The 6 makeup items you'll be glad you threw into your hospital bag.

Mollie Harwood is a make up artist who is having her second child in a week. That’s right, a week! Here she takes us through what she’s packing in her hospital bag. 

After 9.5 months of pregnancy, I am ready to have this baby – huzzah!

So it’s time to get all my clobber ready for the hospital. By clobber, I’m talking not only the giant surfboard-sized maternity pads and fancy organic bamboo breast pads (I have to have something organic in my bag, don’t I?), but the makeup and hair saviours that are going to help me feel half human after giving birth.

The key is: less is more, simple and easy is best. I’m talking dry shampoo, BB cream and some blush for when you are drained of colour from breastfeeding for 17 hours straight.

The products that’ll be in my hospital cosmetic bag (or giant ziplock bag if I can’t fit it all…)

1. Dry shampoo – This will be your go-to almost every day – I swear to you! I love V05 ‘Plump it up’ as it gives good volume as well as soaking up the oil.

2. Jojoba + Rosehip oil – The BEST moisturiser for day and night. Even though it’s an oil, it’s not too heavy or greasy – and it’ll keep the dry skin at bay under the pumping hospital aircon.

3. Lucas paw paw ointment – Need I explain? This will be great for dry lips and cuticles… and will become a staple beauty and medicinal product through newborn phase… more on that later.

4. BB cream – I like ModelCo BB+ cream because not only does it even out my skintone, it’s also a complete broad spectrum sunscreen. Not that I’ll need that under the fluros… but hey.

5. Blush – Yes, instead of bronzer. When you’re exhausted and tired, you look pale. Even though everyone loves a good tan, a spot of blush on the apples of your cheeks will do much more to make you look healthy and awake. Go for a pink-based tone for the best pick-me-up – even try a crème blush stick for the easiest possible application (you can also use on your lips!)

6. Under eye highlighter – This is an essential for anyone with children ever. But especially during the feral no-sleep newborn phase. Apply under the eyes in a triangle shape and blend with your ring fingers. Instantly lifts your face and gives you the appearance of something closer to a full night’s sleep. Amazeballs. Loads of brands do these, but I am currently using L’Oreal Lumi Magique. Go for 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone for the most lift.

Most importantly – if you’re off to have a baby – good luck mama! See you on the other side…

Mollie xx