We’re a few months into staying home and my beauty routine is looking significantly different than it did at the beginning of the year; I’m wearing makeup way less than before (maybe a couple of times a week!), I’m focused on keeping my skin & body glowy & healthy and I’ve been finding ways to replicate beauty services at home. Even though things here are starting to ease up, I’m sharing 5 At-Home Beauty Essentials that have made things a little easier on my end so you might find something that works for you. Check ’em out below and let me know what your at-home beauty essentials are!
Masks
One of my favourite ways to relax when things get a little bit stressful? Throwing on a mask and chilling tf out for a little bit. I love sheet masks because they’re perfect for keeping on for a little while (I usually wear them for 20-30 minutes) while your skin absorbs all of their benefits and a good clearing mask now and then when I feel a breakout coming on. Trust me, there have been a few ?
My picks: Maskeraide has a place in my heart forever – their sheet masks are my absolute fave and I find myself coming back to them all the time (Pre Party Prep is my fave). Their fun line masks make a great gift for a teen or gal pal who needs a boost! I’ve also been loving my FOREO UFO lately! Even though it has been set up to deliver the benefits of a sheet mask in 90 seconds, I love the warm, soothing feeling you get from using it – it’s unbelievably calming and I find myself extending my treatment time afterwards to get even more relaxed. To round this out, I have to also include the Korres Hydra-Biome Superdose Face Mask (you can find this and the UFO at Shoppers Drug Mart). This mask, made with Greek Yoghurt, has been a big friend of mine during this time. I love it for a boost when my skin is feeling dull or stressed out and it makes a great overnight treatment when you apply a thin layer before bed!
Sunscreen
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be spending as much time as possible outside now that the weather is finally nice. I spent most of yesterday outside in our backyard enjoying the warmth and sunshine – I even set up a makeshift desk so I can work out there! Of course, spending time outside goes hand-in-hand with sun protection. Whether you’re spending your days out in the sun or getting little bits of it here and there, keeping your skin safe from damaging UV rays should always be top of mind, especially when it comes to your face – you would be surprised at how much sun exposure you get even if you aren’t sitting out in the sun! This one is one of my most important at-home beauty essentials.
My picks: For daily wear, I’ve been enjoying Neutrogena Bright Boost Moisturizer SPF 30 from their new line aimed at millennial skin issues (I also love the scrub they created as part of this lineup). I throw it on under my primer and love the lightweight, non-greasy texture and light fragrance. If I know I’m going to be a little more exposed, I’ll reach for something with more protection; currently, I’m loving Vichy Ideal Soleil Ultra-Fluid Tinted Lotion SPF 60. When I’m hanging out outside I want to make sure that I have a higher level of SPF and this one is great for a day outside. The light tint is nice when you aren’t wearing makeup and it feels great on.
Lip Care
I don’t know what it is lately but my lips have gotten seriously dried out several times while I’ve been home. I’ve been counting on a few lip care products to keep them soft and bring them back to life after the dryness, making this one of my at-home beauty essentials.
My picks: I’ve been keeping a tube of Burt’s Bees Hydrating Lip Oil on my desk so it’s always handy – the lightweight texture feels great and I love the passion fruit scent & bit of sheen it leaves on my lips. I’ve also been using a treatment (Physicians Formula 24-Karat Gold Collagen Lip Serum) before I go to bed so I wake up to smoother, softer lips!
Hair Treatments
Even though I’ve pretty much stopped with the heat styling at this point (warm weather = letting my hair do its thing naturally) and I finally dyed my hair for the first time since April, not having a cut, past damage and environmental stressors have definitely taken a toll on my mane. Hair treatments have become a very regular part of my at-home beauty routine until I can get in for a cut and they’ll definitely be sticking around after things get back to normal.
My picks: I’ve worked a few hair treatments into my routine lately and I’ve been switching them up regularly to provide different benefits and target my hair’s different needs. For masks, I’ve had the Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock and The Body Shop Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Hair Mask in heavy rotation to add much-needed moisture and help repair some of the damage. Another big favourite has been the L’Oreal Paris 8-Second Wonder Water Treatment. It works fast and leaves my hair feeling instantly softer and plumper, making it a great, quick addition to my routine. After washing my hair, I’ve been turning to Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame. It acts as a leave-in conditioner that also smoothes the hair and provides heat protection up to 450°F
Body Lotions + Hand Creams
Over the past few months, I’ve really been enjoying rich creams to keep my skin soft and smooth, especially when it comes to my hands. I’m still not going anywhere that isn’t essential but my hands have definitely been feeling the constant hand washing and use of sanitizer. I have tubes of hand cream throughout the house now for easy access when I need a quick dose of moisture. These have definitely been some of the most useful at-home beauty essentials for me lately!
My picks: If you take a quick walk through my house right now, it won’t be hard to spot the hand creams that are helping me out lately: L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Light Hand Cream Violet Scent (this limited edition tube created with OMY is meant to be coloured in!) and Burt’s Bees Orange Blossom & Pistachio Hand Cream. When it comes to the rest of my bod, Laline Rich Body Shea Butter and Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter have become recent faves. I know this also technically isn’t a body cream butttttt I’ve also been obsessed with Bath and Body Works White Jasmine Fragrance Mist and since it goes on my bod I thought it was worth a mention.
These at-home beauty essentials have come in handy over the last few months! What are yours?
