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Whether or not you'll be seen in public, there’s always a case for investing time into good beauty practices and in the time of lockdown, it is a privilege you can find solace in, just as the W24 team has.
Whether it’s doing face treatments every other day or continuing your daily makeup practice, the importance of a routine is paramount in keeping some structure in your days.
READ MORE: A handy guide to 10 hand creams you can shop online for all the scrubbing you've been doing
Below the team shares their lockdown beauty routines.
Nthabi – W24 editor
I don’t have more time as a result of working from home as I live relatively close to work and only spend about 30 minutes in total commute daily. But there is a sense of calm in the world and I’ve used the time to listen to my body’s needs more. I’ve even recognised aches that were probably always there but missed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I’m addressing all these issues piecemeal and adding a new self-care project as I master one and so on.
How has the duration of your routine changed?
I've now included an hour and a half to two hours for a home facial, about twice a week. It’s been my favourite part of lockdown – and my skin agrees! I mask and exfoliate using the Nimue Skin Technology range: Exfoliating Enzyme (it works best when you use steam along with it, so I do that) and masks - I’ve used the Rejuvenating Mask and the Clarifying Mask interchangeably.
The rest of my routine includes: Washing with the Nimue Cleansing Gel, Nimue Conditioner, then exfoliate and mask - followed with Nimue Hyaluronic Ultrafiller or Hyaluronic Oil, then finished off with Nimue Moisture Lite. I do this mostly in the evenings, so I don’t use SPF.
What kinds of products are you using less or more of?
I’m using a lot more lip gloss (Catrice Generation Plump And Shine Lipgloss) and medicated lip balm (Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment Lip Protectant & Sunscreen 7g). I’m very flexible with what lip gloss I use, but I happen to have that particular one this time around – and I do like it a lot. I don’t compromise on the medicated lip balm.
I haven’t been wearing any foundation or lipstick. I only wear lipstick on the days when I feel like dressing up – which has been three times so far in the last four weeks. And yes, lipstick (especially in bright red) gives you a bounce in your step, so I was prancing around the house on those days - they were extremely productive days!
Have you run out of anything?
I’m running out of lip gloss, and some of cleansing and moisturising products – I may have to wait for the lockdown period to be over before restocking.
Any hacks?
Not a hack, just a tip. Make it fun. For instance, I need two things during my home facials: Music - my favourite is anything with nature sounds, acoustic guitar, instrumental piano or saxophone covers of my favourite tracks. A glass of orange juice with fruit pieces and a straw – most of the time the juice goes untouched, but ambiance!
READ MORE: DIY skin and spa treatments: Just because you're locked down, it doesn't mean your pores have to be
Afika - Fashion and beauty content producer
How has the duration of your routine changed?
My skincare routine hasn’t changed – I’m still quite disciplined when it comes to my skin. I still wake up and cleanse my face even if I’m only going to shower after I’ve had my coffee and checked emails. In the evenings, it’s still pretty much the same, although I sometimes do the bare minimum only because I know I’m wearing a full face of makeup less often. Yes, I have been wearing foundation (or just concealer on my dark under-eye circles on some days) because that way, I can avoid touching my face.
What kinds of products are you using less or more of?
I’m skimping on my Dermalogica Prisma Protect sunscreen because it’s running out soon, and given my strong hunch that the lockdown will be extended, I don’t want to risk running out completely. I’d rather have a little over a long time than go cold turkey.
READ MORE: Can using this friendly acid in conjunction with vitamin C actually give you skin like Jhené Aiko?
Have you run out of anything?
I ran out of my Dermalogica cleanser in the first week of the lockdown. Mildly panicked, but luckily I remembered I have an Esse cleanser on my bathroom shelf that I had not yet opened, so that problem sorted itself out. I’m also slowly but surely running out of my Lamelle Vitamin C serum. What’s my plan in terms of restocking that? I’m just going to have to wait for the lockdown to be over if it runs out before then.
Any hacks?
If you’re struggling with touching your face, wear foundation. One light layer will do.
Phelo - Content producer
How has the duration of your routine changed?
I spend a lot more time on my face than I did before, mainly due to meticulously massaging the products on my skin. Since I’m an unreformed minimalist, the number of products have stayed the same. I’ve been embracing moisture and hydration so I use the time I would use to travel to work to pat in the hydrating and moisturising products followed by a gentle massage that follows the lines of my face and finished off with gentle touches around my eye area.
I also dedicate TLC time for moisturising my scalp and ends in the mornings to avoid dryness – my hairline is thriving again.
READ MORE: 5 hair care mistakes to avoid when you have braids
What kinds of products are you using less or more of?
I’m using pretty much the same products but I’m making sure to not forget sunscreen every day, I use Heliocare broad spectrum with SPF 50+, staring at the computer all day coupled with occasional strolls in my apartment building I don’t want to leave my skin unprotected.
I’m not a daily makeup wearer but I’ve opted out of using any of the usual eye makeup (i.e. mascara and brow kit) I use when going to the office.
Have you run out of anything?
I stick to the pea-size guideline for most of my face products, especially my Nuxe moisturising gel cream, just to make sure it lasts as long as it can. I’ve already run out of a hydrating serum but it was an extra step that was leaning more toward luxury than essential so that can wait.
Any hacks?
Not a hack but I once heard this on the Naked Beauty podcast: If you don’t need a flashlight wear SPF. So that’s what I’m doing, even if I won’t physically be outdoors.
Futhi - intern writer
How has the duration of your routine changed?
Recently I started investing in body scrubs. I do them twice a week, I've dubbed it my 'Pamper Day'. I realised the psychological effect doing a body scrub has - you get a sense of achievement.
What kinds of products are you using less or more of?
I mostly use brown sugar, natural lemon, honey, Tumeric, coffee and coconut oil. It depends on what I'm struggling with during that week, then I'd choose three of the ingredients listed above.
My favourite ingredient has to be Tumeric, it works for everything - dark marks, uneven skin tone, blackheads name it.
Any hacks?
On days where I feel like I need a face peeling mask but don't have charcoal, I simply use egg white and tissues. It leaves my skin extra smooth.
Our individual routines are one of the aspects helping us make the best of the lockdown period.
How are you making this time more manageable? Let us know here.
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