You'd be forgiven for thinking that Emma Louise Connolly has got it all sussed. One flick through her expertly curated Instagram account reveals impressive modelling credentials, a handsome husband (former Made in Chelsea star Oliver Proudlock) and a beautiful baby girl, one-year-old Bonnie. Unsurprisingly, Emma boasts an impressive 469k loyal followers who look to her for inspiration across the fashion, beauty and wellness arena. But, as it turns out, life in the Proudlock household is actually a refreshingly normal one, ‘We have so much on our plates as parents, and the juggle is always tough,’ Emma reveals exclusively to Grazia. Here the star discusses her everyday routine, from her favourite new-mum-life-friendly workouts to her beauty and baby must-haves.
On Her Morning Routine
‘We always start the day in bed together. Ollie wakes Bonnie up at 7am, changes her and brings her into bed with me for her morning milk before he leaves for work. It's become such a cosy routine that start our days. We then have breakfast together and play!’
On Her Changing Attitude To Fitness Since Becoming A Mum
‘I try and squeeze in a workout in during Bonnie’s naps using our Technogym bench, or with my PT at the gym. I have a lot more respect for my body since becoming a mum. I now prefer to do what I can with the time I have, whether it be something slow and relaxing like a stretch or Pilates, or something more intense with my PT lifting weights. I don't put too much pressure on it anymore. If I have time to move my body and I feel like it, amazing. If I don't, that's also good. I also consider walking with Bon or playing at the park something that contributes to my overall fitness.’
On Listening To Your Body
‘If you’re a new mum getting back into fitness, then take it easy and don't rush. We have so much on our plates as parents, and the juggle is always tough. I didn't exercise or train for six months after I delivered Bon via C-section. I just didn't feel like it was the right time and I'm glad I took my time before training again.'
On Mental Health
'When I keep myself fit and well my mental health follows. I love to feel my body getting stronger. When I started my fitness journey a few months ago, I was lifting two 4kg weights and they felt insanely heavy. I now lift two 5kg weights and it feels good to know that my muscles and body are getting stronger. I would have never believed I could progress to that point and it makes me feel great mentally, too.'
Shop: 12 New Mum Buys Emma Louise Connolly Swears By
www.lookfantastic.com
This nourishing day time treatment is brimming with antioxidants to boost the overall appearance of the skin making light work of refining texture and diminishing the look of hyperpigmentation. ‘SkinCeuticals has been integral in getting my skin to the stage it is at now,’ explains Emma Louise Connolly. ‘I used to have some pretty aggressive acne, and I am truly obsessed with all of their products.'
www.skinceuticals.co.uk
Emma cites the SkinCeuticals Blemish And Age Defense Serum as one of her holy grail products and we aren't surprised. It's multi-award winning thanks to a clever acidic blend that improves the appearance of fine lines and an uneven skin tone. A little goes a long way, so we can attest to it being worth the investment - just let Emma's flawless complexion act as the perfect excuse.
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'I love the Eminence Organic strawberry rhubarb dermafoliant,' says Emma. 'I exfoliate once or sometimes twice a week if I need it. It’s really, really great and makes my skin feel super clean and fresh.’
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Where make-up is concerned Emma errs on the less-is-more side. Fitting then, that her favourite foundation is the Clinique Even Better make-up - it's oil-free but still delivers a luminous glow. Apply with a damp beauty blender for seamless results.
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Emma's go-to bronzer is the Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powder, which is also a firm favourite on the Grazia beauty desk. Just a sweep makes light work of creating lit-from-within radiance.
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For the perfect nude-meets-pink lip liner Emma reaches for Maybelline Color Sensational in the shade Velvet Beige. It's creamy and easy to apply, for lips that look effortlessly plumped up and nourished.
www.technogym.com
This (not so humble) yoga mat is integral to Emma's routine. Offering 'extra cushioning for more comfort when working out,' it's ideal for all sorts of work-outs, from face paced HIIT to calming and relaxing yoga. 'I have found taking some time for myself is important for my mental health, whether that be taking Bon for a long walk, training in the gym or just rolling around on a Technogym yoga mat on the kitchen floor,' says Emma.
www.technogym.com
Emma's favourite at home workouts always begin with the Techogym bench - it contains all the tools needed for a complete workout. An investment, yes, but if it revolutionises your at-home workouts as much as it has done Emma's, it could end up saving you money on your monthly gym membership in the long run.
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'We have used Mustela on Bonnie's skin since she was a baby,' says Emma. 'another mum recommended it to me and we still keep her cleansed, moisturised and massaged using their products to this day. It also smells absolutely amazing and I occasionally use the oil on my neck as a perfume!'
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The Rechargeable Grofriend Bear is actually smarter than he looks - it listens for sounds of crying and plays soothing sounds or lullabies to help reassure and soothe little ones back to sleep. 'Bonnie just loves this bear,' says Emma, 'she has also figured out how to turn it on, off and change the sounds, so she keeps us entertained watching her on the monitor twiddle with the buttons!'
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Said to replicate the feeling of being in the womb, a swaddle can help to calm and prepare a baby for a better night's sleep. 'We used a swaddle from Love2Dream on Bonnie when she was a tiny baby and I remember it literally changing out lives,' says Emma.
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'When Bonnie was really little we bought her a "shushing machine" - it was amazing for soothing her to sleep and she absolutely loved it.'
Main image credit: Instagram @EmmaLouiseConnolly