We're entering the third weekend of COVID-19 alert level 4 lockdown and if you're anything like me, the base standard of care you used to give your body has evaporated.
My nails are bare and bitten, my legs are pale, my skin has exploded and let's not even get started on my hair (body, head and face included).
So if you're in the same boat, I've put together a self care routine for your weekend with items you can easily get from your local supermarket, pharmacy or online.
Step one
Tell your partner/family/flatmates you are going to the bathroom for some alone time, and you are NOT to be disturbed. They will interpret this however they see fit, but we can pretty much guarantee you'll be left alone. Then shut the door, put a playlist of some great tunes on, and start your self-care routine.
Step two
Take a long bath or shower with some luxurious products. As mānuka honey has been classed an essential service, local brand Melora is able to deliver its mānuka face and body washes, which are lovely and nourishing as the weather turns cooler. If you have a bath, I would highly recommend the This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak, available for delivery from Mecca. If bare skin is your jam, shave off the body hair that has grown wild throughout lockdown. If not, just smile proudly at your growth and maybe give it a deep condition.
Step three
Dry off and fake tan. I don't know about you, but I feel much cuter and more comfortable in my own skin when I've got a bit of base colour going on. Bondi Sands is of course the OG, and the Aero formula will leave you with a natural looking tan for everyone in your bubble to admire. Bonus - it's available at pharmacies and Countdown supermarkets so you can just grab it during your weekly shop.
Step four
While that tan marinates, pop on a face mask to help your poor and angry isolation skin. I don't know about you, but my skin has exploded during lockdown - probably a direct result of all the isolation chocolate I've been eating. Great masks for such stressed out skin include the Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask by REN, or the Go-To Transformazing sheet mask, both available from Mecca. Otherwise, a good old smear of manuka honey and avocado has been helping my problem skin since I was a teen.
Step five.
Get into your comfiest PJs, pour a glass of wine, take your laptop to bed and Zoom call your friends.
