After my second daughter was born, my husband and I had the conversation that every growing family eventually has: Are we done? And for us, the answer came softly but surely—yes, we were. Two daughters. Two wildly different birth stories. Two postpartum recoveries that transformed me in ways I never expected. We were done. I was done.
(Pop the champagne!)
It felt bittersweet at first. I loved feeling my girls moving in my belly, the sweet reminder of the life I was growing. I loved the newborn snuggles, the tiny toes, the magic of those fleeting first days. But I also knew what came with them: the sleep deprivation, the anxiety, the healing, the identity shifts. I had done it twice—and beautifully, I might add—but I didn’t need to do it again. We were ready to close the chapter on baby-making and open a new one.
And with that decision, something inside me shifted.
For the first time in years, my body was fully my own again. I wasn’t preparing for another round of pregnancy. I wasn’t tiptoeing around ovulation charts or saving old maternity clothes “just in case.” I didn’t have to consider how every choice—every supplement, skincare product, workout, travel plan—might affect a future pregnancy. The mental load of possibility was gone.
To celebrate this very real, very emotional milestone, I decided to give myself something I hadn’t had in a long time: a glow-up. Not the kind that’s tied to bouncing back or looking like my pre-baby self. This was about grounding. Investing. Rebuilding. Rebirth. About honoring everything my body had been through and gently, intentionally stepping into this next version of myself.
Here’s what my postpartum glow-up looked like:
1. A Beauty Routine That Felt Luxurious Again
After years of half-used serums, stretched-thin mornings, and skincare routines that were more about survival than self-care, I finally decided to do something radical: treat myself like someone worth investing in.
I started by adding a little glow back into my face—literally. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Drops gave me that customizable, sun-kissed radiance without any mess or commitment. Just a few drops in my daily moisturizer, and I looked like I’d just come back from vacation (not daycare pickup).
Next came exfoliation. I began using Dermatologist’s Choice Skincare’s Glycolic Peel Cleansing Pads ($75) across my skin at night, and honestly, they’ve become my holy grail. These pads are extra-strength (thanks to non-neutralized glycolic acid), but still gentle enough to use at home—perfect for moms who don’t have time for in-office treatments but do want glowing, smoother skin that looks like they somehow slept through the night.
Once or twice a week, I give myself the ultimate glow treatment with Masktini’s Metal Head Brightening Mask ($78). Infused with ultra-stable Vitamin C, pomegranate stem cells, and micro-metallic pigments, it delivers that pre- or post-party radiance and leaves my skin selfie-ready—even if I’m just taking a photo with my toddler.
And let’s talk about tired mom eyes. Two words: Firm & Brighten Duo ($168). This set includes “Side Eye,” a multi-tasking eye cream that actually works on puffiness and dark circles, and “Hush Money,” a powerhouse moisturizer packed with 11 active ingredients that keep my skin firm, hydrated, and radiant.
I also tried AV Laboratories’ Eye Cream ($132)—and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. With 17 active ingredients like niacinamide, ferulic acid, and AVL’s patented longevity tech, this gel-based formula visibly smooths and brightens the delicate under-eye area. In clinical trials, 100% of users reported improved skin moisture. It’s like an energy drink for my eyes.
And because motherhood often equals inconsistent sleep (and skincare regrets), I added Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum into the mix. It visibly repairs signs of poor sleep in just three nights—ideal for anyone clocking under 6.5 hours a night (aka, me).
For the ultimate “I actually take care of my skin now” vibe, I splurged on the Pro Vitality + Eternal Renewal Discovery Kit ($270). This set includes full-size and mini versions of face creams and serums that deeply nourish, hydrate, and restore radiance. It’s like giving your face a do-over—and honestly, I needed it.
At night, I’ve also started using Marie Veronique’s Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion ($135). It’s a microbiome-friendly alternative to conventional retinoids and uses a blend of encapsulated retinol, retinyl sunflower seedate, and bakuchiol to smooth fine lines without irritation. Basically: the glow of retinol, without the flaking, redness, or freakouts.
And I couldn’t forget my hair in this postpartum glow-up. I leaned on Matrix’s Glow Mania line—especially the gloss mask—to bring back shine and strength to my color-treated curls. I follow up with LUSH Super Milk Conditioning Spray ($22–$44), a dreamy blend of almond, oat, and coconut milk that hydrates, softens, and adds a lemony shine boost.
To finish off the look, I added a pop of color and glow with Winky Lux’s Cheeky Rose Liquid Trio—a bronzer, highlighter, and blush set that makes me look “well-rested and glowing” even when I’m running on caffeine and vibes. It’s effortless, pretty, and exactly the kind of fun I want back in my makeup bag.
Every single one of these products became more than just skincare or makeup. They became little reminders that I’m allowed to take up space. To slow down. To glow. Not because I’m trying to impress anyone—but because I deserve to feel like me again.
2. Wellness That Served Me, Not Just My Kids
In the thick of early postpartum, wellness often meant survival: enough food to stay upright, enough sleep to function, and just enough movement to not feel sore. Once I was cleared by my OB/GYN to begin exercise again, I wanted to feel strong, energized, and more connected to myself than I’d felt in years.
So I made a commitment—to me.
I started running again, averaging 8–10 miles a week, not for a race or a scale, but for the feeling of freedom that came with every step. I lifted weights to rebuild strength and feel powerful in a body that had done so much for me. A few hot yoga sessions helped me sweat out stress and reconnect to my breath, and I’d sprinkle in an occasional Orange Theory class when I needed to push hard and clear my head.
I also upgraded my gear, swapping out my worn-in shorts for Oiselle’s newest compression-style bottoms—my go-to for comfort and function on the run. Supportive but lightweight, with a 360-degree waistband pocket system (seriously genius for holding my phone, key, or even a shirt), they kept me chafe-free and confident through every mile.
On top, I added the FeatherFit™ U-Back Cropped Active Tank Top—a buttery-soft, breathable tank that’s perfect for yoga, lifting, and everything in between. It hugs in all the right places and makes me feel put together, even when I’m squeezing in a workout during nap time.
Recovery became just as important as the workouts themselves. I started using the FlexBeam by Recharge Health ($549), a wearable red light therapy device trusted by Olympic athletes and biohackers alike. With 10x the power of similar devices, it helped me bounce back faster from workouts, ease postpartum aches, and boost overall energy with targeted, NASA-inspired light therapy I could wear while folding laundry or lying on the couch.
And then I also slowed down. I began journaling daily—not pages of perfection, but small, intentional reflections that helped me reconnect with myself beyond motherhood. I used the Daily Pause Journal by Ramona & Ruth, a beautifully designed guide with prompts that invited stillness, gratitude, and presence. That tiny pause in my day became sacred—a moment of clarity in the chaos.
I also began building a supplement routine that supported the version of me I was growing into. Xtressé Hair Gummies ($78) became my go-to for postpartum hair thinning. These dermatologist-developed, biotin-free gummies tackle inflammation, stress, and hormonal imbalances at the root of hair shedding. With ingredients like NAD+, saw palmetto, and pumpkin seed extract, they helped bring fullness and strength back to my hair—without any weird side effects.
For full-body support, I leaned on Pure Synergy’s PureNatal ($43), a clean, organic multivitamin that continued to serve me through postpartum. Packed with folate, choline, and iron, it delivered energy, immune support, and hormonal balance—all without upsetting my stomach.
To support healthy skin from within, I added HUM Nutrition’s Collagen Love ($40), a blend of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C that helped smooth fine lines and retain moisture. Little by little, my skin began to look more like me again—refreshed, soft, and hydrated.
It might not be as sexy, but gums and teeth need healing postpartum, too, so I upgraded my oral care. The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 sonic electric toothbrush turned a basic routine into a glow-up moment. A healthier mouth, a brighter smile—it all counts.
One of the most meaningful additions to my routine wasn’t about wellness in the physical sense—it was emotional grounding. The Stay Calm Klink necklace ($69) became my everyday talisman. With affirmations like “embrace the storm” and “you got this” engraved on a brass-plated chain, it reminded me to slow down, breathe, and meet each day with calm strength. It wasn’t just jewelry—it was emotional armor.
This new version of wellness is rooted in care—not urgency. It’s not about fixing myself. It’s about supporting, celebrating, and evolving the woman I am now.
3. A Home That Felt Like Ours Again
Let’s be real—your house changes a lot during the baby years. For a while, ours looked like a baby store exploded in it. We had swings in the living room, bottle stations on every surface, burp cloths draped over the back of the couch, and a diaper caddy permanently stationed on the bathroom counter. It served us well. It was beautiful, in its own way. But once we knew we were done having babies, I was ready to reclaim our space.
I started small—swapping out the diaper caddy for my favorite hand cream and signature perfume. I upgraded our bedding and even bought throw pillows. I lit the “fancy” candle on a Tuesday afternoon without needing a special occasion. Our home started to feel like ours again, not just the backdrop of toddler chaos.
One of the best upgrades? The Momcozy Cooling Comforter ($149.99). Postpartum hormones had me waking up in a puddle more nights than I care to count, and this comforter changed the game. Designed specifically to regulate temperature and wick away moisture, it helped me sleep better, longer, and without the night sweats. Whether you’re in the thick of the fourth trimester or simply navigating your “done with pregnancy” era, this is the kind of bedding that makes you feel refreshed and human again.
For ambiance, I leaned into mood-boosting fragrance. NEST New York’s Bamboo Decorative Collection added the perfect fresh, elegant touch to our living space. The scent—white florals layered with lush greens and a citrus twist—instantly makes the room feel elevated and calm. It’s housed in gorgeous etched glass that doubles as decor. I also set up a Reed Diffuser Kit from RFA Skincare in our entryway for a subtle, spa-like welcome every time we walked through the door.
And because our walls deserved a glow-up too, I added a print that captured the heart of this entire season: Amanda Oleander’s “I Love Being Your Mom” ($48). Printed on museum-grade, archival quality paper, it’s a simple reminder of everything that matters most. It brought a personal, loving touch to our space that grounded me in the joy of where we are now—past the diapers, past the bottles, and fully present in the life we’ve built.
4. Style That Evolved With Me
After two babies, my style—like my body—shifted. I no longer dressed for pre-kid spontaneity or endless free time. I needed clothes that moved with me, made me feel good in the skin I’m in now, and still reflected my personality. As I embraced the glow-up phase of motherhood, I stopped waiting to “get my body back” and instead dressed the one I have now—with joy, comfort, and a little bit of flair.
Enter: elevated comfort.
At home, nothing feels more luxurious (or practical) than the Lila & Hayes Sassy Women’s Spa Wrap in Hampton Blooms. It’s my go-to for post-shower or post-bedtime wind-down—soft, feminine, and totally mine. Because there’s something incredibly validating about wrapping yourself in something beautiful, even if it’s just for folding laundry or sipping coffee on the couch.
For warmer days, I found myself reaching for the Kindred Bravely Aria Bamboo Lounge Shorts ($38.90) and matching Cropped Short Sleeve Top ($34.90). The bamboo fabric is soft as a cloud and breathable—key when you’re still nursing, chasing toddlers, or just trying to cool down from the rollercoaster of postpartum hormones. It’s loungewear that doesn’t make me feel like I’ve given up—because I haven’t. I’ve evolved.
And when I wanted to feel put together and practical? The Ingrid & Isabel New Mama Black Postpartum Support Skort ($98, on sale for $78.40) checked all the boxes. With built-in shorts and compressive fabric, it gave me support where I needed it and the confidence to rock a skirt again—while still being able to bend, squat, and sprint after a runaway toddler. The postpartum glow-up isn’t just about glowing—it’s about moving through life confidently and comfortably.
On my feet, I’ve leveled up, too. The Vivobarefoot Sensus Yin Slide ($140) became my warm-weather staple. Minimalist in design but maximum in comfort, they go with floaty dresses, poolside lounge fits, or even leggings for preschool drop-off. When I’m running around all day or on my feet nonstop, Mephisto shoes are my secret weapon. With premium cushioning, sleek design, and serious durability, they’re the shoes that say “yes, I still care how I look” without compromising comfort. Because let’s be honest—I need both.
And finally, the pièce de résistance: a bag that says I’ve still got it. The Kate Spade Lena Bucket Bag is sleek, stylish, and fits all the mom things without screaming “diaper bag.” It’s the kind of bag you carry when you remember you’re not just a mom—you’re a woman with places to go, things to carry, and her own signature style.
And just for fun (because postpartum glow-ups are also about joy), I bought my daughters a matching outfit so we could have a little “mommy and me” fashion moment. The Easy Peasy Eyelet Collar Denim Jacket ($24) is absolutely adorable—and available in sizes 6M–5T for easy sibling twinning. I paired it with their floral top and denim set for a head-to-toe look that made them feel special and made me feel like the cool mom. It was one of those small, happy things that reminded me: I don’t have to sacrifice style for motherhood. I get to make it my own—and share it with my girls, too.
Evolving my wardrobe after babies wasn’t about dressing for who I used to be—it was about embracing who I am now. Stronger. Softer. More grounded. And definitely more stylish.
The Glow-Up Was Never Just About Looks
Looking back, this glow-up wasn’t about becoming someone new—it was about coming home to myself. After years of being in survival mode through pregnancies, postpartum seasons, and sleepless nights, I finally had the space to ask: What makes me feel good? What makes me feel like me?
The answer wasn’t in any one serum, supplement, workout, or outfit—but in the collective power of all of it. In the quiet mornings spent journaling before the house wakes up. In the freedom of running again. In reclaiming space on the bathroom counter and in my own mind. In investing in things—big and small—that reminded me I’m worth the care I give to everyone else.
This wasn’t a “bounce back.” This was a step forward.
A celebration of strength, softness, style, and self-worth. A reminder that just because I’m done having babies doesn’t mean I’m done growing.
I’m just getting started.
