Hitting pause and slowing down to engage in self-care is something you probably don’t do enough of. But if you’ve found yourself with more time lately, why not incorporate new habits and routines that make you feel your best, particularly regarding beauty? With more freedom to experiment, now is the perfect time to transform your routine into something new and effective.
Whether it’s letting your eyebrows grow out, trying a natural deodorant, or mastering an at-home manicure, these at-home beauty routines can enhance your self-care regimen.
1. Grow Out Your Eyebrows & Lashes
If your eyebrows have suffered from over-plucking or if you’re curious about their natural shape, now is the perfect time to let them grow out. Put away the tweezers and scissors, and let your brows do their thing.
Brow expert Tonya Crooks recommends investing in a good eyebrow serum to help with growth. She suggests that noticeable growth from a serum typically takes about 2-4 weeks. Using a serum for your brows and lashes can yield visible improvements in a few weeks.
2. Grow Out Your Bangs
Growing out your bangs can be tricky, but now is an ideal time to start. Celebrity stylist Garren advises parting your hair in the center if you have arched bangs to blend them into your hairstyle.
For straight-across bangs, he suggests side-parting your hair and using a hair elixir spray to keep them in place. Trim your bangs dry and snip off little bits at a time for the best results. Patience is key, as fringe will grow out nicely if you adapt your part to suit your haircut.
3. Rehabilitate Your Hair
With social distancing, many of us use less heat on our hair, giving it a break from damage. Garren recommends deep conditioning treatments a few times a month to restore moisture and health to your hair.
Use hair masks and oils to nourish and hydrate your strands. This period is perfect for giving your hair some much-needed TLC and allowing it to recover from styling and heat damage.
4. Try a Natural Deodorant
Now is a great time to switch to a natural deodorant and let your body detox from traditional antiperspirants. Natural deodorants are aluminum-free and use plant-based powders to keep you feeling dry.
CEO of Native, Vineet Kumar, suggests it takes about 2 weeks for your body to adjust to natural deodorants. During this transition, apply 2-3 swipes of deodorant to clean underarms in the morning and reapply if necessary. This switch can be beneficial for your skin and overall health.
5. Try a New Self-Tanner
Self-isolation is a great opportunity to experiment with self-tanners. Celebrity esthetician, Sarah Akram advises starting with a shade lighter than your desired tan and building up gradually.
Proper preparation is crucial, so exfoliate, shave, and clean your skin before applying the tanner. Pay attention to areas like knuckles, palms, and elbows to avoid discoloration. Finding the right self-tanner can give you a healthy glow without sun exposure.
6. Implement a New Skincare Routine
With more time at home, updating your skincare routine or trying a new one can be beneficial. Dr. Hadley King explains that skin purging occurs when new active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids are introduced.
This process, which can cause blackheads and whiteheads, typically lasts 4-6 weeks. Be patient and allow your skin to adjust. If irritation persists beyond six weeks, consult a dermatologist. Now is a perfect time to address skin concerns and refine your routine.
7. Re-Organize Your Beauty Products
Organizing your beauty collection can be a satisfying project. Use this time to discard expired products and set up a new organizational system. Clean your shelves, wash your brushes, and disinfect countertops.
A well-organized beauty space can make your routine more efficient and enjoyable. You’ll feel better about your beauty setup, and it can help you maintain cleanliness and order.
8. Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is essential for maintaining skin health. Makeup artist Kat Sketch advises cleaning brushes once a week to remove bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells.
Use a gentle soap or a specialized brush cleanser and rinse thoroughly. Clean brushes ensure that you’re not reapplying dirt and bacteria to your face, which can lead to breakouts. This simple routine can significantly improve your skincare regimen.
9. Master a Classic Makeup Look
With extra time on your hands, mastering a classic makeup look like a cat eye can be fun and rewarding. Makeup artist Kat Sketch recommends starting with the outer flick of the liner and connecting it with small strokes toward the inner lash line.
Use a long-lasting liquid eyeliner for precision. Practicing now can help you perfect this look for future occasions. Mastering a classic look can boost your makeup skills and confidence.
10. Give Your Nails a Break from Nail Polish
Taking a break from nail polish can make your nails feel stronger and healthier. Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder of Olive & June, suggests using a cuticle serum during this break to nourish and hydrate your nails.
If you need to remove gel polish at home, use a file, acetone, and tin foil to safely lift the gel without damaging your nails. This period is ideal for giving your nails a breather and promoting natural growth and health.
11. Master The Art of The At-Home Manicure
Even if you can’t visit a salon, you can still achieve a professional-looking manicure at home. Olive & June’s at-home nail system includes all the essentials for a salon-quality manicure.
Start by shaping your nails, then prep them with a nail polish remover. Trim hangnails, buff cuticles, and apply polish in even strokes. Allow adequate drying time between coats to prevent bubbles. Finish with a cuticle serum for added shine and hydration.
Final thoughts
Embracing these at-home beauty routines can transform your self-care regimen and enhance your overall well-being. With more time on your hands, you can experiment with new practices, update your routines, and focus on habits that make you feel your best.
These beauty routines help you look good and promote relaxation and self-confidence. Take advantage of this period to invest in yourself and discover what works best for your beauty and wellness.
