Self care

For many of us, the regularly scheduled programming of beauty appointments — facials, injectables, brows — had turned into a perpetual time consuming deal. Going without wasn't that big of a deal, because who was going anywhere, anyway? And in the interim, it was delightfully easy to experiment. Sure, let your brows grow in. Ditch your foundation. Bring on the bleach. (Relatively) no harm done.

But maybe you're experiencing a host of skin issues at home, and those video calls aren’t hiding the effects of isolation breakouts. Or, maybe your injectable fillers have worn off and you can’t wait to get back into the doctor’s office. If you're now beginning to navigate how to resume your usual beauty routine in a socially-distanced world, with masks and outdoor everything, there are some pointers to keep in mind. We bring you the best way to ease back into your everyday.

Define Your Brows

Your arches might have gotten a bit overgrown, which is entirely expected. If you're not into the full, bushy look, adding a little definition is any easy way to help make them look more polished. "Despite missing out on months’ worth of professional eyebrow grooming, your brows can still look their archiest by using a skinny brow marker," says makeup artist Kristal O’Connell. "Fine-tipped markers mimic brow hairs’ feathery nature with just a flick of the wrist." A sharpened pencil also works — just make sure it's waterproof to prevent summertime melting.

Make Your Filler Appointment ASAP

If you’ve been eager to get your aesthetic injectables refreshed or you’re newly intrigued and want a consultation, you’re in good company — which is why you should probably schedule your visit now. Doctors have seen an uptick in requests for both. “The most common complaints are the perioral region, which includes the lips, nasolabial folds, and the marionette lines”. “Looking down at the camera accentuates skin laxity, which is why people are more concerned about adding support to these areas.” Restylane Kysse, a HA lip filler treatment, creates natural-looking volume that can last up to one year — ideal for a first-timer. Of course, talk to your doctor to learn what’s right for you.*

Plan Appointments Thoughtfully

The days of “walk-ins welcome” are over for the foreseeable future, which means appointments now require a little more planning due to updated safety measures. For instance, the office, studio, or salon will call you when they’re ready in order to avoid a traffic jam in the waiting room, and you’ll likely have your temperature checked. “Also, we are only permitting one patient on each side of the office at any given time to avoid unnecessary contact,” says Somenek. “Additionally, we have a one-way flow where the patients no longer need to go back out to the waiting room to check out, but rather, [we] have a contactless payment system and a side-door to exit out of the office.” Sure, appointments may not be as quick as you remember, but it’s well worth the extra time to ensure everyone’s safety.

Go For The Bold

Low-maintenance yet impactful (even with a mask on), bright-colored eyeliner or shadow should be your go-to as you get back into your usual makeup routine. "It’s perfect for summer vibes and is an easy way to rock a trend," says Ciucci. She recommends choosing a waterproof formula, which will help ensure your makeup doesn't run in the heat.

Maximize An At-Home Facial

While nothing can really replicate extractions in the hands of a pro, you can still take your skin-care routine up a notch at home with the right ingredients — and in the right order. Start by applying an exfoliating formula, like a chemical peel. That brightens skin and (important!) clears away dead skin cells. Next, apply a targeted mask to address your skin concern, like a hydrating mask for dryness or a clay mask for congestion. Since you removed the superficial layer of dead cells with your peel, your mask ingredients can better absorb into skin — which translates into better results. It’s all about strategy.