Lottie Tomlinson is luminous when I catch up with her on our Zoom call.
Her golden hair is pulled neatly back into a ponytail, strands catching the light. Her natural warmth is accentuated by a glowing tan, balanced by perfectly applied makeup. A smile spreads across her face as she settles in, one that’s easy, bright and instantly disarming.
Even through the pixelated lens of a laptop screen, there is no mistaking the polished yet approachable energy she carries. At just 27, Tomlinson has worn many hats: beauty entrepreneur, social media star, model, and now mother of two. It is this last chapter, she tells me, that has shifted her world entirely. “Whirlwind” is the word she returns to again and again, though she says it with a softness that makes clear just how much joy the chaos of motherhood brings.
The conversation flows, touching on the anchors she holds close as life speeds around her. For Tomlinson, health is not a performance but a necessity.
Cooking at home, carving out time for exercise, and keeping her skincare routine simple are not indulgences, but ways of making sure she feels like herself amidst the relentless pull of motherhood and work.
Parenthood is not something you can prepare for, she says, and yet she seems to carry both honesty and lightness when describing the guilt, the worry, the unmatched highs. It is in these details – packing oversized pyjamas in her hospital bag or winding down with a candle and a series at the end of a long day – that she feels most relatable.
What have you been up to recently?
“Recently it’s been a juggle between work and being a mum. I feel like I’m back on my health kick, which makes me feel really happy and settled. I try to balance keeping myself healthy, being present with the kids, and managing work.”
And what does that health kick look like for you?
“For me it’s about eating well, which means cooking from home so I know exactly what’s in my meals. I also make time for exercise, which can be tricky with kids, but prioritising it makes me a better mum - it gives me more energy and helps me feel my best.”
How would you describe your parenting journey so far?
“It’s been a whirlwind. I grew up in a big family and thought I knew what to expect, but nothing prepares you for being a parent 24/7. You can read all the books, but the only real way to learn is on the job. It’s been the best journey, though—I always knew I wanted to be a mum, and it just keeps getting better as the kids grow.”
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What are your hospital bag essentials for new mums?
“Soft, oversized pyjamas, preferably black and stretchy. I got mine from Primark in a few sizes up, so I felt comfortable. Snacks are a must too, because you never know how long you’ll be there. And skincare - I always packed my essentials so I could do a quick five-minute routine. It just helped me feel a bit more human after the birth.”
What are your skincare essentials?
“I’ve been on a bit of a journey with my skin. For years, it was up and down, and I thought I needed an eight-step routine with lots of strong products. When I was pregnant, I had to strip things back, and that’s when I realised simple is best.
Now I stick to clear, gentle products—I love Byoma for that. I also stopped cleansing in the morning, which has completely changed my skin. I just keep it consistent: a cleanser at night, a good moisturiser, and SPF.”
What are the best pre and postnatal tips you’ve been given?
“Prenatally, someone told me to speak to the baby while they’re in the womb. My partner and I both did it, and when the baby was born, they were already familiar with our voices. I also oiled my bump every night with Bio-Oil, even before it showed. I didn’t get any stretch marks, even though my mum did, so I really think it helped.
“Postnatally, a midwife told me to have a bath with a little milk and lavender oil. It was so soothing and really helped me heal.”
What are your go-to baby bath-time essentials?
“I use Johnson’s on the babies. The products are so nostalgic—my parents used them on me, and now I’m using them on my kids. The Top-to-Toe Wash and moisturisers are lovely, and that baby oil is always handy.”
How do you unwind after a long day?
“Cooking really relaxes me – I like knowing exactly what’s going into my food. Then it’s fresh pyjamas, a candle, and a new series. I was glued to Love Island, but now it’s finished, I’m looking for something new.”
Any tips for travelling with young children?
“Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. The way I see it, the absolute worst is that your child cries for four hours on a flight – but then you land, and it’s done. It’s never as bad as you imagine, and it’s so worth it for the memories. People are more understanding than you think, and babies are babies - they cry. That’s life.”
How do you balance parenting with running businesses?
“It’s always a juggle, and I don’t think you ever get it 100 per cent right. After Lucky, it felt easier to manage one child alongside work. Now with two, I’ve stepped back from certain things and prioritised what matters most. Being present with the kids is my number one focus, but I also want to show them that working hard and following your dreams is important.”
What have been your parenting highs and lows?
“The highs are knowing you’re everything to your child. When they want you for comfort or to share their excitement - it’s the best feeling in the world. The lows are the guilt and worry that come with it. You second-guess everything because you just want to do right by them. It can be overwhelming, but I think being aware of those feelings helps. And it really does take a village - your partner, your family, your friends. It’s never just you.”
