It’s the least of our worries, but I know I’m not alone in saying, “I need my hair done and a mani so badly!”
For the first month of quarantine, I pushed off doing my own nails and hair because I normally have them done professionally. Then the stay-at-home order got pushed back again for thirty more days in Chicago. Realizing it would still be a little while — and needing a good distraction — I took matters into my own hands (no pun intended) and gave my skin, hair, and nails a little TLC!
Here is what I am doing/using for beauty maintenance…
*My Nails…
I have been using this nail kit to give myself an at-home manicure. My goal was for my nails to look ‘better’, but was realistic in knowing they weren’t going to be perfect! I have done these steps a couple times now and I think they’re a whole lot better than they were!
I start by using a dab of nail oil (or coconut oil!) on my cuticles and push my cuticles back with the tool in the kit. Then I remove any excess skin and cuticles with the clippers. I like my nails square with rounded edges, so I just file them straight and shape the corners. I love using the Deborah Lippmann nail hardner and use it as a top coat too! Deborah Lippmann also makes my go-to nail polish because I am really sensitive and love that her products are 7-FREE. It’s a pretty simple regimen, but it works for me… at least until it’s safe to go get a professional manicure!
*My Hair…
Now a question I have been getting a lot… how is your hair still so bright and light? I will be honest and tell you that my hair is naturally pretty light (dirty blonde). When I get it professionally done, I typically just get highlights. Since being quarantined I have tried not to touch it because I was terrified of messing it up! However, just like my nails, the continued stay-at-home order had me feeling that my hair needed a little life and TLC! It really needed highlights… badly, but I was in no way going to take the chance and do highlights on my own! I decided to use products I have used previously in between getting my hair highlighted. They are products that I know have worked from me and are also user-friendly!
To lighten up my blonde locks a bit, I have been using purple shampoo and conditioner. (A must have if you have blonde hair!!) I also have been using a clarifying shampoo. The clarifying shampoo helps get rid of any build up. I have noticed that the clarifying shampoo also makes my hair look super shiny and a bit lighter! You can use a clarifying shampoo on any hair color and I highly recommend it. However, it does dry out your hair a bit, so I would suggest following it with Olaplex Hair Perfector. This treatment has literally changed my hair… it strengthens hair, reduces breakage and overall just look and feels much better.
After I get out of the shower and towel dry my hair I use a bit of leave in conditioner and mix it with these amazing purple drops. The drops are also great for blonde hair as they help to brighten and lighten it up a bit.
*My Skin…
I have always had a pretty ‘healthy’ diet and tend to eat — and enjoy — a lot of fruits and veggies, and have continued to. I did start adding Vital Proteins Strawberry Lemon Beauty Collagen into my water about a month ago and I think my skin looks more radiant and my nails are growing quicker — or maybe it’s just the lack of makeup and manicure?! Either way, I love the taste so I’ll continue to drink it!
As far as products go, my skin tends to be pretty sensitive so less is more! I swear by La Mer Moisturizer. I know it’s a splurge, but honestly it’s one of the only products that doesn’t irritate my skin and really hydrates it. I’ll say it’s the one skincare product I have used for the past 5+ years that I will continue to repurchase. For a less pricey alternative moisturizer, I would recommend Olay Retinol 24.
Chasing after a toddler and being an insomniac (by nature) my dark circles need a little love! The Strivectin eye cream is my go-to! Believe me, I have tried pretty much every eye cream out there! About once a week I have been using SK-II Facial Mask. I use the mask when my skin is feeling a bit dry… your skin will be glowing for days after using it!
I’m not a professional, I’m just sharing what is working for me! I hope they work for you too and you can give yourself a little TLC during this scary and uncertain time. I understand how fortunate I am to be able to sit here and write this post about hair, skin and nail care while there are real heroes out there fighting.
