She may be a model, but 31-year-old Emily DiDonato has a new mission these days: Encouraging women to have an open conversation around postpartum depression. “There is so much pressure to bounce back after having a baby—not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally.” DiDonato recently sat down with us to share her own experience after having her first child, and the role her “sacred” nightly skin-care routine played.
You’ve been very open about your post-baby journey. What is your best piece of advice to anyone experiencing postpartum depression?
“I think my best piece of advice for anyone struggling with postpartum is to not be afraid to admit that you need help and to reach out for it. Women are praised for ‘doing it all’—but I think anything and everything can feel so overwhelming after having a baby. You have just entered the most important and life-changing phase of your life and it is only natural that it takes some time and extra support to adjust to it.
I think reaching out for help can be reaching out to your other mom friends, other friends who are pregnant, your own mother, or reaching out for professional help via a therapist or psychiatrist. My main goal in sharing my journey postpartum is to encourage other women to reach out for the support and help that they need.”
What is your current wellness and self-care routine?
“I had such a hard time specifically in the evenings postpartum, so my evening routine has become really special and sacred to me. I love to end my day after I’m done working or after I put my daughter down with a long, hot shower. I start by washing my face with Covey First Of All Cleanser ($29) [DiDonato co-founded the line]. Then, I wash my hair with Crown Affair’s shampoo and conditioner, and I love to do a full-body scrub.
When I come out of the shower, I love to put on a full-body moisturizer and then do my skin-care routine. I use Covey’s Sleep Tight Bakuchiol ($69), which helps with fine lines, wrinkles, overall skin-tone. Then, I follow up with Covey’s Last But Not Least Moisturizer ($49), which is so hydrating and moisturizing. Lastly, I put on the Laniege Lip Mask.
Then, I put on my softest pair of matching PJs from SKIMS, fluffy socks from Barefoot Dreams and grab my Kindle and climb into bed. It is my absolute favorite part of my day and really makes me feel safe, warm and cared for.”
Anything you just tried beauty-wise that you love?
“I am obsessed with this Dream Routine Overnight Hydrating Hair Treatment by Amika. I wash my hair at night, and this lets my natural texture shine through, but makes it look a little more smooth and refined.”
Is there anything “crazy” you do for beauty?
“I think all the ‘crazy’ things I’ve done for beauty all come from TikTok trends! I love trying all the different ways to get heatless waves. The other night I tried “T-Shirt waves” where you roll up a t-shirt and sleep with it in your hair. My husband thought I looked crazy—but I love learning and trying new things when it comes to makeup, skin and hair!”
