for everyone, so it’s best to find someone who doesn’t have bland flat hair like me if that’s not your hair type lol.
Makeup: Quick and Easy Routine
1. The “hot mom” essentials:
Tinted SPF or BB cream (evens the skin tone real quick)
Cream blush for a natural flush
Under eye concealer - a must for tired moms
Lash curl + mascara = instant awake
Peel & stick lip liner/lip stain (TikTok fave!) for plumper lips that actually last. Put this on first, then peel off when you’re done doing your makeup as the final step.
2. Keep your makeup in one grab-and-go bag you can use in the car or while the kids are snacking.
3. If you have an infant- wear the baby if they’re fussy / velcro and you want to get your makeup done and there is no help from any other adult in sight.
Style: Mom Mode Chic
1. Build a “hot mom capsule wardrobe”:
Invest in a good pair of jeans that fit you right NOW.
Elevated basics (bodysuits, oversized tees, cardigans)
Sneakers that are cute and comfy
Gold hoops, crossbody bag, sunglasses = easy glow-up
Check out my post here on the 13 hot mom wardrobe essentials for more!
Pro tip: You get back to wearing jeans quicker if you simply size up
2. Don’t be afraid of trends—just pick 1-2 to mix into your staples. Think: denim maxi skirt, sporty sets, or a matching lounge set.
3. Choose clothes that fit your current body and life—not your “before kids” version. Feeling good now is key.
Wellness: Beauty from the Inside Out
1. Core supplements to help your glow-up:
Prenatal vitamins (yes, even postpartum)
Collagen powder (great for skin, hair, and nails)
Magnesium or ashwagandha for stress support
2. Some movement > no movement:
10-min yoga flow, stroller walks, or mom-dance parties count
YouTube workouts like "growwithjo" or "MadFit" for no-equipment quickies
When you’re ready to up the ante but you’re strapped for time I love using the Sweat app for more intense 15-20 minute workouts from your phone—no equipment needed!
3. Hydration station: Keep a water tumbler on you at all times. Add electrolytes for bonus glow. Also vitamin C helps your body absorb collagen if you’re taking that daily.
Being a hot mom isn’t about trends or trying to look 22—it’s about feeling good in your skin, investing in yourself again, and owning your mom era. Start with one category at a time, and remember: you don’t have to do it all, just do something that makes you feel more like you.
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