Hair & Make-Up Artist Monique Bredow on quickie make-up looks, beauty food & care during pregnancy

Monique is a hair and make-up artist for film and television, a mother of two and mara mea's beauty guru.

Monique took care of the hair and makeup for our first SS16 lookbook shoot almost three years ago. Since then, we've done six shoots together, whether in stormy weather or under the Athenian sun. Monique even posed for the camera with her daughters for our AW17/18 lookbook . We're all the more excited about this beauty interview with Monique, and we hope you enjoy reading it.

Dear Monique, despite having two kids, you always look totally fresh and rested. How do you do it? Do you have any insider tips for your mommy glow?

First of all, thank you for the compliment. That's probably because of my 4 to 5 minute quickie make-up look every morning, which means: after skincare, CC cream, highlighter to combat dark circles under the eyes, eyebrow shaping, eyeliner, mascara, contouring the cheeks/face with bronzing powder, fresh blush, lip balm with beeswax.

Through your job, you've done makeup for many women. What are the most frequently asked questions from moms and pregnant women?

Do you manage to find time for yourself to take care of yourself despite having children? What can I do about the pigmentation problems, and will they go away? What can I do about hair loss? Or do I need to take different care of myself?

How do you care for your skin? What is your daily routine?

I always use an alcohol-free facial toner in the morning and at night, and to remove my makeup, I use eye makeup remover! NO makeup wipes (that's awful!), eye cream in the morning AND at night, and moisturizer in the morning AND at night.

What is your best beauty tip that you can give to pregnant women and new mothers?

Drink lots of water and laugh a lot :)

Did your beauty routine change during your pregnancies? Is there anything you gave up or still do today?

I stopped using Shellac and gel nails, they're poison! I started treating my body with argan oil and I'm not giving it up anymore. Pregnancy has taught me to drink a lot of water, and I'm trying to keep it up.

What is your personal beauty superfood?

Not a day goes by without: Matcha (instead of coffee), sesame, black cumin!!! (hair, immune system, mega superfood), millet, 75% chocolate, almonds (perfect for heartburn during pregnancy), almond butter and much more.

Can you tell us your favorite home beauty remedy?

HONEY and propolis (from mom and dad)

A mommy or mom-to-be who totally impresses you?

Nadine, can be found on Instagram under @maison_richter.

Who is your beauty or style icon?

Coco Chanel, Diane Keaton and my mom (her motto - less is more and simple elegance)!

When do you feel most beautiful?

Honestly? After sex (hahahahahaha)

Do you manage to exercise regularly despite being a mom or do you treat yourself to treatments every now and then?

Um, I don't understand the question... Do Netflix and a pack of ice cream with a charcoal mask on your face count as treatment? (laughs)

What's your favorite makeup look for when you want something a little more special? For example, for your next couples date?

I do everything the same as I do in the morning, except that I like to emphasize my eyes with a smoky eyeshadow in warm tones, more mascara and lip gloss over nude lipstick, and if I'm feeling really crazy, then of course classic red lips.

Which beauty product should not be missing when traveling?

Moisturizer and sunblock – very important during pregnancy.

Last but not least: Your current mara mea companion in your everyday life as a mom and why you never want to give it up again?

Definitely the mara mea "roadtrip" backpack . Dad Basti loves it, too.

Monique , thank you so much for your #beauty input. And here 's Monique's Instagram account.