Why Is Birthing Makeup So Popular?

Going full-glam in the delivery room is a popular social media trend, with millions of expectant mothers sharing GRWM in labour videos. Experts and content creators share their thoughts on this booming trend.

- VANESSA CHIA

It’s practically a “time-honoured” rite of passage for most celebrity mums giving birth: having their post birthing photos splashed across social media (and tabloids), looking all fresh-faced and rejuvenated from the delivery room. These days, you might be surprised to know that “birthing makeup” or applying a full face of makeup in the delivery room has become a big social media trend – not just among celebs, but with mummy influencers and real women too. Just check out the hashtag #birthingmakeup on Tiktok, and you’ll see tons of videos of women sharing their take on the trend. A single Tiktok titled “I did my makeup before birthing my baby” has garnered over 12 million likes.

“If I’m going to look bloated and miserable after shoving a human being out, I can at least have pretty lashes for the photos I know my relatives will be taking,” chuckles Tiktoker Francesca Tanmizi (@workingwithmonolids), who wore false lashes when she gave birth to her daughter Eve in 2019.

Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, shares that he’s definitely seen more women coming in with makeup on D-day (what he dubs “Delivery Day”), and he’s extremely supportive of it. In fact, he even says that seeing them looking and feeling good perks him up and gives him positive energy too.

He says: “Wearing makeup is an empowering way for ladies to be in control of their body, which allows them to feel positive and, in turn, remember this precious D-day even more.”