Quarantine and Beauty

Since the day when my twelve-year-old self was able to convince my parents to allow me to apply makeup (my starter was a Too Faced eyeshadow and blush combo palette that has long since cracked and expired), I have had a passion for beauty. Not just makeup, but beauty.

My all girls, religious high school hindered my ability to adorn my face in product, but had no bearing on my use of charcoal pore strips, clay masks, dare I say self tan and the occasional switching up of my skincare routine. These years of strutting around make-upless allowed me to shop for products that would aid my skin in glowing without the help of a dewy foundation or the Two Faced “Better Than Sex” mascara.

College told a different tale, as every woman in my suite of six wore makeup on the daily. By no means was I a novice, as I carefully decorated my face for games because I had been a cheerleader since middle school. Oh, and there was always the ever so often Saturday night spent alone in my room spent experimenting with a new color palette. On days when I had classes in college, I would confidently apply just enough makeup to accentuate my features, and never a touch more. It was only on nights out when I went crazy with glittery eyeshadow and bold lipsticks. And even though I wore makeup most days, I did not relinquish my high school beauty routine of skin care, as well.

Now that I am going nowhere seeing as it feels like the entire world is on lockdown, you would assume most peoples’ coveted beauty tricks would go to the wayside. And honestly, I did too. But as I read up on beauty blogs and even watched countless Tik Toks telling me to toss my Mario Badescu facial mist and try the newest skin care trend, I could not help but notice that at-home beauty is on the rise, and it is bigger than simply dyeing your hair pink.

I realized that as long as I am stuck inside and unable to see anyone, why not take this time to work on myself physically. Why not switch up my skincare routine and venture into the unknown with the usage of some of these trends? Like I did in high school, I wanted to make my skin look fresh without the need for makeup.

Do not get me wrong, this quest did make me uneasy, as the products recommended for me by my facial esthetician and dermatologist have had a home in my bathroom since high school. But maybe it was time for me to venture out on my own and learn more about what exactly I was putting on my face.

In my endeavors thus far (about eight weeks into the lockdown and six weeks into my self-taught beauty escapades) I have formed these ratings:

Glossier Solution: I would say 9/10 because this product has been in my possession for three weeks and I have seen such a difference in my skin. It was totally worth the semi steep price and I will continue to use. The salicylic acid will likely sting any acne or sensitive patches, this product works great post nighttime facial cleanse to work harder than your actual face wash to exfoliate and clear blemishes.

Glossier Super Glow: I’ll say 8/10 because it smooths out my skin pretty well. It adds a gently shiny, dewy finish to bare skin that almost makes it look like I am wearing a highlighter. More importantly, I learned from my reading that vitamin C is as good for your skin as it is for your immune system (basically).

Sanitas Beta Clarifying Cleanser: I am giving this one a 7/10. It is pretty much a nicer version of Cetaphil that works to clean deeper. Plus it has an herbal, fresh smell. I use this one in the morning.

Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15: I’d give this one a 9/10 because I have always had extremely sensitive skin. This product lasts a long time, too. I have had the same bottle for a few months now. Plus, an SPF is essential to apply in the morning to protect your skin. This lotion also leaves no oily residue behind to clog your pores.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer: This stuff is a 10/10. It is unscented and not oily at all. It is the perfect starter night cream that keeps my skin hydrated and feeling fresh.

Olaplex No. 3: Beauty applies to hair too! This stuff is a 10/10. Recommended to me by my hair stylist, it does some stuff with the bonds in my hair to repair my heat and color damaged ends. While you do not get much for what you pay, I think the price is worth it.

Your Run of the Mill Coconut Oil: I swear by this stuff, and will always give it a 10/10. Coconut oil is so versatile. I apply it to my hair once a week as an organic hair mask to moisturize and repair. I have long, dark and curly hair that needs a lot of moisture and care. And while I have tried keratin treatments and special shampoo and conditioner, I find that washing less and moisturizing more is the way to go.

Tea Tree Oil: Last but not least, we have a 9/10 for tea tree oil. My mother used to use this product on me when lice was traveling around my elementary school, so I was skeptical about its ability to help my skin. My current, much more knowledgeable self has found that this oil, when watered down, natural antibacterial properties to fight acne. It also smells fresh and minty.

In addition to these products, which I have cleared with my dermatologist, I use both a Clindamycin and a Tretinoin formula recommended by my dermatologist. Skincare is different for everyone, but these products helped me find confidence in my bare skin (and hair!) as well as experiment with my new found knowledge.