Max Collins Reveals Her Secret To A Post-Pregnancy Glow

Max Collins Reveals Her Secret To A Post-Pregnancy Glow

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Manifesting the power of the woman’s body, the actress and new mom is positively radiant as she loves herself in every iteration.

Related: Love, Mom: 5 MEGA Women Write An Open Letter To Their Children

Combine the reputation with the face, impeccable hair, and incredible bod, it’s easy to see Max Collins as the only exception when it comes to postpartum “baby blues.” But more than most, the 20-year-old actress and model has always echoed pure honesty about the reality of motherhood. “It’s hard! In case you didn’t already know,” she laughs. “Mom guilt is real. Moms will always find something to feel guilty about, because we can’t be perfect, and we’ll make mistakes along the way.”

Collins welcomed her first child Skye with her husband Pancho Magno back in July 2020. About 6 months in, she had just arrived home from a vacation in Australia when the pandemic was officially declared. “I had to overcome not being ready for the world to change in a year. Mentally it was hard to process,” she speaks candidly about bringing new life into an uncertain world.  Documenting the process through her YouTube channel, the gentle birth advocate shared the intimate moment she realized the wonders that her body can do. “The act of letting go, trusting the process, and reaching a different state of mind to surpass the pain, all so I could bring a life into the world is unforgettable,” she says. 

With newfound empowerment, living in the constant unexpected has become brighter for Collins with the smile of her son and the strength of her own body. These days, even though she does admit to taking a more streamlined approach to beauty, there’s a certain glow that Collins has been exhibiting. Her secret? Treating herself with kindness. “It’s important to give back to yourself so that you can give to others.”

BEAUTY TALKS

WOMEN FACE DIFFICULT PHYSICAL CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY TO BEING A NEW MOM. WHAT ARE THE STEPS YOU TOOK TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL DURING PREGNANCY?

A habit that I cultivated since getting pregnant and I continue to do now is fixing myself up in the morning even though I have nowhere to go. It helps me feel confident and get things done. Especially when I have bad days—the more I need to find something to like about myself so that I don’t turn to self-pity. If you look hard enough, there’s always something about yourself that you’ll be able to appreciate. 

HAS YOUR MAKEUP AND SKINCARE ROUTINE CHANGED AS A NEW MOM?

Well, now that I’m a mom I’ve started using anti-aging products! I’m trying to take my skincare routine seriously now that I’m getting older, and wrinkles are slowly creeping in. When it comes to makeup, I now only keep products that I actually use—I used to hoard makeup and it just took up space. I also make sure to throw my makeup away after 6 months.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR GENTLE BIRTH EXPERIENCE.

It’s very important to empower women to realize what their bodies can do without medical intervention. The act of letting go, trusting the process, and reaching a different state of mind to surpass the pain, all so I could bring a life into the world—is unforgettable. Giving birth naturally made me appreciate my body and how powerful it is.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMOUS PLACENTA MILKSHAKE? 

During pregnancy, all of your baby’s nutrients are stored in the placenta, so it’s just natural that when the baby and the placenta leave your body, all of those nutrients leave as well. What better way to replenish yourself than with your nutrient-packed placenta? Having it fresh, in the form of a shake, means you’ll get some of those nutrients back. Having it in pill form or dried is still beneficial but not as potent. So, I suggest you drink both versions!

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR POST-PARTUM EXERCISE AND DIET ROUTINE?

Post-natal Pilates was super helpful! It helped me slowly and safely get back on track. After a few month, I switched up my routine with cycling and weight training. I try to work out every day but when I’m not in the mood I give myself a break. My diet isn’t so strict either, I just try to make healthier choices. I eat wheat bread instead of white bread, black rice instead of white rice, no junk food, and I stop eating after 7 PM. Lately, I’ve also been trying to eat less meat but more fish and chicken. I don’t starve myself because I tend to binge eat when I feel deprived. 

IS THERE A TIP YOU CAN TELL US ON HOW TO BALANCE SELF-CARE INTO THE BUSY MOM LIFE?

Do little things that make you happy. A happy mom makes a happy baby, not the other way around. A little “thing” could be when your baby falls asleep, light a scented candle and read a book, or buy yourself some flowers, have some chocolate, do your makeup, get in a quick workout, anything that makes YOU smile.


Photography SEVEN BARRETTO of STUDIO 7 MNL
Art Direction and Set Design ERWIN BOTIN of BOTIN STUDIOS
Makeup CARISSA CIELO MEDVED
Hair FLORENZ TORRONTE GUI
Photography Assistant CLAUDE VILLAHERMOSA
Fashion and Styling MIKEE ANDREI
Accessories CHRISTOPHER MUNAR

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