Every mom I know has told me that nothing can truly prepare you for the whirlwind of emotions you experience after giving birth. Between feedings, an abridged sleep schedule, a new wardrobe, and being in absolute awe of your baby, finding time for yourself is a feat. It's showering with the baby monitor on the bathroom floor, using dry shampoo when you have no time to shower, and applying sunscreen with a baby carrier attached to your chest. In short, not all superheroes wear capes.
I recently got the opportunity to chat with digital creator and mom Chelsey Amaro about all things motherhood, self-care, and confidence. Even on her busiest days, Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen ($17) and Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Stick ($11) remain nonnegotiables, and I'm not surprised. Sunscreen with high SPF that you can apply without excessive blending or a white cast is crucial, especially when it's the only step you have time for in your beauty routine. Chelsey makes it all look easy, but she let me in on the reality of being a new mom below.
Tell me about yourself. How would you describe yourself online and offline?
I'm a 31-year-old digital content creator, mom, and bride-to-be from Orange County, California. I studied fashion marketing in college and spent several years working in wardrobe before shifting my focus to content creation. That experience shaped my eye for aesthetics and detail, which now fuels everything I create online. The biggest thing my online and offline personas have in common is intent. I am very specific and intentional with what I share and post because I love storytelling.
Outside of work, I'm all about family, travel, music, and meaningful moments. I love a good beach day, dancing to live music, and discovering new places. Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, from motherhood to the big milestones like planning my wedding, and I am very passionate about sharing those pieces of my life in a real and inspiring way.
Walk me through a typical day in your life.
My fiancé and I are currently in the newborn trenches, so it feels like we're reliving the same day every day. Little by little, we are incorporating daily tasks from our pre-baby days. In the mornings after we're done with our baby's feedings, diaper changes, and putting him down for his nap, I like to clean my space before anything else. I feel like that helps me reset, and it automatically puts me in a good mood. In between our baby's schedule, I find time to respond to emails, sort out current and future brand deals, and book personal appointments.
I'm about to hit six weeks postpartum, so I'll be incorporating light workouts back into my routine, whether that's a hike or a workout class. I love taking meal recipes from social media and cooking new meals. My fiancé and I take daily walks in the evenings, which helps us wind down from the day. We are obsessed with reality TV, so we end our nights with a new episode of a current show we're watching. Our days are a lot slower nowadays, but we are adapting and enjoying every bit of it! I'm getting married in May, so a lot of our free time right now is going toward wedding planning!
What are some self-care rituals you refuse to skip even on your busiest days?
No matter how hectic or busy my day is, I always need my self-care and skincare moments throughout the day. These are the only moments I get to myself these days, so I cherish them very much. There's nothing better than sneaking away to have a moment with my favorite Neutrogena products. The Ultra Sheer Face Stick Sunscreen has become my emotional support balm; I use it on my lips, cheeks, eyelids, collarbone, ears, and hands. It's the perfect hack when I need a little confidence boost.
Are you working toward any specific goals this year?
My goals for 2025 are to practice healthier habits, work hard, and be the best mom to my son. I want to find that balance where I'm able to do it all and be the best version of myself!
How do you tap into your confidence as a new mom? What advice would you give others?
I have learned that what makes me the most confident is when I am the most comfortable. It's the little things I can control, like my clothing or my space. When I feel comfortable, I am able to have a clear mind and take better care of myself, which also includes taking care of my skin! Using Neutrogena products makes me feel comfortable in my own skin. My advice to someone struggling with confidence would be to start small. Feel comfortable in your space, and take care of yourself. Build that confidence up with the things you're able to control!
What do you consider a staple in your life right now?
Neutrogena products are a huge staple in my life because the brand truly cares about its customers. It has a product for all skin types, whether it's for acne, dry/oily skin, anti-aging, etc. It has something for everybody!
