We’re all in the same boat. We’re all stuck inside, self-isolating, going stir-crazy. AMIRITE? Right. So, how do we survive? I don’t mean literally survive, because i’m sure we’ve all got our stocks of food, non-perishables, kleenex (cause you couldn’t get your hands on toilet paper) — i’m talking beauty & self-care. Here are 8 things you DON’T want to do while you’re self-isolating.
1 – Don’t tweeze your own brows. Take this time to let those puppies grow in. Who knows? You might be able to leave them alone long enough to correct your shape a bit. This isn’t the time to be concerned with the way your brows look — trust me, your significant other won’t notice the few extra hairs, but when it comes time to go back to your esthetician, SHE will notice the hairs you pulled out that were a touch too close to your shape. DON’T. TWEEZE. YOUR. BROWS.
2 – Don’t pick at your shellac. I know — once your nails start chipping, it’s so easy to get caught in the habit and just peel them all off… Don’t do it. You’ll damage your nails and peel off valuable layers of your nails, and will cause more damage than good. If you can’t handle it, and you have to get the chipped shellac off, here’s how without begging a nail salon to open their doors for you: grab some acetone, cotton balls, and foil. Soak the cotton in acetone, and wrap your nails with foil. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and use an orangewood stick to scrub it off. You probably don’t have an orangewood stick, but i wonder if a manicure kit might have a cuticle pusher that you could use… or a dollar store nail kit… Just make sure you rehydrate your nails with some cuticle oil and moisturizer.
3 – Don’t ignore your skincare. This is a great opportunity to use those sheet masks that you got as freebies in a box subscription, or your sephora purchase. Exfoliate, use that serum, mask, invest some time in your self care. Trust me, you’ll feel less grimy and gross if you have a clean face.
4 – Don’t laze around in your PJs. I don’t know about you, but if i have one lazy pyjama day, i’m ok. But when that turns into a lazy pyjama week… Ugh. After you do your morning skincare routine, throw some blush and highlight on. Heck, even some gloss. Put a pair of jeans and a sweater. Go through some of your regular routine moves, and it’ll help you knock that funk a little bit.
5 – Don’t pull your lash extensions out. In fact, keep your hands off your face. Not only will that help stop the spread of COVID-19, but also your lash tech will thank you when you eventually see her again. If you get antsy and pick at your lash extensions, you’ll pull out your natural lashes, and then you’ll have nothing to put mascara on when the extensions are all gone. Take this opportunity to use a lash growth serum, like Eyenvy (which we have at Bare Essentials, but jk — we’re closed) to help strengthen & lengthen your lashes. Make sure whatever serum you end up using is safe for use with extensions.
6 – Don’t stop drinking water. You go to work and have your routine, with your morning tea, followed by filling your mega jug with water to make sure you get your water intake for the day. Maintaining your hydration will help with your skin, hunger levels, energy levels… Plus, you’re home. Nobody cares how often you get up to go pee. Your boss isn’t tracking you.
7 – Don’t stop moving. It’s amazing how many people have started going outside, isn’t it? We’ve gone on some trail walks with the kids, and they’re actually buzzing! Don’t give in to the COVID-19 (get it? Freshman 15?), cause eventually you’ll need to put your regular clothes back on and get back into the office. Let’s make sure those pants still zip up. Social media is amazing, and there are tons of coaches, fitness accounts, etc that are posting free live workouts throughout the day to keep you moving! And even if you don’t want to do a legit workout, just get up and move around. It’s so easy to just become a blob and melt in with your couch cushions — and I know it’s what your cat says you should be doing, but even your cats will do a lap or two in high speed every so often.
8 – Don’t listen to your negative self-talk. It’s an easy thing for me to say, or write about; If you’re literally alone in your home, self-isolating, it’s so easy to get stuck in that lonely, depressed loop of self talk. Join some live chats on instagram. Facebook video chat with some friends. Call your parents. Read a book. Do a puzzle. Heck, if you’ve got nobody else, DM me on instagram. I’m here. We’ll get through this, i promise you!
Look, i’m no expert at this and i don’t have all the answers. Having to shut everything down last week was a very difficult call to make, and for a few days i was doing all of the above that i said you shouldn’t do. I’m an introverted extrovert … I enjoy being around people and just observe them, so being home and not seeing people is tough; Tougher still not being able to do what i love (brows, and serving clients)… and man, add kids into the mix. I know it was the right decision to make, in an effort to do my part to flatten the curve. The more we distance ourselves, the sooner we can all get back to some semblance of normalcy. And when we do, I’ll be here, waiting to see all of your hairy brows. DON’T. TWEEZE. YOUR. BROWS.
What are you doing during this self-isolation to help give your routine some iota of normal? Share your tips below, you just might help someone 🙂