Lockdown Beauty Survival Guide.


By Chantel Lewis

Since Wednesday, the British public has been ordered by government and health officials to stay inside unless it’s for essential food shopping, medical reasons, or travelling to and from work, in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. Now, it's more than likely that you will be on the lookout for useful beauty hacks to keep yourself busy and feeling good during this period. Although you may let your everyday habits, such as wearing makeup or doing your hair, to slip - this doesn’t mean that your whole beauty routine has to be neglected.
Whether you are working from home or, or your just self isolating the lockdown beauty survival guide is here to make sure you always look your best, lockdown or not.

 DIY Facial and Face Mask

Lockdown can be very stressful, as each day seems to feel like the one before, but there’s no greater feeling than having an early night in your comfy PJs and putting on your favourite Netflix show. However, there’s just one thing missing, a fresh face mask made from items you can find in your kitchen! The following face masks help to improve uneven skin texture and minimise enlarged pores.

You will need: 
  • One tablespoon of natural, plain yoghurt 
  • One tablespoon of honey
  • One tablespoon of turmeric powder
The benefits:
  • Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which lifts away any residue, build-up and rough texture to reveal a much brighter and healthier surface. 
  • Honey helps improve moisture and leaves the skin feeling soft and elastic
  • Turmeric is useful for fighting pigmentation which helps achieve an even skin tone. 
You will need:
  • One egg white 
  • One tablespoon of honey
  • A squeeze of lemon juice 
The benefits:
  • Both the egg whites and lemon juice have properties that will tighten the skin and make enlarged pores much less obvious. 
  • Honey boosts moisture and helps the skin stay hydrated.  

Give yourself a manicure

Manicures can be very expensive and are a lot trickier than just applying a coat of nail polish. However, just because it’s complicated doesn’t mean it can’t be done in the comfort of your own home. Here is a simple guide that you can follow to give yourself a professional manicure at home. 

You will need:
Nail polish remover 
Nail clipper
Cotton pads
Nail buffer
Shampoo
Cuticle pusher and nipper
Cuticle remover/ cuticle cream
Hand Moisturiser 
A base coat 
Your favourite nail polish
A clear topcoat



Step 1: Remove old nail polish
Use a cotton pad and nail polish remover to gently take off any old nail polish

Step 2: Clip and file your nails 
Use the nail clippers to trim your nails. Avoid cutting them too short. Then, use the nail file to shape them

Step 3: Soak your nails 
Take a glass bowl (big enough to hold your palms) and fill it with warm water. Add a little shampoo (to help soften your cuticles) and soak your hands in it for a few minutes. 

Step 4: Apply cuticle cream and prepare the cuticles
Wipe your nails and hands, and massage some cuticle or hand cream into your nails. Then, use a cuticle pusher to push the cuticles back gently. Do not use to much pressure because that may push them too far in and could cause damage to your nails and could increase your chances of getting an infection.

Step 5: Apply hand moisturiser  
Massage your hands with a hand moisturiser. Focus on your fingers and the area around your nails.

Step 6: Prep your nails for polish
Nail polish will not stick to your nails if there’s too much moisturizer on them so you need to remove it with a cotton pad. 

Step 7: Apply a thin base coat 
A base coat helps prevent your nails from getting stained and enables your manicure to last longer.

Step 8: Apply your favourite nail polish
Before applying your favourite nail polish roll the bottle between your hands. Avoid shaking as it creates air bubbles and makes it harder for the polish to stick to your nails.

Step 9: Finish off with a clear nail polish 
Once your nail polish is dry, finish off by applying a clear topcoat. This step helps shield the nail polish from any chips or flaking.
Go Outside

There are many things you can do outdoors as well as indoors during isolation like going for a walk, a run or even cycle your bike around your nearest park to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. or why not introduce some colour to your house or garden and plant some flowers, now that the sun is shinning is the perfect time to get out in the garden and watch your flowers bloom.

Practice something you struggle with 

How often do you have the time to practice the things you struggle with in your beauty and hair routine? Whether it’s mastering the perfect flick eyeliner, practising your blending technique, applying false lashes or learning how to cornrow - now the time to become a pro!
Stay in contact with friends and family

The chances are you’re not the only one that’s self-isolating or in lockdown, and people will appreciate a friendly chat or text message to let them know you’re thinking of them. Call your grandparents to check on them or Facetime that friend who you haven't spoken to in a while. Having a good talk with friends and family is great for your mental health, as not only does it help release muscle tension, but can also reduce stress hormones, boosts T-cells and triggers the release of endorphins. 
Make a smoothie


Smoothies are a good way to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. so why not swap your usual drink of choice with a yummy smoothie that not only looks and tastes good but also makes you feel good. 

The immunity-boosting orange smoothie 
Ingredients:
One large, peeled orange
Half a medium-sized banana
One cup of frozen mango pieces
Half a cup of almond milk
 A quarter of a teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions: 
Blend all the ingredients together until you have reached your desired consistency 

The green breakfast smoothie 
Ingredients:
One cup of milk
One and a half cups of fresh spinach
One banana
One tablespoon of peanut butter
One teaspoon of honey
Five to six ice cubes

Directions:
Blend all the ingredients together until its smooth 

Hearty fruit and oat smoothie
Ingredients:
One cup of sliced strawberries
One sliced banana
A quarter of a cup of raw almonds
A quarter of a cup of oats
One cup of vanilla yoghurt
One tablespoon of maple syrup

Directions: 
Blend all ingredients together until its smooth

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