7 Beauty Products for The Wanderlust Mom

My firstborn was a Memorial Day baby, and let me tell you something: it’s hard to be pregnant in the summer in the city. Having a newborn in the heat of the summer is no picnic either! It’s not just that you have to endure 90+ degree temperatures while you are heavy with child. It’s also that if you are in the final weeks of pregnancy or have a tiny baby who has yet to be vaccinated, you may have no other choice but to stay in the heat of the city and miss out on all the summer fun to be close to your healthcare provider. But what if I told you that you could still experience exotic places, right in your very own apartment?

There are these magic potions, okay, beauty products that can evoke memories or imaginings for moms and moms-to-be who can’t travel, but are craving an escape. The best part is that all of these are safe, natural products that contain no chemicals, artificial fragrances or other nasties. That’s right, you can use them, guilt free, while pregnant or around newborns. What’s more, the companies responsible for what we call “vacation in a bottle” are socially responsible, woman made and independent. They grow their own products or source them from around the world — a farm in NY, a farm in Italy, a village in Ghana, a California studio, fruit and nectar from Hawaii!

If you feel like you’re in need of a break or an escape from city life, here are 7 beauty products for the wanderlust mom in you.

1. THE PHILIPPINES: Prim Botanicals, The Debauchery Detox Body Scrub

Shortly after my daughter was born, friends of mine went to a wedding in The Philippines (cue serious travel jealousy!). Suddenly, their Facebook photos were full of lush gardens, tropical jungles, and hidden waterfalls. I’ve been obsessed ever since, which is why I fell in love with Prim Botanicals, a brand developed by two women from the Philippines. It’s also one of the most fun, effective, luxe brands I’ve found! Their Debauchery Detox Body Scrub is full of moisturizing oils like Andiroba and Pracaxi, which reduce the appearance of stretch marks and target eczema and psoriasis — two conditions that commonly flare up in pregnancy and postpartum. And it smells incredible! $39, Buy it here.

2. CALIFORNIA: May Lindstrom Skincare, The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist

California dreaming? Only have time for a spritz of escapism? You need this moisturizing, soothing mist. You can layer it under moisturizers or use it on its own throughout the day to cool down, breathe in the delicious scent, or refresh makeup. Made by hand in Southern California, this mist will transport you in just seconds. $60, Buy it here.

3. GHANA: True Moringa, Hydrating body butter

This ethically-sourced brand will make you feel good about your purchase, and then all over again about your skin! This butter is particularly good for those who are sensitive to smells during pregnancy, as it’s not heavily scented at all. You could even use it on your baby! Moinga Oil and the other ingredients in this rich balm are great for minimizing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Farmed in Ghana, made in Boston, owned by women, super-effective … can’t beat any of that! $28, Buy it here.

4. SOUTHERN UNITED STATES: One Love Organics, Gardenia + Tea antioxidant body serum

As a kid, I used to spend time with family in the southern-most tip of South Carolina every summer. This gorgeous, hydrating body oil, made just a few miles away in Georgia, immediately transports me back there in my mind, to the gardenia flowers of my youth. Super-moisturizing but fast-absorbing, it’s great after showers and can be layered under sunscreen for important antioxidant protection! $39, Buy it here.

5. ITALY: Bottega Organica, Nourishing Lip Balm, Vanilla

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can both be quite dehydrating, so it’s important to nourish your skin, particularly where it’s thin and fragile, like lips. This balm will banish cracks and dry patches. Developed by a geneticist, Bottega Organica harvests almost all its ingredients from its two farms, one in Italy and one in Upstate New York. You’ll fall in love with its delicate vanilla scent! $36, Buy it here.

6. CENTRAL AMERICA: Maya Chia, Super Couple Serum

This stuff is a miracle! Made with powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin and skin superfood Chia, this serum will fix just about any skin problem you could have. It moisturizes, minimizes fine lines, and reduces inflammation. The delicious scent always lifts my mood, plus Maya Chia donates a portion of the net profits to charitable organizations that help build schools and farms for the Maya people! $86, Buy it here.

7. HAWAII: Leahlani Skincare, The Bless Balm

Leahlani Skincare founder Leah is a trained esthetician, and in addition to feeling luxurious and smelling good, these products will truly help calm your pregnant/postpartum skin. I put The Bless Balm on my face at night, on my lips throughout the day, and on my poor, stressed cuticles anytime they need some love. Blue Tansy will help your hormonal skin, and Argan Oil and Shea Butter are full of beneficial nutrients. $48, Buy it here.