Deep condition your hair
Many people have (unofficially) reported to me that their hair is feeling dry and snarly from throwing it up in buns everyday in lieu of their usual styling routines. In some cases, it’s also a matter of unfortunate timing with now having to postpone a long-needed haircut. A hair mask can’t repair your dead ends, but it can give your hair a needed boost of hydration. If you’re looking to invest in one, try the fan-favorite Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, which claims to replenish moisture and protect against future damage. If you want to save some cash, you can make your own using ingredient combinations like eggs and mayonnaise, banana and avocado, or yogurt and honey, according to blog recipes.
Declutter your makeup collection
Now that you’re spending more time at home, you may be taking inventory of any non-necessities cluttering up your space. Unlike clothes, books, or other home purging projects you may consider tackling, makeup doesn’t take up too much space, so it may not be top of mind when you’re sifting through belongings. If you sit down at your vanity, though, you’ll likely find at least one product you haven’t touched in awhile, or ones that are expired.
Most cosmetics have a small graphic depicting an open jar on the packaging with a number inside that indicates its shelf life in months. Go through your collection and toss anything that sits unused or you’re certain you bought longer ago than this suggested expiration. If you have unopened products that you don’t see yourself using, consider donating them to an organization like Project Beauty Share, which gives products to non-profit organizations “serving women and families overcoming abuse, addiction, homelessness and poverty to help restore hope and dignity in their lives.”
Re-organize your vanity
Let’s say you’ve already de-cluttered your vanity—or you don’t need to right now—you can still organize it! If your hair ties are mixed in with your makeup brushes and your magnifying mirror is sitting on top of all of it, it’s time to readjust. Take this time to figure out an organizational system that works for you and keep it tidy with repurposed kitchen containers or organizational caddies that fit your specific space or products—did you know they make containers designated for organizing lipsticks? Yep, it’s true.
Try self-tanning
You’re likely not having many face-to-face interactions these days and for those that happen over a video chat, your virtual appearance does not need to be top-notch. But if you’re someone who feels their best with the glow of a tan, don’t let the current news cycle discourage you from it. Or if you’re someone who wants to finally try self-tanning but you’ve always been afraid of it, now is the time to experiment.
For a popular-but-affordable pick, go with the Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, which reviewers say gives you a natural-looking, bronzed tan without making you look orange or streaky. The mousse dries within a minute and you don’t have to wash it off—just wear it until it gradually fades.
