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beauty sos

your post-lockdown beauty checklist

Words: Grace Gargini. Images: illustrations by Amyisla McCombie

As lockdown measures ease, the idea of re-entering society after months of neglecting our usual self-care routines is inducing a panicked cold sweat among many of us. (Me, exaggerating? Never.) I would certainly put myself in the periphery of that camp; the list of lockdown-induced beauty issues I’m being asked about by friends – and also facing myself – is as long as my split ends. Yes, I’m desperate for a trim. So whether it’s grown-out roots or problem skin, here are the tips and products you need to get yourself ready for ‘the outside world’ – one small step (and eyebrow trim) at a time.

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beauty sos

Your post-lockdown beauty checklist

Words: Grace Gargini. Images: illustrations by Amyisla McCombie.

As lockdown measures ease, the idea of re-entering society after months of neglecting our usual self-care routines is inducing a panicked cold sweat among many of us. (Me, exaggerating? Never.) I would certainly put myself in the periphery of that camp; the list of lockdown-induced beauty issues I’m being asked about by friends – and also facing myself – is as long as my split ends. Yes, I’m desperate for a trim. So whether it’s grown-out roots or problem skin, here are the tips and products you need to get yourself ready for ‘the outside world’ – one small step (and eyebrow trim) at a time.

Shop now

SKIN GYM JADE FACIAL ROLLER

SACHAJUAN
Silver Shampoo

After months of watching your last visit to the colourist fade into the abyss, it’s likely you may have taken things into your own hands. But this can lead to rather unfortunate results – just last week a colleague confessed that he’d impulsively dyed his hair blonde at the weekend (which did explain the suspicious ‘broken camera’ in our Monday team meeting). If this rings a bell, a silver shampoo is the best way to remove unwanted warm or brassy tones. Plus, Sachajuan’s hydrating formula not only neutralises colour, it also contains UV filters to prevent fading in the sun.

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THE LIGHT SALON LED BOOST MASK

VIRTUE
Split End Serum

With the news that hair salons may reopen soon(ish), there’s hope that we’ll soon be reunited with our hairdressers. But we still have some way to go – and who knows how long those waitlists will take! To keep your hair in check and repair any damage from the past couple of months, try a repairing mask or treatment, like this serum from Virtue. The smart formula uses a protein that’s identical to the keratin found in your own hair, so it instantly binds directly to areas of damage, filling them in and repairing split ends. And if you just can’t wait for that next salon visit, see our video from hairstylist Jen Atkin on how to cut your hair at home here.

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ROQUES ONEIL THERAPIE HIMALAYAN DETOX SALTS

ANASTASIA BEVERLEY HILLS – Eyebrow Scissors 
TWEEZERMAN – Rose Gold Slant Tweezer

If, like me, you’re missing your trip to the Blink Brow Bar at Selfridges (almost as much as an actual bar), then it’s time to invest in some tools of the trade. I would urge you to hold out for a professional to make any significant architectural changes (no one wants to come out of lockdown with a look of permanent surprise), but these two brow-battling wonders are ideal for keeping things in shape. Tweezerman’s award-winning slanted tweezers can grab the smallest, most stubborn hairs. If long brow hairs are an issue, brush up brows with a spoolie, apply pressure and trim with these ultra-thin scissors.

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SKIN GYM JADE FACIAL ROLLER

RITA HAZAN 
Root Concealer Touch-up Spray

I’m resigned to the fact that I already had a number of grey hairs in my early twenties (thanks, Italian dad and genes). But what I’m not OK with is the sheer number popping up along my parting, liberated from their bi-monthly cover-ups. If you haven’t tried a root touch-up spray, now’s the time to get involved. This one comes in a range of shades, from black to blonde, and temporarily covers greys with a waterproof and transfer-proof formula that won’t budge.

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THE LIGHT SALON LED BOOST MASK

TATA HARPER 
Resurfacing Mask

This little green jar has the ability to give dull, congested skin a mighty wake-up call. Think of it as the skincare equivalent of a 10K run and green juice (OK, I may have let a few early-lockdown routines slip as the weeks have gone on). Its primary purpose is to exfoliate the skin by removing dry, dead skin cells to reveal brighter, more even and glowing skin. I also reach for this in the wake of a nasty spot because of its ability to soothe inflammation and speed up the renewal process. As face masks go, this is a solid addition to any stash. 

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ROQUES ONEIL THERAPIE HIMALAYAN DETOX SALTS

BOBBI BROWN
Conditioning Brush Cleanser

Use this time wisely by ticking off a spot of beauty housekeeping. Top of my list is brush cleaning – a chore that you tend to put off but is worth doing. Regularly cleaning your make-up brushes not only ensures good hygiene, it maintains the lifespan and efficiency of your brushes (and makes you feel rather accomplished afterwards). Lather up a small amount of the cleanser into the brush hair with lukewarm water and give it a little massage. When it’s time to dry, lay the brushes flat on a towel and hang off the edge of something to retain their shape.

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PHILIP KINGSLEY EXTREME ELASTICIZER

THE LIGHT SALON
Boost LED Mask

If you’re an avid facial goer, you’re probably missing the benefits that a professional treatment can give your skin. Bring the technology of LED light to your living room – and perhaps a quizzical look from your partner – with The Light Salon’s futuristic mask. It uses clinically proven red and near-infrared lights to help boost collagen production for firmer, more hydrated skin. And the best part? It’s made from soft silicone (unlike its stiff plastic counterparts), making it completely portable, so you can pop it on between Skype calls or while unloading the dishwasher.

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KIEHLS CREME DE CORPS MOISTURISER

FRENCH GIRL 
Nail and Cuticle Oil 

My colleague and I share two lunchtime rituals: getting a manicure at our favourite salon opposite the office, and our Friday tradition of loading up on jacket potatoes at the local café. It’s safe to say, we’re missing both. If, like me, you had to chip away at your pre-lockdown shellac, your nails may not be in the best shape. Thankfully, this restorative oil from cruelty-free skincare brand French Girl helps to nourish weak or brittle nails. Blended with rosemary, pomegranate and argan oil, the formula deeply hydrates and stimulates nail growth.

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Looking for more post-lockdown beauty inspo? Head this way… 

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NEW AT-HOME VIRTUAL BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS

Our in-store beauty and hair appointments will be back as soon as the government advises it’s safe to do so, but in the meantime, our beauty experts are here to inspire you from the comfort of home with at-home video call appointments. From step-by-step guidance on more post-lockdown beauty tricks to personalised skincare advice, we’re here to help.

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