I’ll be the first to admit, I live for blowouts, manicures, pedicures and skin care maintenance. These luxuries were my weekly/biweekly indulgence, ones I now realize I took for granted.
When I first began social distancing about a month ago (can’t believe it’s been that long already!), my priorities were everyone’s well being, getting my house in order, and adjusting to our new way of life. There was a part of me that didn’t love what I saw when I looked in the mirror, but I thought I’d just be one with nature for the time being and embrace the new me. I gave myself a chance to go au natural but that didn’t last very long. Sorry for being vain but blowouts and beach waves make me feel polished as do having my nails maintained. The thing is, I’ve never given myself a manicure and though I used to wave my hair, it became a lost art over the years.
Life Isn’t Perfect But Your Hair Can Be
I decided to take matters into my own hands by texting my hairstylist, Elba, from the Serge Normant salon on the Upper East Side and asked if she would give me a beach wave tutorial via face time. I was so excited when she agreed, and I was so proud of the results (she happens to be a great teacher too!)
Practice makes perfect obviously but I do keep getting better and better at it.
My suggestion to you all is if you are also missing these indulgences and have a personal relationship with your hairstylist, reach out to him/her and let them give you a remote lesson. Otherwise, you can search online for whatever hair tutorial you’re interested in taking on.
I do realize I’m not seeing anyone besides my immediate family these days, but I practice self-care for me. It makes me feel good and no matter what, we should always do things that make us feel good rather than do it for others.
Also… learning how to be self-reliant, resourceful, however you’d like to call it, gives us a sense of self-satisfaction and empowerment plus, it’s a money saver might, I add.
Shop hair styling tools here:
There’s Nothing A Fresh Manicure Can’t Fix
Manicures are a totally different ball game. I’ve never given myself one before but my nails had been bothering the hell out of me especially since I ripped off some of my gels which ruined some of my nail beds. I decided to google some DIY manicure tutorials on YouTube. There wasn’t one specific tutorial that taught me everything so I watched a bunch and took away a little something from each. If giving yourself a manicure is on your bucket list, I suggest you do the same.
Overall, I will say the process was quite enjoyable. I put some relaxing music on in the bathroom and worked with the tools in my beauty arsenal. First I removed any excess polish I had on and then I cut and filed my nails.
Next, I soaked my hands in lukewarm water and soap for 10 minutes. I pushed back my cuticles as best as I knew how and then I polished my nails. It wasn’t perfect but I was still proud of myself for making the effort and taking matters into my own hands, no pun intended.
I went ahead and ordered some nail tools and polish but the one thing I’m most excited about is this hangnail clipper. Who what have thought a tool like this would bring me joy? I am also excited about some new nail colors and cuticle oils which should be arriving soon.
I’m also thinking about taking my nail skills to the next level by reaching out to my manicurist for a Facetime tutorial but I am waiting for my goodies to arrive before I do so.
Doing manicures with your girls could also be a fun activity to do together.
As for pedicures, I haven’t gotten that far down yet, but I’ll keep you posted.
Shop nail tools and polish here:
Less Stress More Facials
I’m trying to take care of my skin as well as possible these days. I think giving my face a breather from wearing makeup on the daily helps, and I’ve been doing my best to eat healthily and drinks lots of water with lemon which is known to keep your skin looking healthy and glowy.
For those who are interested in giving your skin some extra TLC, I highly recommend watching this at home spa facial tutorial by Jacey Duprie. She is one of my favorite bloggers.
If you don’t have time for that, here is what I suggest. I am by no means an expert in this field…only sharing what I do…
Start off by putting on your coziest robe and then pull your hair back in order to reach your hairline properly. Next, set the mood with some spa-like music and lock your bathroom door to carve out some me-time. Then, use a gentle foam cleanser to remove any excess dirt and oils. I typically massage my face in a round and upward motion.
If you have an at-home steamer, use one for around 10 minutes or so (do not be tempted to squeeze any pimples please). I don’t currently own an at-home steamer but am thinking about investing in one…Keep ya posted.
Next is masque time. I have been using masques by Dr. Barbara Sturm and True Botanicals. Sheet masks also work if you don’t have a creamy one. After you have rinsed off the mask, it’s serum and booster time. Let this set in and then finish off the treatment with moisturizer.
If you’d like to add in a face roller, do this while the skin is moist. Remember to roll in an upward motion and pro tip: keep your roller chillin’ in the fridge. This is supposed to tighten pores, wake up weary skin in addition to its primary benefits.
Shop facial products here:
I hope you find these do it yourself beauty tips helpful and remember to carve out self-care time. You’re worth it!!
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