At Home Beauty

With MilliOnAir Beauty Editor

Ruby Hammer MBE

At Home Beauty

May beauty columns are usually packed with Summer looks, new shades, trends and textures but in view of all that we are currently facing globally I want to address what is relevant now. Taking the time for self care could bring you out of lockdown with radiant skin, healthy hair and new makeup skills to rival pros. 

SKINCARE

With less commuting and more time at home, this is the time to consider upping your skincare routine. Whilst I don’t feel that everyone needs to follow a Korean 10 step routine getting into the habit of cleansing, hydrating and protecting as a minimum will keep your skin looking fresh.

I am lucky in my job to have tried hundreds if not thousands of cleansers from foaming, micellar waters, soaps to balms. My preference is to use balms as they offer a deep, thorough cleanse that leaves the skin satisfyingly clean without feeling stripped.  Drunk Elephants Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser melts away any grime and makeup from the skin leaving a dewy glow.

For an added boost Kate Somerville’s Exfolikate dual action exfoliator features physical and enzymatic exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and give you smoother more even skin.

I alternate this with REN Clean Skincare Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial when I am short on time. Applied over the face and neck and massaged in, when you massage again with moistened fingertips it activates the vitamin C leaving imperfections minimised and soft, toned skin. 

 I love serums of their lightweight feel and supercharged results. To keep skin looking plump Zelens Z Hyaluron contains three types of hyaluronic acids at different molecular weights for improved delivery into the skin.

Top this off with MZ Skin Hydrate & Nourish moisturiser to keep skin smooth and supple, with added SPF 30 to protect from sun damage.

Whilst we are avoiding touching our faces whilst out and about, leading facialists have been teaching facial massage techniques on IGTV to really get the blood flowing and to encourage lymphatic drainage. If you don’t feel confident in your technique the new NURSE JAMIE BEAUTY BLADE DEEP MASSAGING TOOL is designed to fit the contours of your face and body allowing you to increase circulation and improve the skins appearance.

Don’t forget your lips when building your personal routine, particularly when staying indoors with central heating. Votary Natural Lip Oil hydrates and nourishes with zero stickiness and unlike most other lip balms is vegan.

BODYCARE

Dry brushing not only exfoliates the skin but stimulates the lymphatic system. Just a couple of minutes a day helps to alleviate fluid retention, metabolise toxins and softens your skin. It is also great for stopping ingrown hairs. Start at your feet and brush upwards in the direction of your heart working over your entire body. Quick flicks are better than long strokes and really help to perk you up (a brilliant tip from the fabulous Kate Shapland the founder of Legology). I have several brushes but favour my Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush. 

If you prefer a scrub to a brush Kiehls Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish can be buffed on to create a lather and then rinse off for silky smooth skin.  

I tend to set my shower temperature to lukewarm whilst cleansing and then finish with a cold rinse. There are numerous benefits to a cold shower from reducing stress levels to boosting your immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells in your body – It takes some getting used to though!

Once out of the shower pat your skin dry with a fresh clean towel and apply a rich cream all over.

I love Kiehls Crème de Corps as a great everyday non-greasy hydrating body butter or for a real treat Augustinus Bader The Body Cream intensely hydrates and leaves skin feeling supple and looking more toned.

HAIRCARE

I’m using this time to limit the amount of time I spend styling my hair and letting it dry naturally. Prior to lockdown I was gifted the Drunk Elephant range of haircare and I’ve been using it ever since. The TLC Happi Scalp Scrub has a blend of AHAs and BHAs which I’d usually associate with facial skincare, though it makes sense that with the amount we run our fingers through our hair and number of products put in a scrub can really help by breaking down and dissolving dead skin and getting rid of product build up. 

The COCOMINO GLOSSING SHAMPOO has the familiar almond scent that is reminiscent of the whole range and it didn’t disappoint, replacing sulphates with a coconut based foaming agent it lathers up and leaves hair squeaky clean. The MARULA CREAM CONDITIONER is suitable for all hair types and smoothes and detangles whilst protecting against heat and colour damage.  

Whilst I would say experiment with the products you are using during lockdown don’t let boredom set in resort to cutting or colouring your own hair. Many salons and experts are available to chat on social media and are happy to offer advice to get you through this time at home.

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