Facing Up To It

I’m sure – or at least I hope – I’m not the only one who has found that other than the basics, most types of beautification have kind of gone by the wayside during isolation. I even looked at my hair this morning and wondered if I could stretch out a wash by another day – after all, flat, lack lustre, borderline greasy: dry shampoo anyone?

This is clearly not the right attitude, particularly as the Zoom online meetings are now in full swing, and bed-hair is not a great look. In truth, I probably have a little more time to fluff around in the morning than I usually do with the rush of the school run taken out of the equation. I have to confess my attitude towards buffing and polishing leaves an awful lot to be desired. The irony of my lackadaisical approach is that I spent years writing about beauty products, make up and wellness. However, this was a part of the job that never managed to follow me home, so while during the day I would discuss the delights of creams that would retail at hundreds a pot, by night I would happily slap on a bit of Nivea. A bit like Gordon Ramsey going home and eating fish & chips I suppose.

Admittedly as the years have advanced panic has set in. I’ve wondered countless times as I’ve scrutinised the little cracks that look like they will need grouting soon, just why I haven’t been taking my own advice and investing in decent beauty products and regular facials.  I’ve finally swapped out the basic creams for higher grade products – and read with much greater interest beauty industry insights regarding the latest and greatest procedures and products. However, what many of us are currently facing, is how to keep our hair and skin looking good at a time when firstly we may not have access to our usual products, and secondly, we might want to trim down on the costs of them. So, here are some suggestions of products that you may be able to find at home and will hopefully tide you over.

Cleanse

Yoghurt makes a great cleanser – although I would stick to natural and save the fruity one for the kids

Tone

Rose Water - This is also easy to find in the supermarket and has anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute with a little water, and this will help to reduce redness from acne, eczema and dermatitis.

 Exfoliate

Almond Meal - as long as you don’t have a nut allergy, in which case keep WELL AWAY, this will give you a great scrub.

Face Masks

Avocados -Mashed avocados will both soothe and nourish the skin.

Bananas - You may have to wrestle these away from other family members, but desperate times, desperate measures. Packed with antioxidants they can both prevent ageing and nourish the skin.

Strawberries – Mashed strawberries will help balance an oily skin. 

Anti-Inflammatory

Finding it hard to sleep with 1001 things on your mind? Reach for the good old spud – an anti-inflammatory this will calm puffy eyes. Cucumber – placed over the eyes, this is cooling, soothing and a mild anti-inflammatory.

One-Stop-Shop

 Coconut Oil - I can testify that this works wonders on de-tangling hair knots, having once literally poured an industrial size bottle on my middle daughter’s hair to try and rectify what was dangerously close to being dreadlocks. It can also be used as a moisturiser, and if you add some sugar, makes a delicious pre-shower scrub.

Eggs - If you’re not a vegan, then get cracking. The yolk is a source of protein so great for moisturising and strengthening hair, and rich in Sulphur which helps relieve dandruff. Just don’t turn the shower up too hot though – you don’t want a scramble on your scalp.