Motherhood and Beauty: Insights from Maria Sharapova

As dinnertime approaches in bustling London, Maria Sharapova juggles a challenging phone connection while caring for her four-month-old baby, who may or may not be ready for sleep. This multitasking moment showcases the life of a new mother navigating her responsibilities with grace.

“I sincerely hope you can hear me,” the 35-year-old mother expresses with heartfelt apologies, demonstrating her commitment to making the conversation as smooth as possible. “I’m sorry if there’s any background noise.”

This summer marked a significant turning point for the former tennis champion, model, and esteemed brand ambassador for various companies like Porsche, Evian, and Bala. She embraced motherhood with the arrival of her baby boy, Theodore. Her pregnancy was kept largely private, with the joyous announcement made alongside fiancé Alexander Gilkes on Instagram shortly after Theodore’s birth. Maria shares that this moment was a dream she had cherished for a long time, reflecting her deep desire to become a mother.

“I longed for this experience for a significant amount of time,” she reveals candidly. “Yet, I’m still in the process of discovering how to balance everything. Just when I think I’ve got a handle on it, I realize I don’t!” Her honest admission resonates with many parents who find the journey of parenthood both exhilarating and overwhelming.

Congratulations on your new role as a mom! You’ve worn many hats throughout your life—how does this new role compare in difficulty?

“That’s a tough question! It really depends on your life circumstances; I find it hard to make direct comparisons,” she muses thoughtfully. “I felt genuinely prepared for motherhood; it’s been a lifelong dream of mine. My relationship with my mother is very close, and being an only child makes me eager to pass down my experiences to my own child.”

“I’m incredibly excited to witness my little boy’s growth, though it can be challenging since I’m still figuring it all out! Each day presents new challenges, and just when you believe you’ve got a routine established, something changes, and you have to adapt. This ongoing learning process about both your child and yourself is profoundly beautiful yet equally demanding.”

“Sports, too, can be incredibly challenging; they require you to stay grounded every single day. For me, tennis involved playing consistently week after week. Regardless of whether I won or lost, I had to quickly prepare to prove myself again. It’s a relentless pursuit where comfort and confidence can’t be taken for granted. I may not have the perfect answer, but both motherhood and sports present unique challenges that test you in different ways.”

Exploring the Intersection of Beauty and Athletics: How Has Your Modeling Career Influenced Your Approach to Beauty in Tennis?

“Beauty played a significant role in my tennis career, largely due to the outdoor lifestyle that came with the sport! Born in Siberia, I moved to Florida at the young age of six, where I spent countless hours training under the sun.”

“From my very first day in Florida, my mother was adamant about the importance of applying and reapplying sunscreen. I often wondered why it was necessary at such a young age, but she always emphasized the long-term implications of sun exposure, including skin aging and cancer prevention.”

“In youth, skin tends to be resilient and recover quickly, and it’s easy to take that for granted. However, the wisdom of preventive care stuck with me, shaping my approach to skincare as I grew older.”

“Throughout my travels, I developed a skincare routine that became a source of enjoyment amidst the demands of my career. I would bring masks and other skincare essentials to help unwind after long days. These ‘facial days’ became an integral part of my recovery process, highlighting the importance of wellness throughout my athletic journey. Self-care was always a priority, and I made sure to carve out moments dedicated to it.”

Discovering the Perfect Skincare Solutions: Which Brands Have You Trusted?

“Finding the right sunscreen was a challenge for me since I was always sweating during matches and practices, which made it hard to keep it from running into my eyes. I must have tested dozens of sunscreens over the years—I spent countless hours browsing at Sephora. It was during this search that I discovered Supergoop! just as they were gaining traction in their second year. I had my manager reach out to them to express my struggle to find a suitable product, and that was the beginning of a beautiful partnership—before I knew it, I was an investor! This was back when they were a small team of around ten people.”

“People often overlook that it’s not just about applying SPF; reapplication is crucial, especially after leaving the house. When I spoke with Holly, the founder of Supergoop!, she shared her goal of getting people to wear SPF year-round, including winter. When she articulated that vision, it resonated deeply with me, merging my mother’s advice with her innovative approach.”

“Additionally, I love using Barbara Sturm’s masks while traveling. They come in convenient little packets, which I find very practical. I believe the best sheet masks on the market are from 111SKIN. They are a must-have before any event! I also swear by Biologique Recherche products. Their masks, particularly the P50 toner, are remarkable! Although it’s widely used, I can’t help but love it for my skin. I recall visiting their Paris location with my mom for a facial years ago, and it was a transformative experience. It truly felt like what a facial should embody—the way they expertly use their hands is nothing short of magical.”

Adapting Your Beauty Routine: How Has Motherhood Influenced Your Self-Care Practices?

“My daily routine currently revolves around hoping for long, restorative naps so I can enjoy a productive day! Thankfully, my baby is a pretty good sleeper, which is a relief.”

“Food is a significant part of establishing any routine. Since I’m breastfeeding, I find myself constantly hungry. Everyone’s post-birth experience varies, but I feel an increased need to eat now compared to during my pregnancy. It’s a fascinating adjustment.”

“At this point, I feel like my primary role is to produce milk [laughs], which means I need to keep my energy up! It’s a delicate balance that I’m still working on, but I believe that healthy eating is foundational. I’ve made it a point to prioritize a nutritious breakfast, typically starting my day with steel-cut oatmeal topped with fresh fruit, flax seeds, chia seeds, and a drizzle of honey. That’s how I kick off my mornings.”

“Beauty-wise, my routine is flexible based on how much time I have available. I prefer to keep things simple, sticking with what works. Recently, I’ve been enjoying Joanna Czech’s new skincare line, particularly her serum, which I apply before my SPF. It serves as a glowing primer and makes for an excellent combination. I also adore the Therabody face massager—it sculpts and de-puffs like no other device I’ve tried. I keep it nearby on my coffee table next to my nursing chair for those rare, peaceful moments between feedings.”

“What else is in my routine? I still enjoy many items from Barbara Sturm’s line. It’s an incredibly convenient on-the-go skincare range. Overall, I lean towards a minimalistic approach. Even when I attend events and someone else is doing my makeup, I always request, ‘Please create a look that resembles what I would do myself but with a professional touch!’ [laughs] I want it to feel authentic to me.”

Life Lessons from Fame: What Wisdom Will You Share with Your Son as He Grows Up?

“I believe that staying true to oneself is the most valuable advice I can offer. Throughout my life, I’ve strived to remain authentic and never pretend to be someone I’m not. In today’s society, where we are inundated with various influences, authenticity is paramount. These influences can easily lead one to feel pressured to become someone else, so it’s essential to understand who you are and what you appreciate about yourself, rather than conforming to external expectations. Cultivating curiosity is equally important—never assume you’re the smartest person in the room. Always leave space for growth and exploration. Those two principles are what I consider the most significant.”

Looking Ahead: What Are You Anticipating as the Year Draws to a Close?

This year has flown by at an astonishing pace; it feels as though we blinked, and it was gone. I’m genuinely excited about this new phase of motherhood. The first few months of a baby’s life are a unique experience, and it’s starting to feel like my new reality is setting in—he’s here, and this is life now.”

“I’m eager to see how the upcoming year unfolds, especially in terms of balancing work and motherhood. Leaving the house now requires thoughtful consideration about whether my destination is truly necessary. I’m eager to navigate this work-life balance, knowing it will never be perfectly equal, but I’m enthusiastic about the journey ahead. My passion for work remains strong, and my love for family is equally profound. Many women share this struggle—finding the right balance that aligns with family needs. While I may not have all the answers, I’m ready to embark on this journey.”