I chose the less is more beauty routine during the pandemic and feel a new sense of freedom.
I wouldn’t say I’m high maintenance in the beauty department. I think I have more of a Parisian sensibility when it comes to my beauty routine.
Beauty maintenance during a pandemic when everything is closed, then reopened and then closed again has been challenging.
From haircuts/color to mani-pedis and facials to injections, what’s a gal supposed to do? Some states have allowed beauty related businesses to reopen but in some states (like where I live), it’s not the case.
Most of us, if not all of us, have gone back to basics. We’ve either a) racked up YouTube tutorial hours and did it ourselves or b) gone without.
I fall somewhere in the middle.
I’ve prolonged getting my hair cut and colored twice this year. I’ve let the sprinkles of gray blend in with my natural darker roots growing out. They’re most visible along my hairline on the right side of my face.
Typically I would have a slight panic attack with this hair situation. But as the pandemic months stretch longer, I’ve embraced it.
The most consistent beauty upkeep I did pre-pandemic were pedicures. That was the NUMBER ONE thing I never go without every 2-3 weeks.
Even when I had little money, I always had a pedi fund.
This year I had no choice but to clip, file and paint my own paws and claws. I usually skip nail polish on my fingernails but NEVER my toenails.
After one of my self-pedis, I decided to give my toenails a break from polish.
At first it looked odd to me. I still wasn’t sure if I could let my toenails go bare for very long.
At least my toenails have a natural nude shade thanks to good genes from my mom.
Weeks went by where I had to clip and file again. I went sans polish once again and the natural look has grown on me.
Now that we’re all covering half the face with a mask, makeup is a toss up.
I’ve been working from home for many years and have implemented a few morning habits. One of them is “getting ready” for the day even if I’m going nowhere.
It usually consists of doing something with my hair whether styled, in a top knot or ponytail, putting “on my face” and changing into “real clothes”.
I’ve narrowed down my makeup routine to 5 minutes with 6 products that give my face a natural and glowing look. Here’s what I’ve been using on rotation during the pandemic.
I’m really digging the less is more beauty maintenance this year. It’s freed up time to focus on other things. And I’ve never felt more beautiful turning 49 years younger in a few weeks.
