Self-isolation: The Ultimate Guide To Looking Good & Staying In

It’s Spring 2020 and we Brits are currently in the midst of some uncertain and unprecedented times. 9-5 routines are being turned upside down, salons are temporarily closing their doors and we are all spending large amounts of time at home. Whether self-isolating or working at home as a precaution, we are all suddenly faced with lots of free time, and some of us are struggling to fill it.

We might only be stuck at home, but the sun and the Summer are still approaching! Who says we have to let our beauty routines go when we’ve got ample time for summer prep pampering? Our back gardens are calling, and in these uncertain times, it is nice to indulge in a bit of fun and frivolous self-care to keep ourselves positive and pass the time while we stay in and do our bit.

Luckily, we’ve compiled the ultimate head to toe guide for how to maintain your beauty routine while passing the time at home:

1. Hair hydration

Relax! For once you don’t have to make do with a hasty 10-minute shower before rushing off to work in the morning. Why not take this time at home to replenish and re-hydrate your hair with a luxurious deep conditioning hair mask? After just one application, hair masks can visibly improve the appearance of your hair and over time can banish frizz, dullness and lacklustre tresses. After your shower, towel dry your hair before applying the mask root to tip. Leave on for a few minutes while you set up your home working station, before rinsing well. This will leave you with gorgeously saturated hair without the salon price.

2. Keep coloured and carry on

Now your hair is fully hydrated, many of you will be panicking about keeping those greys at bay. Welcome to the world of at-home hair dye, which can be just as effective (and kinder on your purse) as going to the salon. In this modern age of innovation, keeping your roots in check is hardly a hassle. Root touch ups are all the rage, and it’s not hard to see why. Applied with a quick and easy brush, sponge or spritz, these handy products will keep you calm and confident about your hair for the foreseeable future.

3. Brows on fleek

It might be time to say TTFN to our monthly eyebrow wax or threading, but don’t fret – you can keep those brows just as fleeky at home. Girls, it’s time to embrace the tweezers. The precision of the pluck can help you achieve the perfect arch, and as you’re pulling from the root, the hairs take longer to grow back. If you’re used to having your brows tinted, there’s plenty you can do at home to achieve the same look. Try an eyebrow pomade for a stunning colour which you can apply lightly for a natural look or build up for some serious brow-factor.

4. Skin salvation

Self-isolation or not, good skincare is essential at all times. Why not use this time to bulk up your usual routine? As well as the regular cleanse, tone and moisturise, be extra kind to your skin. Think hot cloth cleansers and face masks galore – who needs the spa when the spa can come to you? Hot cloth cleansers are fab on two fronts: the hot cloth gently exfoliates the skin while the hot water opens your pores to eradicate excess oil. Face masks have a multitude of benefits including increased hydration, evening out the skin tone, and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Get the glow

You can still achieve that sun kissed golden glow you’ve been dreaming about since December with easy use self-tan products. If you’re after a natural look, try a gradual tan moisturiser and watch it develop steadily over a week or two. If you’re a real sun junkie and want a more intense bronze, we recommend a self-apply express fake tan product. They’re easy and convenient to use, and your tan will develop over approximately 8 hours for a striking bronze glow. This will give you the confidence to lay out in your back garden in your best bikini as if you were lounging by the pool on holiday.

6. Be sweet to your feet

Worried about foregoing your regular pedicure? Don’t worry – products like Footner Exfoliating Socks bring the experience and the results of a pedicure to your home. Pop the socks on for 60 minutes while you get on with some work or watch some Netflix, and within 7-10 days any hard, dead skin will actually peel off your feet, revealing a layer of soft, smooth and rejuvenated skin underneath. As we’ve all got some spare time, this is the perfect time to show your feet some love. You can still rock your favourite sandals in the garden or round the house as we head into summer.