Beauty at home
- Go back
- 04th Jun 20
When the world is battling a major pandemic, it may seem trivial to be worrying about a broken nail or roots coming through. But living through a lockdown when there’s very little you can do to feel normal, the simple routine of indulging in beauty treatments can have a far psychological bigger effect than just sprucing up your appearance.
Self-care
No matter how simple the task, if using a face mask or giving yourself a pedicure helps to relieve the boredom and anxiety that is surrounding us all, that has to be a good thing. When your home is also your place of work, the act of indulging yourself with a treatment can help to separate the two, leading to a more focused time at work and the chance to switch off afterwards. Plus, if it doesn’t go as well as you would like, there’s no big nights out to worry about and you can always turn off your camera for your video chats!
Home tan
Cancelled holidays don’t need to spell the end of a golden glow. In fact, we know lying out in the sun is not healthy so getting to grips with fake tan will stand you in good stead. Before you apply the product, experts recommend a thorough exfoliation for a smooth, even base. Use a shop-bought body scrub or make your own with a handful of brown sugar or coarse salt into body wash or olive oil. After showering, apply the tan immediately. For a blotch-free finish, moisturise your hands, knees, elbows and feet. Whatever brand you go for, use a tanning mitt and blend using sweeping upward strokes. For novices, a tinted tan will help you to see where you are applying it, whereas those more experienced can go for a clear product. Depending on the type of product, wear loose, cool clothes for two to six hours before washing off.
Hair colour
No matter how bored you are, dying your hair a completely new permanent colour is a risky business. With salons closed, there’s no way of correcting any mistakes right now. So, stay within your colour family or concentrate on your roots. There are many different brands of hair dyes available online where you can match your shade and watch video tutorials giving hints and tips to create a professional finish. If you want to stay away from the chemicals, try Daniel Field natural and cruelty-free colour and hair care range amongst others.
Kind to hands
Hands are often last in line when it comes to skincare allocation but with the increased washing, it’s time to give them some TLC. Look out for products with vitamin C, which adds an antioxidant booster or add some vitamin C drops to your regular cream. Use a thicker or more targeted anti-ageing hand cream at night to allow for the product to work its magic. For those with really dry, cracked skin, soothe your hands with regular weekly hand masks and infuse your skin with hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and macadamia oil. Wear cotton gloves to allow the product to really soak in. As well as massaging in your hand cream to cuticles, apply a dedicated cuticle oil, which will help your manicures last longer too.
Hair care
Stepping back from the hair dryer, straightening irons and curling tongs will do wonders for your hair. For styling tips, place the hair where desired when wet, apply product, part it where you like but then leave it alone until it’s dry. You can then style the very front of your hair if needed but leave the majority to dry naturally. For more hair care advice, check out Nick and Sean from @thehairbros on Instagram who have created a guide to support the NHS and give some tips on making the most of your natural hair. If you are really struggling, some salons are offering one-to-one video hair consultations where you’ll be able to get answers to all your questions including anything from what to do about your roots, maintaining your fringe or how to improve the condition of your hair. London salon Hari’s is offering Hotline appointments for £25, redeemable in the salon when you can next visit.
Skin savers
For most people, the pandemic has changed their daily routine, diet and in some cases budget available for products. So, it is no surprise that our skin may be reacting or breaking out in spots, blemishes or rashes. Good skin health is often linked with good mental health too so with increased anxiety, now is the time to focus on your skincare routine. First, work out the condition of your skin; is it oily, dry or have you had a breakout of spots? If you are used to working out in a sweaty gym, you may have noticed your skin actually clearing up or if you are normally out and about and are now spending longer at home with the heating on, your skin may feel dry so you need to reduce the exfoliation and up the moisturising. What you put in does have a major effect on the outside so although comfort eating is quite normal during this time of lockdown, try and make some considered choices to your diet and alcohol consumption. Finally, think about the products that you are currently using and if you are using multiple products in the morning and evening. Consider cutting down to a single product to slow down your consumption and you may work out what best suits your skin type.
Bite size beauty tips
- If you have sensitive skin, use products designed for children.
- Coconut oil is a cheap and effective
- Exfoliating gloves will quickly get rid of dry skin.
- Drink a glass of water every time you wash your hands.
- Deep condition your hair regularly.
- Face mists will perk your skin up throughout the day.
- Have a play with nail stickers to pep up your manicure.
- Use SPF 30 every day.
- A bright lip is really all you need on a Zoom call.
- Keep a bottle of hand cream next to every sink.