Kelly Rowland Shares Her Motherhood Must-Haves and Makeup Essentials

Kelly Rowland is the definition of a multidimensional woman. She's a powerhouse singer—selling millions of records as a member of Destiny's Child and as a solo artist, snagging Grammy Awards, and securing Platinum plaques. She's also no stranger to being in front of the camera, recently landing a recurring role on Grown-ish as Dr. Edith Horne. However, beyond all the professional accolades, being a mom is the job Rowland holds closest to her heart. Rowland has two sons—Titan, 9, and Noah, 2—and in conversation, it's clear she's deeply devoted to them.

As a proud mom of two, her passion for her kids naturally influences the projects she takes on these days. Case in point: She's taken to book writing, authoring a parenting guide titled Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out and a children's book called Always with You, Always with Me. And most recently, she inked a partnership with WaterWipes, a brand that creates gentle wipes safe for babies (and adults). Ahead, Rowland talks more about motherhood, makeup must-haves, and making changes within herself.

What made this partnership with WaterWipes make sense?

They're an essential in my household and have been for nine years. I like how natural these wipes are. I keep them in the car, a diaper bag, and my purse. So, it was easy to do this partnership and talk about them. I only like to do partnerships that are organic and make sense.

What are your mommy must-haves when you're on the go?

I have to have WaterWipes. I also like to keep containers to hold their toothbrushes, lotion, a change of clothes, and toys. I also carry Noah's iPad with me, but we only let him engage in educational games for 20 minutes at a time.

As a busy mom, how do you practice self-care?

When I have time to myself, I like to just watch different shows. In particular, I'm watching Righteous Gemstones right now. It gets off to a slow start, but once I got to the fourth episode, I couldn't stop watching it. Now, I'm watching the second season, and it's hilarious. 

What lessons about wellness and self-care are you trying to pass on to your boys?

I'm trying to teach them to clean up after themselves and take care of themselves. It's natural for them to be messy, but I remind them to do simple things like brushing their teeth and lotioning their bodies. We also listen to a storybook with affirmations at night. It says phrases like, "You are valued" or "You are loved." It's so beautiful and plays for two hours as they fall asleep. I'm doing the best I can to make great human beings—people who genuinely care about others and have empathy. 

What are some of your beauty must-haves right now?

I'm obsessed with Ami Colé and Fenty Beauty. I also love Koh Gen Doh's foundation. For skincare, I love Topicals and Shani Darden. Vanessa Lee also has great tools and products. I like using her Coconut and Collagen Eye Mask and Capsules ($76). I'm obsessed with how it makes my skin look. I feel that just as much as you like to see yourself with makeup, you should like to see what naturally reflects at you in the mirror. That's the most beautiful person.

What are you most proud of doing in 2023?

I love the growth that took place for me this year. I did a lot of self-reflection this year. I thought about the things I like and don't like about myself. I also thought about how I could grow and be better. I've been so honest with myself, and that's a really hard thing to do.

What are you most looking forward to in 2024?

In 2024, the one thing that I want for the world is for there to be more communication. I want there to be safe spaces for people to talk, whether they agree or not. Right now, everything feels so divisive, and it's so scary. I think about this a lot because I have kids and worry about the future. This generation deserves more, and we deserve more.