Your lockdown beauty questions answered
We're back! It's been a while... as we've been settling into this new kind of 'normal' with our husbands, kids and pooches constantly around us (we've taken to hiding in the bathroom, or even warbrobes for occasional moments of peace!), and like the rest of the world, just trying to navigate life in lockdown. One thing we do know is that it isn't easy, and it can be an emotional rollercoaster (don't even get us started on the homeschooling, constant meal prepping and bathroom cleaning...!) Zoom calls have become our Verymakeupmad lifeline, because for us, chatting and laughing together, invariably ends with us going to our 'Happy Place' - and that's Beauty!
It's what we love, lockdown or no lockdown, and as always, we're here to bring you the very best in beauty. So we thought we'd tackle some of the questions we've been receiving from you recently and answer them right here. And please keep those questions coming...
Q: I'm feeling pale and pasty at the moment and can't be bothered to wear makeup or bronzer. Can you suggest anything to perk me up and give me a glow?
A: We hear you, and as two naturally pale girls, we feel your pain! Try the brilliant Tan Luxe self-tanning serums, which promise to bring a warmth, glow and radiance to the skin. M loves the foolproof The Face Illuminating Self-Tan drops which can be mixed with your regular skincare (moisturiser, serum or oil) and which you can customise depending on how bronzed you want to look. It doesn't smell, doesn't streak and gives the most natural looking glow.
Dry-skinned V, has been loving the Super Glow Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which she's applied all over her face at night and woken to smooth, hydrated skin with a definite golden glow. Build up as you wish, but you'll never look orange or as though you're 'faking it'.
Q: Help! My skin seems to be really dry and dehydrated. What can I use to sort it out?
A: We're both suffering with dryness too. It's an unfortunate combination of time spent indoors with central heating, disturbed sleep, and an increase in cortisol (the 'stress' hormone) in the body which can exacerbate existing skin conditions and play havoc with your complexion.
We think it's hard to beat cult drugstore (so very affordable!) brand, Cerave, which uses ceramides to protect the skin and help it retain moisture. The Hydrating Cleanser is absolutely brilliant (we've ditched all of our other, expensive cleansers) and can be used as a body wash too! And the Moisturising Cream can be used from head to toe and is great for the whole family.
Q: I'm trying not to wear too much make up right now, but I do have a few Zoom work calls that I feel I need to look presentable for. I've decided to try a tinted moisturiser rather than a heavy foundation, but have no idea where to start...
A: Clearly, nobody wants a face full of 'slap' right now, but if you're used to wearing makeup, it's easier said than done. But don't worry, there are plenty of light, non-cakey formulations on the market that perfect and even out the skin and bring some colour to the face. Here are our Verymakeupmad favourites:
Algenist Repairing Tint & Radiance Moisturiser SPF30
We love Algenist products with their star anti-ageing ingredient, alguronic acid. This moisturiser blurs imperfections, protects the skin and instantly rejuvenates and brightens the face.
Lumene Instant Glow Beauty Serum
A skincare/makeup hybrid, this ultra light, tinted fluid, hydrates and refreshes the skin and gives a lovely radiance.*
Vita Liberata Beauty Blur Sunless Glow Skin Tone Optimiser
This cult product makes skin look flawless and gives it a gorgeous, natural glow, whilst also very gradually tanning it.
Erborian CC Creme
We love this clever cream that adapts to your own skin tone and offers skincare benefits as well as a golden glow.
Q: Lockdown seems the ideal time for some self-care and 'me-time'. But I'm not really sure what to do!! Any ideas?
A: Face masks are a great place to start. They immediately make you feel relaxed and pampered. We love Seoulista Beauty sheet masks. There are lots to choose from (although the Diamond Radiance and Golden Glow are our favourites) and they also have brilliant manicure and pedicure masks (Rosy Hands & Rosy Toes) that hydrate and repair dry and cracked skin on hands and feet.
We're also huge fans of jade rollers. The calming and soothing benefits of a roller are instant (especially if you keep yours in the fridge) and of course, it's great for anti-ageing too, as you're boosting your circulation to give the skin a gorgeous glow, whilst also depuffing and working on lymphatic drainage.
And finally, a facial spritz is a quick and easy way to refresh and revive your dry skin... and spirits! It not only gives you an instant lift and hit of hydration, it also helps to refine fine lines. When skin is dry, the appearance of fine lines is all the more noticeable, so whilst you hang out at home you can give yourself a few seconds of anti-ageing self care and get spritzing!!
We love Caudalie Organic Grape Water Mist and have taken to keeping it in the fridge (next to the jade roller) for extra impact and that tingling, cooling effect!!
Keep well and stay safe and remember...your beauty advice is just an email/DM away.
Love & more importantly Self-Love,
Vikki & Mala xx