Self-isolation isn't my first experience working from home [1]; I've done it on and off for the past several months. But whether or not you consider that a benefit, there's no denying this: you have a little more time and a lot fewer places to go each day. I was surprised to discover how much this changed my beauty routine [2].
It's not that the lack of working in an office every day has made me lazy or the like, but really, I've just had more time to evaluate what I want to spend time and money on — and when. From adjusting the frequency of some of my routine beauty services to putting my product-hoarding tendencies [3] to better use, I've learned a lot. So whether this is your first work-from-home experience or you're just looking for a little beauty routine refresh, I'm sharing five habits I've dropped and picked up since I went remote.
Old Habit: Rebuying All of My Empties
I'm loyal to my favourite products, and in some cases, I always will be. But over the years, I've gotten into a habit of rebuying the products I finish without thinking much of it, as long as they get the job done. The only problem? Some of these formulas are pricey or only sold at a specific store. And I also have quite the collection of untouched products waiting in the wings.
New Habit: Trying Products I Already Own
Since working remotely (not to mention starting self-isolation), I've run out of several products that I might normally rebuy: a face wash I've been using for three years, conditioner, fancy moisturiser. A few makeup items here and there, too. Normally I'd just replace them like the creature of habit that I am. But in an effort to keep clutter down and be mindful of my spending, I'm finally taking a closer look at the surplus of products I collected as a beauty editor. Much to my surprise, I've actually fallen in love with many of the formulas. The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser [4] ($21) is one of my new favourites.
Old Habit: Rarely Leaving the House Bare-Faced
Call it a habit or just not wanting my barista to see the freshly popped zit on my chin, but I have to admit: I used to almost never leave the house completely bare-faced. That's certainly not to say I would pack on a full face of makeup for a run to the grocery store (and rarely step out in full glam, anyways), but I'd usually throw on a little concealer and a quick swipe of lip tint. I'm also a big fan of a "nothing but cream blush" look.
New Habit: Letting My Skin Breathe
Once I started working from home, I let that slide quickly. A little makeup can definitely feel nice every once in a while — almost a way to feel put together and ready to start the day — but I go makeup-free pretty often these days. It's skin care and my holy-grail Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen [5] ($34), and I'm good to go. I think my skin is happier, too.
Old Habit: Prioritising Skin Care on My Face
Whether it includes a myriad of specific products or a minimal approach that just works, a fine-tuned skin-care routine is certainly something to be proud of. But with the rapid growth of the skin-care industry and goals of achieving lengthy K-beauty routines for a glowy complexion, it's become easy to forget about the rest of your skin. I know I definitely did for a while.
New Habit: Prioritising Body Care — Head to Toe
As someone who's dealt with keratosis pilaris her whole life, I've always had to include a little extra body care in my postshower routine. But now, with more time in my schedule — no commute and more flexible days — I've begun to truly see the value in full-body skin care. (And, frankly, appreciate how luxe it can feel.) Fancy hand creams? Roll-on CBD body oil from Lord Jones [6] ($65)? Working from my couch in a robe while they all soak into my skin? It makes taking a shower feel even more refreshing and like a form of self-care.
Old Habit: Always Having My Hair Done
For years, I had two-and-a-half-foot-long hair that I wore in loose curls every day. Although it's naturally straight, I just preferred the way my hair looked with a little bit of body; done but not too done. Then, I chopped off the majority of it and realised there was a major learning curve to styling my new shorter hair. Surprisingly enough, it took much longer to curl; each twist had to be extra strategic.
New Habit: Letting It Do Its Thing
Unlike my new extended body-care routine, my hair is something I haven't felt compelled to spend time on since I've stopped going into an office every day. Of course, I still enjoy a little curl every once in a while (and by now, it's grown out quite a bit and is easier to style), but I find myself letting it do its thing the majority of the time. Sometimes, I'll add a little bit of an air-dry wave product — i.e. Bumble and Bumble's Surf Style Leave In [7] ($29) — to give it some extra oomph, but most days, I just wake up, maybe throw it in a low messy bun, and go.
Old Habit: Regular Beauty Maintenance
I've never been one to get routine haircuts or colour refreshes (how do you think my hair got so long in the first place?), but there are a few beauty services I get regularly. I love a good gel manicure, the look of freshly threaded brows, and perming my naturally straight eyelashes to hold a curl for weeks. But these services can add up quickly, and I know that, in some cases, a little DIY [8] can be just as effective.
New Habit: Doing It Myself
While you won't see me perming my own lashes anytime soon, I'm happy to put my gold Tweezerman tweezers [9] ($35) and nail-polish stash to good use. Similar to the way a shower routine can feel restorative and almost therapeutic, so can these other parts of my beauty routine. I just throw on some music, light a candle, and zone out. It's a great way to get off my phone for a while, too.