Yummy On My Tummy: The Belli Skincare Pregnancy Line

Earlier this fall I had a chance to sample some of the products from the Belli Skincare Pregnancy line. Why, you may ask? Because later in the fall, I had my own product!

That there (above) is Walter John Reed, my son, who was born on October 21st. Though he’s the light of my life now, when he was in utero, I was slightly less enthusiastic. Bloated, sore, itchy -- I like to explain pregnancy to people like having almost every single malady you’ve ever had -- just all at once. Enter Belli’s Pregnancy collection. All of these treatments are teratology tested and include no ingredients that have ever been connected to birth defects or other problems in pregnancy. That’s some real peace of mind for women who already have a lot to worry about!
My favorite thing about the Belli collection is the scents. I’m not much for stinky products in general, but during pregnancy, most women are extra-sensitive to smells. Special thanks to Belli for using pure and simple fragrances that inspire calm and relaxation. Check out a few of my faves below!


Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF-25 ($24): One of the unfortunate side effects of pregnancy in chloasma. This skin-darkening condition can occur all over the body, but, most disturbingly, on the face. Brought on partially by sun exposure, chloasma usually fades after pregnancy. Belli’s Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both safe in pregnancy to protect those beach babes (and their babies) amongst us. This product is oil-free and slightly tinted. It didn’t cause any ill effects on my oily skin, which is impressive since a lot of the facial sunscreens still make me break out. I did have some chloasma problems in, of all places, the armpits, after a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, but I’m happy to report it faded after Walt was born. I highly recommend using this sunscreen, and others to avoid this embarrassing condition!


Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator: With an invigorating and crisp peppermint scent, this exfoliator is luxurious as well as gentle. It has a fairly fine grit which is kind to stretched out and irritated pregnant skin, and left my skin feeling smoother, but not slimy, as I’ve found many others do. I used it on my belly, rear and hips to prepare my skin to absorb other treatment products. It washed away nicely and didn’t grit up the tub like some exfoliators. Rich in anti-oxidants, I used this product nearly every day, though it is recommended to be used 2-3 times per week. I was addicted, and didn’t notice any irritation.

Elasticity Belly Oil: To me, nothing says day at the spa like the scent of lavender. The combination of lavender and sweet almond oil in Elasticity Belly Oil not only seemed to keep my skin hydrated and supple, but I really felt like I was treating myself. I used it on my belly and my hips to ease the stretching associated with pregnancy. I have to say that since I was pinching pennies in anticipation of the little one's arrival, my spa visits were limited during pregnancy. But I looked forward to applying this product after each and every shower or bath. Belli touts that in a double-blind study, Elasticity Belly Oil was shown to reduce stretchmarks by 39 percent! The oil comes in a generous 4 ounce bottle. It’s a great resource for moms-to-be who are stretched, or stressed out.

I was very impressed with the Belli Pregnancy line, and I’ve even got a few products from their Motherhood and Baby lines to try out now that I’ve moved on to the next stage. Stay tuned for that post in the future.

Until then, relish in your fertility-godess-ness! All products are available at belliskincare.com. And as a special treat from Belli Skincare for The Beauty of Life readers, enjoy 20 percent off the entire site with promo code BLIFE until February 28!