Best DIY Beauty Products in Iso

Desperate times call for desperate measures guys. Beauticians and nail salons are still shut and the few hairdressers that are operating are doing so with severe restrictions in place. Sure I’m not as bad as Donald Trump, but if you could see the state of my nails and the hairs on my legs, you’d be shocked! Yes, being in isolation makes keeping up with the beauty regime so much harder, nothing really beats a professional service. But alas! Iso doesn’t mean you have to throw all your familiar beauty routines out the window. In fact, there are a heap of products out there that allow you to reach your beauty goals. Here we will help you achieve that salon glow in the comfort of your own home.

Fake Tan

Now I don’t know about you but I always feel better when I’ve had a fake tan (spray tan) professionally done. You look skinnier and healthier. Who doesn’t want that post beach glow? However, keeping up with spray tans can be costly and home jobs can look bad. Well I have news for you. You can actually purchase a spray gun and do it yourself at home. I’ve got a few tan addict friends that swear by this, and they have done a good job on me. I think getting your back right would take a bit of practice but getting that even tan a spray tan gives? Worth it. I’ve seen the actual kits with the spray gun for sale for roughly $100-$150 online but you need to buy the tan solution on top of that so it’s not a cheap option.

In the past, at home tanning solutions used to be streaky and orange but they have improved so much now. There is a variety of different formulas on the market (mousses, creams, sprays, oils, liquids) that all claim to produce the best results (streak free non oompah-loompah colours) so how do you to choose what is right for you? Your natural skin colour will influence this greatly as will your desired colour. If you prep well (exfoliate) and look after it (moisturize), then most tanning products will go the distance. My favourites? Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Foam, an easy to apply foam (use mitts) which you can layer for a darker colour. It’s budget friendly too. The St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse sets in 1 hour for a soft colour or up to 3 hours for a darker colour. It’s streak free, has no smell and is now vegan. Winning! For a more a gradual glow at a great price, try Dove Summer Glow. Perfect subtle colour for us pale skin girls! Other brands to try? LeTan, JoBronze, Eco Tan and Kora Organics, all worth a shot.

Nails

I don’t know about you but I’m in desperate need of a mani and pedi. My shellac has peeled off in places or come off the nail completely leaving me with a patchy look. I tried painting over it but it chipped straight away. Anyone with shellac, SNS, acrylic or gel may find themselves in this position. As it doesn’t look like we are going back to nail salons anytime soon, the only way to get rid of it is file them down or soak off with acetone. Just don’t peel it as it is so bad for your nails. Once you have done this or if you usually just paint, there are so many options out there to make your nails look fab. Whether you want to go nude (always stylish), french tip (back in fashion), go bold with colours (I’m seeing lots of neons, pastels are big and black is back), sparkly with metallics or experiment with nail art (household items are great for this such as bobby pins for polka dots, hole reinforcement stickers for punched paper are great for creating tips, painters’ tape is good for making shapes, kitchen sponges are good for creating an ombre effect and toothpicks are great for creating swirls), there is something for everyone. OPI is my fave brand but Chanel does gorgeous colours too. Rimmel is a fave for it being long lasting with fashion forward colours. Alternatively, if you are really craving length or a bold design, press on nails are the way to go. There are heaps of places in the states that make amazing designs but you’ve got to wait for postage. There are some great places in Australia such as Dashing Diva and Zafloya, but my top pick? Search press ons in Instagram. That will lead you to hundreds of pages with spectacular designs.

Hair Treatments

There is nothing more that I love than going to to the hairdresser and getting a treatment and head massage. It is such a luxury that you can’t replicate at home. That is the scalp massage, I’ve tried, not the same. But the good news is that you can buy so many amazing at home treatments for your hair to maintain its health and looks. If you aren’t already using one, then get on it, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your hair. The beauty of treatments is that they tailor to different needs of your hair. Moisture, strength, repair, vitality, shine etc. Now I’ve never really scrimped on hair products as I had high maintenance platinum for 10 years and have really fine hair so I’ve always gone for the products that my hairdresser recommends or that I’ve researched thoroughly. Kerastate, L’Oreal Professionnal (the Absolut Repair Masque is my go too), Label M, Wella SP, Kevin Murphy, Olaplex, Shu Uemura and Aveda are highly regarded salon products and all have something for every concern you can think of. A lot of them you can purchase directly from salons or websites such as Adore Beauty and My Haircare & Beauty. However, most of these products aren’t cheap so what about wallet friendly options? I’m happy to say there are plenty! L’Oreal has something for all hair needs (and is owned by the same people that own Kerastase and L’Oreal Professionnal so you know it is good), Toni & Guy makes great ones for strength and toning (not just for blondes but brunettes too which I desperately need as my hair is starting to look a bit red) and even the Garnier Fructis and Nutrisse masks make your hair feel and smell amazing. Put one on, sit in the bath or on the lounge for 10-15 minutes and your hair will feel as great as it does after leaving the hairdresser. Guaranteed pick me up! And at a reasonable price.

Facials

A facial is a luxury I rarely indulge in. I have no idea why given good skin is paramount. I do hair, nails, waxing and get botox so why not facials? Isolation is the time to change that. I’m not talking about going to a beautician (we can’t anyway) but the DIY jobs at home. There are so many skincare brands on the market promising results, it would be hard to know how to pick one, especially as I have different concerns, depending on the time of the month. But I have found some generally good ones that have an immediate effect on the skin. The Chanel Hydra Beauty mask gives both hydration and radiance, whilst the SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask brightens the skin and has anti-aging properties. Another good mask that gives hydration but on a budget is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask. It is available at Priceline and bigger pharmacies. The Kiehl’s Instant Renewal Concentrate Mask is full of antioxidants whilst the Clarins Super Restorative Instant Lift Serum Mask plumps and lifts the skin. Mecca is also be a great source for masks and they offer suggestions according to your concerns. Even Priceline and Target will have a variety of masks on offer so if you are on a budget, do not worry!

If you want a mask, there is an alternative to buying ones from the shops. You can make your own with ingredients you are likely to have at home. This is a great alternative whilst we are social distancing and may be experiencing some financial issues. The masks may not be as good as the ones that undergo rigorous formulation and testing in a laboratory but they work!. After some hydration? Mix some avocado with a tablespoon of cocoa powder and honey. Mix, apply and leave it in for 10 minutes. Problems with blemishes? Try a honey mask as it is a natural antibacterial agent. Simply mix a tablespoon of raw honey, a teaspoon of nutritional yeast with enough cold chamomile tea to make a paste. Leave on for 20 minutes before washing off. Make sure to moisturize afterwards. Want a pretty glow? Combine three tablespoons of orange juice with a quarter of a cup of honey and apply to face for 15 minutes. These are only a few recipes I’ve found but just google! There are are so many options out there that are perfect for trying whilst you have a bit of extra time on your hands.

Of course these are only a few ways to indulge yourself during isolation. Have a long bath and relax, take a long walk outside (great for skin, mind and body), get your partner to give you a massage, the list goes on. I know these times are trying but indulging in a little DIY beauty is going to make you feel a million bucks better! I know I’m going to! Soon enough my skin will be glowing, my hair shiny and healthy and I’ll have immaculate nails. I may not be going anywhere but at least I’ll look and feel amazing!

Gabby

xoxox