The Best Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Products, Tested by Moms-to-Be

Want your makeup to last all day? It’s worth investing in a good pregnancy-safe primer—like this one by 100% Pure. “The primer worked perfectly as a base for my daily makeup,” says Macie S. who tested this product in her third trimester and gave it a 10 out of 10 score for ease of application and finish.

A seasoned beauty aficionado, Macie alternates between a light, everyday makeup routine and a heavier look for special occasions and this product seamlessly fits into her daily routine. “It worked well with my other skincare and makeup and I had no issues applying my regular makeup routine over it,” she noted, adding that it helped her makeup last slightly longer than usual. “My makeup still looked great at the end of the day each time I wore this primer,” concluded Macie, who gave it a 9 out of 10 score for effectiveness.

The primer has a liquid formula, and our tester said the “buttery smooth” texture was similar to silicone-based primers she’s tried in the past. (But it’s silicone-free!) Macie does note that “it comes out of the tube rather quickly, so it's best to apply light pressure as to not dispense too much at once.” While this product is slightly expensive, a little goes a long way. “I would recommend a pea size amount, maybe a little more,” says Macie, who applied and blended this product with her fingers.

Upon application Macie says that the primer “immediately smoothed out my skin texture and provided a beautiful glow.” Unlike other priming products that have a glittery or metallic finish, this pick has a “luminous” and "pearlescent finish,” which our tester appreciated. And it’s enriched with vitamin E and aloe, so it has hydrating properties too. “This primer suits my current skin type as I have drier skin than normal during pregnancy,” explains Macie, who continued to say that “it really helped hydrate the skin immediately upon application.”

Another area of high performance was the brief list of natural ingredients. “I was able to recognize most of the ingredients as they were common products such as green tea, vitamin E, aloe and avocado,” says Macie, who noted that the primer did not trigger any skin sensitivities. According to Macie, the short ingredients list “made me feel more confident about the safety of this product during pregnancy and everyday.”

Quantity: 1 fl. oz | Number of shades: N/A | Notable ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe, avocado, green tea | EWG rating: 1 | Cruelty-free: Yes

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In a recent survey of The Bump community, 45 percent of respondents told us that they used foundation while pregnant. But finding the right formula to fit your skin type can be tricky—especially when you have to factor in pregnancy-safe ingredients. Fortunately, we put a variety of base products to the test and ILIA’s True Skin Serum Foundation emerged as the best liquid foundation. Tested by Lizzie B., who is currently in her first trimester, this foundation earned a 10 out of 10 for color match and ease of application, as well as a high score for finish, ingredients and effectiveness to boot.

The beauty of a liquid base, as opposed to a foundation stick or mineral powder, is that it’s incredibly easy to apply and blend. “A little definitely goes a long way, the makeup spreads and blends easily and is on the looser, more watery side, but it's not drippy or too liquidy,” explains Lizzy, who said a pea-sized amount was all she needed to cover her entire face. Lizzy applied it to her face with her fingers and said it took about 15-seconds to blend into her skin. “At first it felt a bit oily on my face, but it seems to sink in quickly and your skin becomes dry, not tacky,” she continues.

Our product tester used the color matcher on the ILIA website to find her shade, and said it provided an excellent result: “The shade match was so perfect that it's almost hard to see the product on my skin.” For the record: Lizzy tested the shade “Tavarua SF2,” which is a pale nude color with neutral undertones. But with 30 shades and a variety of undertones on offer, the brand caters to a wide range of skin tones. Once dispersed on the skin, our product tester noted that the color lightens as it’s naturally less dense and concentrated. “It's not highly pigmented and provides more of a smoothing, air-brushed finish that looks like your natural skin,” explains Lizzie. Our pregnant product tester loved the natural look and said it provided “an even and uniform skin tone.”

The foundation has a natural finish and is very light coverage. “It's not totally matte, but more matte than dewy,” explains Lizzie. “It suits my skin type, which is combination, since it's neither heavy and oily or drying and mattifying,” she continues. Our product tester found the foundation to be buildable and says it minimizes redness, but cautions that due to the lighter coverage formulation “it wouldn't effectively cover dark spots or blemishes.” Unlike heavy coverage foundation products which can be cakey, our tester appreciated that it didn’t settle into the fine line around her eyes and said it held up well throughout the day.

Our tester was happy with the pregnancy-safe ingredients list. “The first few ingredients (aloe and coconut) sound great to me on the clean scale,” says Lizzie, who appreciated the fact that the foundation was fragrance-free. “There are also a few active skincare ingredients that I take as a good sign, like niacinamide and squalane,” continues Lizzie, who did note that she was unfamiliar with many of the ingredients. “There's a fairly long list of ingredients, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing for makeup, as you need the right chemical balance for makeup that's easy to apply, looks good and doesn't wear off,” concludes Lizzie.

Quantity: 1 fl. oz. | Number of shades: 30 | Notable ingredients: Niacinamide, allantoin, aloe | EWG rating: 3 | Cruelty-free: Yes

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Foundation sticks have recently made a comeback, and honestly, we’re here for it. There are a few nice options on the market but this pregnancy-safe foundation stick by Well People is our top choice for expectant moms. Not only is the stick packaging perfect for tossing in your purse, cosmetics case or diaper bag, the creamy solid formula is EWG-verified and incredibly easy to apply.

“The packaging is simple and user-friendly, which I appreciated,” says pregnant product tester Mahnur, who scored it a 10 out of 10 for ease of application. “You just glide it onto your face to achieve even coverage, and it doesn’t require a lot of product for effective results,” she continues. Mahnur used her fingers to apply the product for a quick everyday application, but also tried using it with a foundation brush to create a more polished look. In both cases, Mahnur reported that “the product took just a few seconds to blend, making it a hassle-free addition to my routine.”

Of all the base products we tested, this foundation stick definitely offers the lightest coverage. “While freckles and blemishes remain somewhat visible, it effectively evened out my skin tone, creating a natural “no-makeup” look,” says Mahnur. According to our tester, it held up reasonably well, lasting around six hours. But she noted that, “some touch-ups were necessary during the day.” While this foundation isn’t the best for a full-glam or heavy coverage look, Mahnur said: “I personally enjoy this level of coverage for daily wear, as it feels breathable and effortless.” While she had some reservations about the lighter coverage, our product tester loved the natural finish of this makeup, awarding it a score of 9 out of 10. “It complemented my skin, giving it a healthy, natural glow,” explains Mahnur, who remarked that it had a lightweight texture that didn’t feel drying or look cakey.

The Well People complexion stick comes in 15 shades, which is good but could be improved upon. “I do wish there were more shade options available, but I’m happy that I managed to find my perfect match,” says Mahnur. The website has two color-matching tools: a shade matcher that recommends a color based on your current foundation and a quiz that asks you questions about your skin depth, color and undertone using visual aids to guide your selections. Mahnur opted for shade 30 (medium tan warm) and said she was “thrilled that the shade matched my skin tone perfectly, even though I selected it online.” In particular Mahnur appreciated the neutral undertones and medium pigmentation as “it evened out my skin tone and concealed pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation.”

This product is made from plant-based ingredients that are safe for pregnancy. While she didn’t recognize all of the ingredients listed, Mahnur appreciated the inclusion of black cumin seed oil as it “is known for its brightening properties, which I found beneficial.” It’s also fragrance-free, which is another big plus point and our product tester didn’t experience any irritation or breakouts while using the foundation stick. Overall, Mahnur was happy with the ingredients and concluded that “knowing it has a clean formulation gave me confidence in using it, even during pregnancy.”

Quantity: N/A | Number of shades: 15 | Notable ingredients: Bamboo stem powder, black cumin seed oil | EWG rating: EWG-verified | Cruelty-free: Yes

Searching for a pregnancy-safe foundation that won’t irritate sensitive skin? This mineral-based formula by Bare Minerals is our top choice. Made from just five natural ingredients, it contains SPF 15 sun protection and is one of the few hypoallergenic foundations on the market, making it particularly good for reactive skin. It’s also non-comedogenic—meaning it doesn’t clog pores—so it’s a nice option for moms dealing with pregnancy acne too.

“The product did not trigger skin issues or have a fragrance,” says Tandra H., who tested this foundation at 30-weeks pregnant and awarded it a high score for ease of use, ingredients and coverage. “The product had a short list of ingredients, which was nice and made me feel more confident about using it,” continues Tandra. “I loved that it was SPF 15,” she added, noting that she always opts for a foundation with some degree of sun protection.

As the name suggests, this pregnancy-safe foundation is a powder product. Tandra used a fluffy makeup brush to apply it to her skin and said it the “application was easy and it blended quickly to my skin.” According to Bare Minerals, the powder should be buffed into your skin with a brush using circular motions. This activates the mineral-based pigments and transforms them from a powder to a silky cream. One layer provides a sheer layer of coverage, but it’s buildable, so you can keep going until you have the desired finish. “I like that it can be a light foundation or a little more buildable if needed,” confirms Tandra.

“I would consider this a more natural finish,” says Tandra, who added that the foundation felt “very lightweight and had a shine to it.” It also worked well with other makeup products and wore well throughout the day, although Tandra did reapply it once around midday. While our tester liked aspects of this foundation, she did note that her skin felt quite dry after applying it.

Tandra used the “Find My Shade” option on the website to determine her shade. (Bare Minerals also has a “Match My Shade” tool, which prompts you to take a selfie in natural light in order to gain shade recommendations.) Although she typed in the brand and shade she usually wears, the color match wasn’t quite right. “I felt this foundation was a little too light for my skin tone,” she explains. Despite this, Tandra says “the foundation did even out my skin tone, I've stayed a little more red with this pregnancy and the foundation hid it well along with my blemishes.” Bare Minerals has 29 shades to choose from, so if you don’t like to rely on online color-matching tools you can always pop into your local Sephora and ask for advice.

Quantity: 18g | Number of shades: 29 | Notable ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | EWG rating: 1 | Cruelty-free: Yes

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A concealer is another essential pregnancy-safe makeup product. In fact, 30 percent of moms-to-be who responded to our survey told us that they used concealer during their pregnancies. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, the Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer was the best pregnancy-safe option we tested thanks to its hydrating, high-coverage finish. “It effectively hides blemishes, under-eye shadows and discoloration, without fading throughout the day,” confirms Mahnur, who tested the concealer in her second trimester.

Mahnur was impressed by the fact that this concealer is available in 20 different shades, making it easier to find the right match for different skin tones. “It perfectly matched my skin tone and didn’t change color after blending, maintaining a natural look,” says Mahnur, who felt that the neutral undertones complemented her complexion. Aside from brightening her under-eye area, she reported that “the concealer has just the right level of pigment to effectively cover hyperpigmentation and acne scars.”

It’s easy to apply with the wand applicator and Mahnur said that a little bit of product goes a long way. “The concealer has a medium consistency that’s easily spreadable […] I used my fingers for quick blending and a beauty blender when I needed more even coverage.” Once blended, Mahnur told us that the concealer provided a “flawless” look. Speaking of the overall look, this concealer offers a dewy finish, which Mahnur described as “radiant” and “lightweight.” If you prefer a matte finish, it’s best to set the concealer with a finishing powder, which will ensure it lasts all day.

According to our tester, this concealer offers heavy coverage. “It doesn’t feel cakey, but if too much product is applied, it may crease slightly under the eyes,” she explains. “That said, with proper application, it blends seamlessly and doesn’t settle into fine lines,” continues Mahnur. While some people may prefer a more natural look, Mahnur says: “The high level of coverage is something I personally love, as it gives my skin a perfected, even tone that I prefer for formal events or photo-worthy moments.”

As this product is designed for the sensitive under-eye area, a gentle formula is vital. Fortunately, this concealer is free from silicone, fragrances and other irritants. “It’s fragrance-free, which is another plus for me, as it didn’t trigger any sensitivities,” says Mahnur, adding that “the formula feels gentle, clean and suitable for expectant moms or those with sensitive skin.”

Quantity: 6.5 ml | Number of shades: 20 | Notable ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid | EWG rating: N/A | Cruelty-free: Yes

It’s no secret that mascara can instantly elevate your look. So we weren’t surprised to find that 48 percent of moms who responded to our survey told us they bought pregnancy-safe mascara to use during their 9+ month journey. ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara is a high-performing mascara made from natural ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive eyes or cause any harm to your unborn baby. Tandra tested the mascara at 30 weeks pregnant and awarded it a top score for ingredients, color, effectiveness, value for money and ease of removal.

The Limitless Lash Mascara is made from 99 percent naturally-derived ingredients and is highly rated by the EWG. Enriched with arginine and organic shea butter, this mascara actually conditions your lashes as well as lengthening them. “I would consider this a fairly clean mascara brand,” says Tandra, who noted that she didn’t have any concerns regarding the ingredients.

One cool feature that’s worth calling out is the mascara wand that features short bristles on one side and longer comb-like bristles on the reverse. “One side had a distinct piece for separating lashes and the other for adding additional mascara,” explains Tandra. “I enjoyed using this wand because it had a side just for separating compared to other brands,” she continues. Thanks to this feature, Tandra notes that “it was easy to get the inner-corner of my eyes” too. “The mascara did have a lengthening effect with the wand,” says Tandra, noting that it wore well throughout the day and didn’t smudge or flake off.

This mascara is available in a single shade: soft black. Our product tester felt it was pigmented enough but said that it gives a more “natural look.” The good news is that this mascara can be layered up for a more dramatic eye-framing look. According to Tandra, “it took 2 to 3 coats to get the desired effect /[but] the color lasted all day without needing to be reapplied.” It’s worth noting that this mascara formula is on the thinner side and dries down quickly. On the plus side this means the mascara doesn’t smudge as you apply it, but it can be a little harder to layer as the brush dries out quickly. “The first coat went on smoothly, but coats afterwards were harder to put on,” explains Tandra.

Unlike other mascara brands that have to be scrubbed off with a waterproof makeup remover, this gentle formula rinses away with warm water. “I used my make-up wipes to remove this mascara and then warm water,” says Tandra. Our product tester added that she was happy with the easy removal process and said “I did not notice any residue left on my eyes,” so you can say goodbye to panda eyes.

Quantity: 8 g | Number of shades: 1 | Notable ingredients: Arginine, shea butter, beeswax | EWG rating: 1 | Cruelty-free: Yes

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Due to fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy, your lips may be more dry, cracked, dull or lackluster than usual. But it’s important to opt for a pregnancy-safe lip balm as you’re more likely to absorb the ingredients. “I’d recommend replacing all of your lip products with safer ones, because we literally ingest them,” explains Rhonda Klein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. Burt's Bees Gloss & Glow Glossy Balm is an ultra-hydrating lip treatment, with a rich color pay-off and a glossy finish. And, most importantly, it’s made from natural ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy. Product tester Macie, who tested the lip balm at 34-weeks pregnant, said: “I suffer from dry chapped lips, especially during pregnancy and one swipe of this lip balm immediately helped."

“It was extremely easy to apply this lip product and took me less than a few seconds to swipe it on,” says Macie, who awarded it a perfect 10 for ease of application. In particular, our product tester loved the buttery formula and the twist-up angled applicator. “The lip balm goes on extremely smooth and it feels amazing on my lips. It was very hydrating and instantly helped my dry and chapped lips,” shares Macie.

Burt's Bees Gloss & Glow Glossy Balm is available in four colors. Macie tested the shade “Eat, Drink, and Be Cherry,” and remarked that the deep red shade was very pigmented. “The color wore well during the day and stayed on longer than some other tinted lip balms I have tried,” says Macie, noting that the color did not feather or bleed at the edges. While it performed well overall, Macie flagged that the lip balm isn’t kiss-proof, “as it is very shiny, hydrating and glossy so it does transfer when touched.” She also felt that the bold color wasn’t the best fit for her paler skin tone, but that’s a point of personal preference. Pro tip: Bring the tube to the hospital when you deliver—the color payoff will shine in those first few family pics.

With a price tag under $7, this lip balm also earned top marks for affordability. “I think the price is amazing for the quality of the product,” says Macie, adding that she would recommend this product to anyone looking for an affordable and hydrating lip balm.

Quantity: 2 g | Number of shades: 4 | Notable ingredients: Shea butter | EWG rating: N/A | Cruelty-free: Yes

Prefer lipstick over a balm? You’re not alone—26 percent of survey respondents told us they used lipstick when expecting. However, many lipstick formulations contain waxes that aren’t recommended for moms-to-be, along with other preservatives like benzyl benzoate (which can contribute to neurotoxicity). Luckily, our research found that the Sephora Collection Satin Hydrating Lipstick is pregnancy-safe, affordable and effective. Better yet, our product tester loved it! Tandra tried the lipstick in her third trimester and awarded it a 10 out of 10 score for almost all testing criteria.

This lipstick is available in 16 stunning shades. “The color of the product I ordered was beautiful,” gushes Tandra, who tried a pinky-nude shade. “I’m used to more neutral shades, this was a nice neutral but still vibrant,” says Tandra, adding that she plans to wear it more in summer time for a fun pop of color. “The lipstick applicator has a pointed tip, which makes for easy and simple use,” added Tandra, noting that it went on smoothly and did not crease, bleed or smudge during the day. And, thanks to the rich color, “it wore well during the day and only required one reapplication.”

The vegan formula is highly-rated by the EWG, and contains ceramides for long-lasting hydration. Tandra told us that she wasn’t concerned about the ingredients used: “I usually focus more on ingredients if I’m ingesting it or if they’re clinical grade, which I didn’t have to worry about with this lipstick.” With that said, she did some research of her own and found it to be in the top 91 percent allergen-free, which was a fact that she appreciated.

“I would say it's a high quality product, no smudging, wears well and goes on smooth without transfer to my teeth,” says Tandra, who concluded her review by saying she would repurchase this lipstick.

Quantity: 3.5 g | Number of shades: 16 | Notable ingredients: Shea butter | EWG rating: 1 | Cruelty-free: Yes

Pregnancy in the winter can be fun when snuggled up under a blanket, binging shows and sipping fancy hot cocoa. Otherwise, it can be pretty dull. Your skin, on the other hand, doesn’t have to be. With Well People’s Superpowder Bronzing Powder, you can easily achieve that sought-after sunlit look with just a few swirls of a brush. Shannon W., tested this bronzer in her third trimester and gave it a glowing review.

Using a bronzer brush for blending, Shannon applied the product to her cheeks, jawline, forehead and nose. She remarked that it was “very easy to apply!” Once applied to the desired areas, this product has a matte finish that doesn’t look cakey. “The product feels weightless, not at all heavy,” confirms Shannon. Our tester also noted that it’s buildable, so you can achieve different looks with the same product. “I prefer a light application for every day, but it could be built up easily for a bolder look,” she explained. When applied with a light touch Shannon said it gave her skin a “natural” sunkissed look, but with a slightly heavier hand she achieved a more “dramatic” bronzed effect.

“I found the color to be rich, and it gave me a great sun-kissed glow,” says Shannon, awarding this bronzer a 10 out of 10 score for color. “I found the product very pigmented, so a little went a long way,” she adds. Shannon also liked the fact that the bronzer didn’t contain any shimmer or glitter: “You can always add that if desired with another product, but it’s great to have a base matte product for everyday use.”

Thanks to the highly-pigmented formula and generous compact size, this bronzer offers exceptional cost per use. “The product is really concentrated and seems like it would last a long time, helping the value to increase. I imagine the product lasting 6 months or so with every day use,” says Shannon.

Aside from being an all-round great product, this bronzer is EWG-verified, meaning it has a transparent ingredients list that doesn’t contain any concerning chemicals. Essentially it’s formulated without all the bad stuff—no talc, parabens, phthalates or other harsh chemicals. “I did see the EWG rating which is very reassuring for a clean ingredient list,” shared Shannon.

Quantity: 0.17 oz. | Number of shades: 3 | Notable ingredients: Olive-derived squalane, niacinamide | EWG rating: EWG-verified | Cruelty-free: Yes

Stressed at the thought of replacing your entire makeup kit? Multi-purpose products can save you money and time. Case in point: the Iris & Romeo Ceramide Multi-Balm Cheek + Lip Stick. Not only did this product test exceptionally well as a blusher, it can also be used to add a touch of color to your lips. “I applied it to both my cheeks and lips, and it performed beautifully on both areas,” says pregnant product tester Mahnur.

The cream blush formula comes as a stick, allowing for quick and easy application directly onto the apples of your cheeks. “It’s extremely easy to use and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups,” says Mahnur. “You simply swipe it on and blend, which takes only a few seconds,” she explains, adding that she tried blending it with her fingers and a brush. According to our product tester, the blush also worked well with other makeup products, whether it’s foundation, powder, or other cream formulas.

This blusher is available in eight different shades. Mahnur tested out “Warm Flush,” which is a tawny brown color with warm undertones. The formula offers a sheer wash of color, but it’s buildable for folks that prefer a bolder blush application. Describing it as “stunning,” Mahnur said it blended seamlessly with her skin and provided a natural, healthy flush. There’s also no shimmer or glitter in the formula, which many women prefer. “The shade feels perfect for everyday wear, but I do wish there were more options available to cater to a wider range of skin tones,” added Mahnur.

Packed with skincare ingredients, like ceramides and organic essential oils, this blusher blends smoothly into the skin rather than sitting on top of it and accentuating texture or open pores. “It works beautifully with my skin type, leaving it looking healthy and hydrated,” confirms Mahnur. It also lasted over 6 hours without any color dilution, which is a major plus when you consider that blush is usually the first makeup product to fade on your skin. “The finish of this product is luminous, giving the skin a fresh and dewy glow,” concludes Mahnur.

Quantity: 5.8 g | Number of shades: 8 | Notable ingredients: Ceramides, mango butte, shea butter, avocado oil | EWG rating: N/A | Cruelty-free: Yes