Realistic Quarantine Beauty Routine: How to Look Put Together Fast
Whether it’s making banana bread or perfecting a 15 step skincare routine, we’re all doing what we can to feel our best during this crazy time. For me, it’s trying new skincare products, “getting ready” every day, and spending all my free time watching New Girl. Don’t roll your eyes when I say “getting ready” because, trust me, it’s very different from my usual morning routine. I’m not someone who puts on a full face of makeup to sit at home, but I’m a creature of habit, so finding a new and practical quarantine routine that makes me feel ready to take on the day was important. I don’t need to look like Beyonce, but I don’t want to be afraid of the creature looking back at me in the mirror. So, with well over a month under my belt now, I’ve perfected my new routine and want to share the products that make me feel like I’m ready to take on the day (even if the day is 100% in my home and only a few feet from my bed).
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops
Like I said, putting on a full face of makeup to sit at home all day is not a thing for me. That’s why I’m obsessed with the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops ($36). I think of this product as a skincare and makeup hybrid. I was intimidated at first because I’m pasty as hell and the product is golden brown, but it’s actually very user friendly and blendable. I combine about half a pump with my moisturizer to add a subtle bronzey glow to my skin that makes me look sun-kissed even though the sun hasn’t kissed this face in a long time.
Cute Scrunchie
Everyone seems to be on the same hair journey right now—Less washing, less heat. Call it self-care, call it laziness, call it whatever you want, but I’m on the journey with you. Because of that, I’ve been wearing my hair up more often than usual. I’m not complaining, I love wearing my hair up and have a serious love for scrunchies. Solids (like these from LilySilk) are a basic I think everyone should have, but I also love a pattern moment. These oversized silky ones from Anthropologie ($8) are my favorite right now. They’re practical but also a cute accessory. So, while I’m letting my hair do her thing and live her best life, I’m keeping her cozied up in cute scrunchies that match my loungewear.
Tinted Lip Balm
Under normal circumstances, I wear lipstick everyday. But we’re not under normal circumstances, and I don’t want to wear lipstick while I work on the couch. That said, I still think there’s something a little color on your lips can do. I’m not saying you should wear a red matte liquid lipstick, I’m talking about a tinted lip balm. Something light and natural-looking that’s just a touch more than a clear balm. For me right now, that’s the Honest Beauty Tinted Balm ($9). The formula is hydrating, light, and comfortable to wear. It’s your classic lip balm but with a subtle tint.
Rich Hand Cream
I wash my hands about 50 times a day now, which means I use hand cream 50 times a day now, too. There are awesome affordable options (like this one by Ahava), but sometimes it’s about the little things that bring us joy and fancy hand cream is one of those things for me. This Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen Hand Cream ($38) feels like luxury in a hand cream. Do you need to spend almost $40 on a hand cream? No. But is it like rich, smooth butter on your hands? Oh yes.
Hair oil
Not washing your hair as much doesn’t mean your ends should look stringy or dry. I’m a loyal hair oil user and now more than ever. I’ve written about how much I love this one from Ouai, but Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil ($28) is awesome, too. A lot of people are afraid of hair oils because they worry it will make their hair look greasy, but if you use them the right way that won’t happen. Hair oils add shine to your hair and tame frizz. They make your hair look smooth and temporarily camouflage the dead ends that definitely need to be trimmed. I focus most of the product on my ends and use anything left over to tame flyaways. If you’re someone who’s been hesitant try hair oil, now’s the time. If you end up accidentally oiled up and greasy, it’s not like anyone’s seeing you anyway.
Orly BB CrÈme for Nails
With all this time away from our favorite nail techs, a lot of us are going all-natural with our nails. I know a BB crème for your nails sounds strange, but this one from Orly ($11) has been one of my go-to nail products for a long time. It moisturizes and smooths your nails and has a barely-there peach tint. Think of it as the smooth filter for your nails. It’s *elevated* natural.
Coola Tan Firming Lotion
I put on shorts for the first time yesterday and was so pale I could quite literally see through my skin. My regular trips to the spray tan salon usually keep the paleness under control, but since I’m on a temporary hiatus, I’m diving into my at-home tanning stash. Self tanning can be a daunting task, and I think that’s why a lot of people don’t even bother. Now that we’re staying home all day, the process seems extra daunting—Why put in all the effort when no one sees you anyway? That’s one reason that I love the Coola Organic Gradual Tan Sunless Tan Firming Lotion ($46). It’s a step you’re doing anyway, just with an added boost. It’s a moisturizer that gradually tans and firms. It takes the gloves, the foam, and the sticky tan feeling out of the equation. It’s easy to apply, buildable, and streak free. It takes 6-8 hours to fully develop, so I like to apply it in the morning and shower before bed, but you also can apply it before bed and shower in the morning. I’ll leave you with one crucial tip: Avoid the inevitable orange hands by washing your hands right after your finish applying. Then take a dime sized amount on the back of one hand and massage the back of the other hand into it. You want your hands to match your body, not be the giveaway that your tan came from a bottle.
What products are in your quarantine beauty routine? Let me know in the comments!
