Zoe Hardman and Georgia Dayton became friends following a chance encounter in a coffee shop.
Both pregnant and new to the area, they discovered they had lots in common and not long after, the successful blog, podcast and Instagram account known as Made by Mammas was born.
Made by Mammas, is an online community, in which mums can visit for inspiration and support, alongside helpful advice from a variety of childcare professionals and industry experts.
Their weekly podcast is one of my favourites and has not only made me cry, but laugh out loud at some of the stories they’ve shared.
I’m delighted to feature Zoe and Georgia on the blog in a Q&A about their beauty tips, favourite products and what they do to unwind.
I’m a huge fan of your podcast and always recommend it to other new mums. You have spoken to an array of interesting guests including; childcare experts, influencers, fitness experts and tv presenters to name but a few.
Who would be your dream guest and why?
G: Thank you! We love recording it. We’ve had so many incredible people on the podcast but I’d absolutely love to have Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Mostly, just to be nosey as they keep their family life quite private!
Z: For me it would be Michelle Obama. Her spirit and energy are infectious. She is a total inspiration and a real ambassador for working mothers. Her book gave me goosebumps! If you haven’t read it, you must! I have a trillion questions to ask her…how can we make this happen?!
Whats your everyday skincare routine and does it differ from day to night?
G: I suffered from really bad acne in my early twenties as a result of coming off the pill. I had laser on my skin which means it can be quite sensitive so I have to be pretty careful. I use a clean flannel every time I wash my face and only use the REN Eva calm cleanser.
In the morning I’ll use the Origins Plantscription Serum followed by Clinique Moisture Surge and Elizabeth Arden SPF.
In the evening I alternate between Elizabeth Arden Retinol Capsules and Estée Lauder ANR (I’ve been using this for years). I also use a slightly heavier moisturiser at night during the winter, but I switch this up as I don’t have a firm favourite yet.
Z: My mum always told me to cleanse, tone and moisturise day and night so I’m pretty strict on that. I love Ren, I find the products really hydrating. I am also a big fan of the Murad Retinol Range for night time. I’ve seen a big difference in my fine lines and dark spots since I’ve been using them. I also always finish up with a bit of Paw Paw Lip Balm, it’s the best!
I know that you both enjoy having your hair blow dried, but when was the last time that you had a beauty treatment and what was it?
G: I’m a massage girl! When I was pregnant I found an incredible lady who lived locally and was training in pregnancy massage, so she’d come once a week. It’s my ultimate treat. I don’t have them so regularly now but I am a fan of the having a home massage so I’ll use Secret Spa to book one in the evening when the kids are asleep. Then I can just go straight to bed feeling relaxed.
Z: I had a Murad facial before Christmas at Harrods! It was total luxury and something I never do. I did however spend the entire time thinking about things I hadn’t done and making lists in my head of things I needed to do for the kids! It never ends!
Do you have a beauty tip that you would like to share with my readers?
G: A silk pillowcase or a silk turban will make your blow dry last longer!
Z: Drink water! It’s such a simple one but as busy parents, something we might forget to do. I truly believe you can reduce lines and slow down the ageing process by being completely hydrated. I always try to drink three litres of water a day.
As mums to young children, life can be pretty full- on at times. What do you do to unwind?
Z: I love exercising! It’s my way of completely switching off. I do a Blaze class at David Lloyd or perhaps I’ll go and do a hot yoga class somewhere. If I’m in London, Barry’s Bootcamp is my ‘go to’, I always try and do one a week. I just love how it makes me feel mentally after I finish; for me it keeps away the blue days and makes me more productive with my work.
G: Exercise for me too. I use the crèche at David Lloyd so I can have an hour or two to myself. I love the Blaze class too or sometimes I’ll set up a little circuit in the gym.
Finally, as you do on the podcast, lets finish off with your top 3 favourite products.
G: Maybeline Eraser Eye Concealer, I love that I can get in with my Ocado shop. Living Proof Dry Shampoo, its expensive but I haven’t found anything better yet. Glossier Boy Brow, I’m allergic to eyebrow tint so my brows can get lost. I’ve only had this for a month or so and it’s now a firm favourite.
Z: Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner, Murad Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum, Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick for the perfect nude/pink.
