Claire Holt may be known for her roles in “H20: Just Add Water” and “The Vampire Diaries,” but the actress and mother of two will soon be stepping into her biggest role yet: mom to three under 5.
In an emotional May blog post on her lifestyle site, The Corner, the expectant mom and “Pretty Little Liars” alum didn’t hold back when sharing the pregnancy news with her readers, writing that she felt “all the feelings” when “those two pink lines showed up.”
With more than 7 million followers on Instagram, the actress is refreshingly honest about the highs and lows of parenthood, sharing everything from laundry days to sweet family moments.
Ahead, Holt, who appears in the comedy thriller series “Based on a True Story,” shares some of her parenting and lifestyle essentials with CNN Underscored.
When it comes to her skin care regime, Holt swears by Fig. 1, a dermatologist-developed collection of products infused with natural botanicals, peptides and ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane. “They’re super effective, affordable, refillable and pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe.” The Micellar Oil cleanser, a silky, gentle, grapeseed oil-based product, is Holt’s “all-time favorite.” The actress is also a fan of the brand’s Vitamin C Treatment and Hydrating and Balancing Toner.
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“My favorite makeup product is Rose Inc Skin Tint Serum Foundation. It’s lightweight, hydrating and gives a beautiful, dewy finish,” says the actress. The luminous base not only gives a gorgeous glow but enhances the health of the skin, thanks to a powerhouse ingredient cocktail of squalane, hyaluronic acid and peptides. “It’s great for those prone to breakouts, as it’s noncomedogenic.”
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As a busy mom, Holt tries her best to incorporate some form of breathwork and meditation into her daily schedule. “I like the Insight Timer app, as it has much variety and you can tailor it to suit your personal preferences,” says Holt. Insight Timer has more than 150,000 guided meditations, breathing exercises and music tracks led by psychologists, spiritual leaders and mindfulness instructors.
“It can be hard to find the time to work out with little ones, so I want to get the most bang for my buck when I do," says Holt, who likes to work out at home with a set of resistance bands. “They’re lightweight, so you can take them anywhere. I always carry one when I travel, and you can target so many different body parts. I like to use a light/medium band and increase the rep count for larger muscle groups.”
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To keep her little ones in chic, cozy style, Holt favors Saint Haven, a brand specializing in beautiful everyday basics for babies, toddlers and kids. “The pieces are unbelievably soft, and I’ve re-purchased the tees and joggers every time my children grow out of them, which isn’t often, as they’re stretchy and last forever.” Created by a Californian mother, the collection is loved for its ultra-soft natural fabrics that are great for even the most sensitive skin. “I also send the onesies as baby gifts, and they’re always a hit.”
“These are my top pick for playtime,” says Holt of the colorful magnetic tile set. “They keep my kids occupied for hours, so they’re great for independent play, aka when you have mountains of laundry to fold or just want to drink a hot coffee. We have a little travel case and bring them with us on family trips.”
The most-worn item in the actress’ wardrobe are these take-you-anywhere white leather sneakers. “If you ask me, they’re appropriate for any dress code. I love them with jeans or cute dresses, and I’m always ready to chase a stray toddler at a moment’s notice,” says Holt of her super-comfy, sole-cushioned kicks, which are a modern interpretation of Nike’s original, iconic basketball shoe.
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“I am always on the go, ferrying kids to and from school and their activities,” says Holt, who never leaves home without her commuter cup. Made from insulated stainless steel with a ceramic-coated interior, the spill-proof cup with a sip lid will keep your drink cool for 18 hours or hot for five. “You never have to worry about your coffee going cold or your wine getting warm again.”
Related: 18 of the best travel mugs for taking your hot — or cold — drinks on the road
This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.