As we adjust to life spent at home, one thing that will change is the way we approach our beauty routines.
We no longer have the luxury of heading to our local hairdresser or nail salon to freshen up. So, we have to get creative at home.
We’ve rounded up a few products that might come in handy over the next few months.
All things hair (and regrowth!)
While hairdressers are still technically allowed to operate under the current restrictions in Australia, many salons have closed due to safety concerns for both clients and staff members.
So, while we know that nothing is ever going to replace the wizardry of your own hairdresser, these products might be helpful until you see them again.
Dull and brassy colour might be an issue for you while in iso, so a colour boosting treatment is necessary. The evo fabuloso range will extend the life of your colour-treated hair with the help of the nourishing treatment to soften and condition hair whilst also toning the colour to reduce dullness.
The treatment itself only takes three minutes and is available in eight different shades including platinum blonde, copper, chestnut and cool brown.
evo fabuloso colour boosting treatment, $39.95
For all those blondes out there who are currently dealing with yellow-toned hair, evo has also launched a platinum blonde toning shampoo, should you need some extra oomph.
This sulphate-free product will neutralise any brassy tones and leave your hair feeling soft and manageable.
evo platinum blonde toning shampoo, $37.95
Regrowth might be your bigger concern — rather than brassiness — so a little root cover-up product will be your best friend.
This cover-up by ColorWOW comes in eight different shades (ranging from red to platinum and black) and you simply paint it over the roots to hide them, should you wish.
ColorWOW Root Cover Up, $49.95
Iso might be making your hair dry AF, especially without treatments from your hairdresser. So, think about investing in a hair mask to nourish your locks.
To repair dry and damaged hair, this one by Georgiemane is a winner. Filled with nourishing coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera and grapeseed oil, this mask will leave your hair feeling softer, stronger and will promote thicker and longer locks.
Georgiemane 10-Minute Hair Mask, $49.99
Facial treatments
Recreate the experience of a facial at home with these products to give your skin some TLC. And, to make it even more relaxing, turn off all technology and pop up some calming tunes. While we’ll never achieve the level of zen that occurs during a professional facial, we can try!
A sheet mask is a great way to inject hydration into the skin with minimal effort. This mask by Enbacci is filled with a rare Swiss variety of orchid apples (as well as a number of other extracts) to help brighten the skin, reduce puffiness, plump fine lines and treat acne scars, blemishes and dark spots.
Enbacci Age Revitalising Face Defence Mask, $23
If you want to mimic the professional dermatologist experience at home, you might want to try a light therapy mask.
This one by Peppy Co is a medical-grade LED mask that harnesses a full spectrum of therapeutic blue, red and yellow lights that zaps acne-causing bacteria, detoxifies skin and prevents wrinkles.
And, it also comes with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee.
Peppy Co LED Light Therapy Mask, $179
Nails
Heading to the nail salon is a common activity for many people, so in lieu of having a professional manicure and pedicure, we have to improvise.
Palmer’s has created a handy how-to guide for giving yourself a mani and pedi. And, if you’d rather just paint your nails and be done with it, that’s fine! This step-by-step guide is for those who want to go all out for pamper sesh.
- Clean your nail beds with nail polish remover, removing any existing polish or a build-up of oils, dirt and grime. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards
- Employ your favourite emery board and perhaps adopt a new shape and get filing. Clip as needed, and buff to your heart’s content
- Lather equal parts Cocoa Butter Lotion ($7.39) to Skin Therapy Oil ($24.99) to feet and calves and wrap feet in a plastic bag, cling wrap or tea towels to preserve moisture. Relax, and leave applied for 15 minutes (for best results, leave as long as possible). If heading to bed, slip on some cotton socks for an overnight hydration mask with little effort.
- Repeat to rehydrate dry, scaly hands caused by frequent hand washing or sanitizing. Slather on Cocoa Butter Hand Cream ($4.39) followed by cotton gloves. Leave on as long as possible, or slip over rubber gloves then do the dishes as the warm water will help your skin absorb the nourishing cocoa butter.
- Wash off with warm water and pat dry before applying your favourite nail colour. Voila!
Brows
Maintaining your own brows can be a risky business, especially if you get a bit pluck-happy with the tweezers. But, we’re all in the same boat at the moment. Eyebrow queen Kristin Fisher recommends leaving your brows alone while you have this time in iso and letting them grow without interference.
Otherwise, the team at Amy Jean Brow Agency are offering virtual brow consultations to teach you how to properly groom and maintain your eyebrows.
Plucking aside, when it comes to tinting your brows, that can easily be done from home! Buying a tinting set means you’ll be able to dye your brows when needed (usually around once a month) and the kit itself will last you for a number of applications.
1000 Hour Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit, $17.99
Lashes
Much like your brows, letting your eyelashes have a breather from extensions could be a good thing. Don’t pluck them out though, allow them to fall out naturally to avoid damaging your lashes.
If you’re missing having fluttery lashes, try switching up your mascara. This one by MCo Beauty gives a similar effect as lash extensions by elongating your lashes. So, while it’s not a permanent fix, it’s a good solution for these iso days.
MCoBeauty Double-Ended Fibrelash Mascara, $22