For Tope Okodugha, bridal designer and mother of two, her postpartum self-care routine embraces minimalism, comfort, and authenticity. It reminds mothers that true beauty is about feeling grounded, not perfection.
Every mother’s postpartum self-care routine is as different as their personalities. For Tope Okodugha, fashion entrepreneur, bridal designer, and mother of two, the transformation has been as internal as it has been external.
Although Tope has always been a minimal beauty routine woman, motherhood simplified that even more. This strengthened a sense of identity, keeping her grounded during postpartum changes. “Motherhood has taught me that beauty is knowing who you are and not just in the external appearance,” she reflects.
In this edition of our postpartum beauty series, Tope Okodugha shares how a change of priorities brought clarity and a sense of identity to her routine.
Read also: Why Alma Ngur’s postpartum beauty routine is all about ease and confidence
Tope’s skin-first postpartum self-care routine
Before having children, Tope’s beauty routine was almost non-existent. “My routine was pretty minimal. I didn’t have a regular skincare routine, only occasionally using sunscreen and moisturiser,” she says. Once she entered motherhood, her perspective shifted, and like many new mums, her priorities changed. For the first seven months after giving birth, beauty took a back seat. “My focus was entirely on the baby and adjusting to my new life as a mum. It’s only now that I’m starting to find a little bit of time for myself and consider what a new routine might look like.”
That process of rediscovery hasn’t been without challenges. For instance, she struggled to adjust to her new sleep routine, which was a big part of self-care for her. “I love a good [night’s] sleep, but being a new mum requires you to be awake multiple times at night. I’ve had to adjust my routine to fit my current lifestyle.”
Although beauty products were never about excess for Tope, motherhood only reinforced that preference. “I stopped applying foundation when I was pregnant because of the hormonal changes and also to let my skin breathe,” she explains. Today, her approach is deliberately stripped back. “Now, I skip the concealer, eyeshadow, blush, and highlighter steps completely because I’ve come to love a minimal makeup look; also for time’s sake.”
It’s a lifestyle-driven choice, shaped by the demands of both family and business. “As a new mum and a business owner, there are a lot of things I have to juggle on a day-to-day basis. I go all out when I have a special occasion to attend.” Day-to-day, though, Tope swears by a skin-first approach. “My daily routine is definitely more minimal. I’ve switched to a skin-first approach, preferring a lightweight foundation tone that looks and feels like my own skin.”
Priority on comfort and consistency
Motherhood hasn’t dramatically changed Tope’s postpartum self-care routine. “I’ve always prioritised a comfy and chic style, so it’s a look that easily transitioned into motherhood.” She believes the foundation of beauty lies in comfort and authenticity, not in total reinvention.
Her consistency has also become part of her signature. “It’s actually quite funny, people are often surprised to learn I have two kids. I think my consistent approach to beauty and style is a big reason for that.” In many ways, her postpartum journey reflects a deepening of the style and beauty routines she has always embraced. This is an essential part of not losing oneself to the pressures of balancing motherhood and career. “Despite all the physical and emotional changes I go through as a mum, I know that true beauty comes from within.”
Small hacks, big difference
Tope keeps it simple when it comes to beauty hacks as a busy mother. “I always carry lip balm or gloss. It’s the quickest way to look more put-together. I pair it with a great pair of sunglasses or chic eyewear, and instantly look polished and ready to go, no matter how little sleep I’ve had.”
Her list of essentials also shows how her postpartum self-care routine prioritises effectiveness over excess. It’s the simple things that elevate her mood. She recommends a holy grail of three products, “a nice lip gloss, sunscreen and rose water toner,” for new mums.
Tope loves a good treat, and if she were to splurge on any beauty products or routines? “A customised facial treatment followed by a full set of high-performance skincare products to maintain the results. Then, I would stock up on a complete skincare routine: cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen.” Wishing upon a genie to grant these wishes for this hardworking mama!
Redefining postpartum self-care routine
Society often pressures mothers to “bounce back,” but Tope’s story is refreshingly honest. Her beauty routine adapts gracefully to the signs of motherhood at her own pace and in ways that make her feel good. “Motherhood has stretched me in ways I never imagined,” she admits. “As a new mum and an entrepreneur, my priorities have shifted, and so have my beauty choices. I’ve had to make some adjustments, opting for a minimal beauty routine that fits my fast-paced life. It’s about finding a balance that allows me to feel good while being fully present for my family and my business.”
Beauty after motherhood for Tope is about identity, consistency, and balance, not perfection—a notion every new mother should hold close.
Read more: Mum Style Diaries: Toolz Oniru-Demuren redefines style and comfort for curvy mothers
