Keeping Up With Beauty During Coronavirus

Happy Monday, friends! How is everyone doing today? Are we hanging in there? It’s been over three weeks at home and it’s been an experience, to say the least. I don’t remember the last time I spent this much time at home or with my fiancé, but we’re making the most of it! Some days are easier than others, and it sounds like most of you are in the same boat. I’m happy we are finally moving beyond the constant need to be “productive” and are settling into a state of being ok with just being ok (if that makes any sense). There are things I miss from before, and things I do not.

It’s been fun to have a laugh with my girlfriends over our beauty routines and how the first place we want to go when this is all over is the nail salon. Jokes aside, I’ve come to realize that what I perceived as a somewhat low maintenance routine was actually more high maintenance than I thought. If you’re going through a similar situation, read on for the best ways to maintain your beauty routine at home.

Keeping Up With Beauty During Coronavirus

+ Hair

First things first, hair. If you recently got a haircut and don’t have colored hair, you’re in luck. For the rest of us, we have to make do with what we have. If it’s been a while since your last haircut, I (and your stylist, most likely) would personally advise against giving yourself a haircut. If you have professional colored hair, resist the urge to use box dye during this time. Seriously, it’s just not worth it! It will take more effort than it’s worth to fix. The best tip I’ve gotten, from my colorist and friend, Ashleigh, is to use a light gloss to tone down brass and keep your color going until your next trip to the salon. If you aren’t sure which to get, ask your stylist for recommendations!

If you’re starting to see split ends and go crazy, use a hair mask 1x a week and other smoothing products (I love this hair oil and this styling cream) to maintain your cut in the meantime. Also, avoid over-styling your hair with hot tools at the moment (embrace your natural hair and give it some much needed R&R if possible).

+ Lashes

If you don’t have lash extensions, you can skip this section. Earlier this year, I hopped back on the lash extension train and am now in the process of growing them out (it’s much better to get them professionally removed, but that isn’t an option at this time). If you’re in a similar position, I wrote an entire post on what to do after you get your lash extensions removed a while back. My biggest tips – resist the urge to pick them off yourself and use a lash serum in the meantime.

+ Nails

I miss my manicures deeply. I’m also inept at doing my own nails. If you’re looking to do your nails at home, it might make sense to invest in an at-home manicure kit. At-home gel kits exist as well if you’re feeling extra ambitious. I’ve loaded up on nourishing cuticle oil to get me through this time and will attempt to learn how to paint my own nails. I also started taking biotin to strengthen my nails.

Note that if you have powder or gel nails, you will need acetone to remove the nail polish – this is very drying on your nails and cuticles, so be sure to follow up with lots of hand cream after!

+ Skin

Now is the best time to take care of your skin. You’re most likely wearing little to no makeup and have more time than ever to focus on skincare. If people are buying anything right now, it’s skincare (skincare was up 99% in March!). I’ve been loading up on masks and linked my favorites below – personally, I am enjoying my mini at-home “spa sessions” going through my skincare routine properly as opposed to rushing through or skipping steps. Right now I am loving everything from Drunk Elephant and Joanna Vargas Skincare.