While I was writing this post, I wanted, in no particular order, to eat a chocolate bar, order a tie-dye jumper and a new eyeshadow palette, get a coffee, throw myself screaming on the floor, check my emails, checked my emails, followed a link in one email to the sale, browsed that sale, and waited impatiently for DHL. In short, I’m in the depth of lockdown fatigue. Here’re a few things that make me looking and feeling better in lockdown (and on zoom).
I know that all of the above wouldn’t make that itchy, jumpy feeling go away. I know. But it’s tempting to give in to that little dopamine rush of an order, the promise of a little bright spot in a sea of grey. You’ll, very likely, will have read about that before at various media outlets. Very likely, you’d have said ‘same girl’ and closed the page. And I’m very conscious of the fact that we write about stuff here on the blog that you might buy (or not). The thing that remains is the fact that we’re trying products on a long-term base to really give you all the insights, and we never promote fast beauty, fast fashion or buying for buying’s sake.
Looking – and feeling – better in lockdown
What I’m trying to say is:
While I want to scream when I see my face on zoom, facetime or wherever, what we’re wanting to promote here, is finding new and exciting ways to love our beauty stashes. Not buy something new, because we’re bored.
Hell, in my desperation I’ve even started to tackle my sample drawer, and it’s fun! (I’m writing mini reviews of one sample every day on Stories on IG!)
So, here’s my feeble attempt to find things (hopefully in my stash, but, not always) that cheer me up; in zoom calls, masked up venturing out, and just sitting at my desk, staring out of the window.
(I’ve got some makeup tips for when you’re wearing a mask – and a rule of thumb seems to be that for zoom calls, more is more. Pile that eye makeup on, especially when you’re wearing glasses.)
Hair
Yup, I haven’t been to the hairdresser in months and start to look like a troll. What helps: colour. This comes with the usual warning of at-home experiments, but there’re enough simple wash-out offerings on the market, and I find that a fresh rinse of colour makes hair looking fresher. I colour my hair with Goldwell Elumen, and nothing could be easier. I use one of their colour conditioners in between.
Also, my hair is now longer than it’s ever been, and I guess I can start looking into fancy plaiting tutorials now. And – I mean, it’s unlikely that I find the energy for plaits and topknots – there’s always the stash of fancy barettes and alice bands that I seem to buy, wear once and then can’t bother. I can’t be the only one?!
Earrings
Also, earrings. Noooooo, I’m not buying new ones. But for online meetings, nothing (well, maybe a killer lipstick and glasses) brighten up your look like fancy earrings. I still own the (paste!) huge chandelier earrings I wore to a 20s party in Shanghai. I also unearthed a pair of hoops my mum gave my when I went to school in the 90s. And, of course, there’re the delicate Aurum earrings I got in Iceland for my birthday.
If earrings aren’t your thing, what about that statement necklace that you bought circa 2012 when they were all the craze? Brightens up the dullest sweater. Same with brooches.
Nails
Every trend forecast tells us that nails will be huge this year. So, isn’t that a good opportunity to actually use your craziest colours and finishes that’ll definitely make you smile while you’re typing? (It’s definitely better to do your nails than doomscroll.)
Fragrance
Go wild and use those expensive gifted candles you got two years ago, or the Yankee Candles stash when you went wild in the Christmas sale. A nice smelling home can calm and soothe. Same with the fragrance you’re wearing: try all the samples you own! Mix things up! Discover new loves, wear your summer scents in winter to think of better times, or cozy up with your warmest, sweetest scent.
Earplugs
What? Yes. The purchase (and honestly, it was the best one I made this year) that gave me the most peace of mind. Your neighbours driving you insane? Your significant other talks on the phone the whole day? The construction site across the street? Earplugs. (And noise cancelling earphones.) These are different to the ones you get at the drugstore: they really cancel out A LOT. They make my life so much better. (Oh, and QI on YouTube. It’s just the best British show there is.)
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
