Things to Buy When You Don't Pack Right
30 Little Luxuries to Make Self-Isolating Away From Home More Comfortable
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Picture this: it's the second week of March and I'm about to head home for a quick trip to California. I've planned on visiting my hometown to ring in my grandmother's birthday, and then heading to San Francisco to work out of the office there and see some of my colleagues. It's the night before my flight and while the coronavirus pandemic has already made waves in the U.S., things are still relatively normal. I stuff my tiny pink carry-on suitcase with one pair of pajamas, a couple blouses for work, a pair of Levi's, and a handful of travel-size skincare products. As I get ready for bed, I can't help but think about some of the most recent articles I read about the outbreak. While there were no city- or state-wide stay-at-home orders at the time, I didn't realise how soon they would be put in place. And if I had known, I would have packed for a completely different trip, and in a much larger suitcase.
By Friday afternoon, I had landed in California and already cancelled my trip to SF. The POPSUGAR offices had been closed for the foreseeable future, and the city was given a stay-at-home order. I contemplated going back home to New York later that week, but seeing how fast the virus was spreading there, I decided it was best to stay where I was. So, my carry-on suitcase and I set up shop at my parents' house. When I started college almost six years ago, I cleared everything out of my parents' house — and when I say everything, I mean that there wasn't even an old tube of mascara waiting for me in my bathroom drawer.
For the first couple of days, wearing my high-waisted Levi's and the one t-shirt I had seemed to do. I borrowed my mom's workout clothes when I went on runs and threw on an old sweatshirt that used to belong to one of my sister's ex-boyfriends from high school when I settled in for a movie night. As the days — and now subsequent weeks — ticked on, I knew the time had come to reaffirm my wardrobe and skincare supply. The travel-size beauty products were down to their last few drops and my friends had already noticed that I was wearing the same sweatshirt the last three times they saw me on FaceTime. So, I decided to buy some little luxuries that would make my time at my parents' feel more like home.
For many, relocating somewhere that's not their home (parents' house, partner's place, holiday rental, etc.) during the coronavirus is fairly common. Since there's no clear end-date in sight as to when life will go back to normal, packing accordingly has basically gone out the window. From stay-at-home goodies to dreamy wellness products, these are the items I bought to make my time in self-isolation more enjoyable. If you're like me and didn't pack right, shop my favourite picks that will keep you comfortable and feeling just at home, no matter how far you may be.
1 Back to Basics Crop Top and Pants Lounge Set
Whether you're working remote or having a movie night in, this Back to Basics Crop Top and Pants Lounge Set ($30) will deliver peak comfort.
2 Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
Wake up to bright eyes with the help of this Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask ($42). It's formulated with avocado, retinol, and coffeeberry to brighten and depuff even the most tired eyes.
3 Calvin Klein UO Exclusive Modern Cotton Triangle Bra
Comfortable and casual, the Calvin Klein UO Exclusive Modern Cotton Triangle Bra ($36) is perfect for lazy days at home.
4 Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Insightful, funny, and totally entertaining, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb ($19) is a must-read.
5 Champion UO Exclusive Reverse Weave Boyfriend Hoodie Sweatshirt
The Champion UO Exclusive Reverse Weave Boyfriend Hoodie Sweatshirt ($65) features an oversize fit, meaning it's all kinds of cosy.
6 Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush
The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush ($46) gives hair dimension (and detangles!) in no time.
7 UO TGIF Mini Dress
This easy-to-throw-on UO TGIF Mini Dress ($54) pairs well with sneakers and chunky sandals.
8 Nike Sportswear Club Swoosh Leggings
These Nike Sportswear Club Swoosh Leggings ($40) are made with a flexible fabric, making working out that much better.
9 Kikkerland Design Bedside Caddy
Tablets, computers, magazines, and more can be stored inside this ultra-handy Kikkerland Design Bedside Caddy ($20).
10 MLB Baseball Hat
Pair this MLB Baseball Hat ($29) with jeans and a tee or your favourite workout outfit.
11 Splendid Always Woven PJ Set
Made with breathable fabric, the Splendid Always Woven PJ Set ($78) is fitting for any month of the year.
12 Madewell Whisper Cotton Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt
Great for throwing on with a pair of jeans, the Madewell Whisper Cotton Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt ($20) is all about simplicity.
13 Living Proof Restore Repair Hair Mask
The Living Proof Restore Repair Hair Mask ($38) adds hydration, moisture, and shine to damaged hair.
14 In Bloom by Jonquil Mia Wrap Robe
The In Bloom by Jonquil Mia Wrap Robe ($30, originally $50) is a chic mix between sexy and comfortable.
15 Ban.do Wish You Were Here Eye Mask
A good night's sleep is in close reach with this Ban.do Wish You Were Here Eye Mask ($18).
16 Nike Indy Logo Tape Sports Bra
Featuring a mesh back, the Nike Indy Logo Tape Sports Bra ($40) lets heat out and cool air in.
17 C'est Beau1872 Night Moves Vitamin C Serum
The C'est Beau1872 Night Moves Vitamin C Serum ($28) is enriched with vitamin C and E, and features a blend of white tea extract to brighten and smooth skin.
18 UO Keepsake Sun and Moon Tee
With a colourful display on the back, this UO Keepsake Sun and Moon Tee ($39) is a cute shirt to wear on a spring afternoon.
19 SGX NYC Happy Place Nourishing Dry Shampoo
Make time in between washes count with the SGX NYC Happy Place Nourishing Dry Shampoo ($7). It absorbs oil and cleanses hair, all while leaving behind a refreshing coconut scent.
20 Daniel Green Rave II Slippers
These cosy Daniel Green Rave II Slippers ($30) also come in black, baby blue, grey, pink, and leopard print.
21 Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer
Forget dark circles — Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer ($26) makes those a thing of the past.
22 High-Waisted Power Slim Straight Jeans
The raw-edged hem on these High-Waisted Power Slim Straight Jeans ($40, originally $50) gives them a relaxed feel.
23 Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Fight wrinkles and sun damage all at once with Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen ($65). It blends into skin to create the look of a clear complexion, all while fighting the signs of existing sun damage and fine lines.
24 Mippo Workout Mesh Top
This cute Mippo Workout Mesh Top ($17) comes in over 15 additional colours.
25 DW Home Sea Salt & Lavender Candle
The DW Home Sea Salt & Lavender Candle ($18) can help to create a relaxing work from home or nighttime environment.
26 Nike Women's WMNS Todos Running Shoes
These Nike Women's WMNS Todos Running Shoes ($60) are lightweight and flexible, making running a breeze.
27 Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser
Not only is this Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser ($8) affordable and refreshing, but it also washes off makeup and grime.
28 Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Jogger Pants
Throw on these Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Jogger Pants ($58) with a warm hoodie or light tee to create a dreamy stay-at-home look.
29 St. Ives Collagen Elastin Skin Renewing Body Lotion
St. Ives Collagen Elastin Skin Renewing Body Lotion ($15) makes skin soft, nourished, and extra hydrated.
30 Avana Ashbury Reusable Water Bottle
The Avana Ashbury Reusable Water Bottle ($35) is made with double-wall insulated stainless steel that keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.
