Let’s chat quarantine makeup routine favorites and how life in isolation has changed our relationship with beauty.
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It goes without saying, the coronavirus and its impact on the world has tossed everything upside down.
Life right now is difficult, not to mention confusing. We’re living in a time of so much unknown and it’s understandable to feel off-kilter in your everyday routine. After all, our lives have changed dramatically at the moment and possibly FOREVER in some ways. Even “normal” things like doing your weekly grocery shop or filling your car with gas come with this looming feeling of strangeness. We’re wearing masks, standing in queues while social distancing, looking at walls of plexiglass and taking meetings with family, friends and coworkers to Zoom.
Life in quarantine-mode has changed pretty much everything, including how I approach getting dressed for the day.
If you know me at all, you know that makeup is something I well and truly love! Sitting down at my vanity in the morning, ready to create with a full cup of coffee, is a part of “normal” life that I very much enjoy. It peps me up and gets me ready to embrace the day ahead – especially on those days when I wanted to hit the snooze button.
But as we continue to live life in quarantine mode, my relationship with makeup has definitely changed – just like everything else.
My Quarantine Makeup Routine
At first, I clung to my normal makeup routine because it was what I knew. But as the days and weeks passed by, my quarantine makeup evolved.
Gone are the days of wearing a full face of makeup six days a week. Now? My favorite foundations are lucky if I take them for a spin at all and it’s actually been kind of refreshing.
One thing I will say about quarantine makeup is that is when I do my makeup now, it’s purely for me. I’m not putting my face on to rush out the door for work. I’m not dressing up for a nice party or a trip to the mall. I sit down at my vanity now, applying products simply for my own enjoyment. And with that, I’ve settled into a new quarantine makeup routine that’s much more effortless and comfortable to wear.
As we navigate this new period of life, I’ve basically got three makeup modes:
- Can’t be bothered and wear no makeup
- Full out glam
- Easy breezy makeup that’s comfortable
Most days, I definitely fall into the later category – flying at a slower pace in the middle. Keeping a quarantine makeup routine going has helped maintain a level of normalcy that’s comforting – especially when we’re not really getting it elsewhere. I’ve definitely scaled back, though, to products that are comfortable to wear and very easy to apply.
Minimalist makeup? Who knew I’d ever love such a thing but alas here we are! (Sorry winged eyeliner and full-coverage foundations, you’re on hold for the moment.)
Down below, meet the quarantine makeup favorites I’ve been reaching for throughout this chapter of our lives!
Tarte Marcuja Tinted Moisturizer (Shop)
If you caught my review of the Tarte Maracuja Tinted Moisturizer, you’ll know I’m a big fan. It gives the perfect amount of coverage to make you feel like you made an effort, while also requiring next to no effort. In addition, the product is incredibly lightweight and available in a rather large selection of shades. Very impressive for a tinted moisturizer!)
Tarte’s newbie is hands down has been the #1 base in my quarantine makeup routine. I reach for it again and again!
Clinique City Block SPF 50 (Shop)
I like that Clinique calls this the SUPER DEFENSE City Block, because that’s definitely what I was looking for. UV-rays, stay away!!
If you live in defense mode against skin damage from the sun like me, you’ll probably really appreciate this too. It’s a non-greasy SPF 50 that I apply right before throwing Tarte’s moisturizer on top. In addition to protecting my skin, what I really like about this is the tacky texture. It makes for the perfect primer – which is great, because I really can’t be bothered with primer at the moment. Sun protection that also holds your base and concealer in place? That’s a trifecta winner!
ELF Halo Glow Setting Powder (Shop)
At $8, the Halo Glow setting powder is pretty pricey for ELF! That’s a whole $2 more than the HD setting powder I like from them, after all. Wowza! Living wild, I picked this up though while trying to qualify for free shipping at Target while purchasing shampoo and I’ve really enjoyed it. I wouldn’t say it’s a dupe for the Laura Mercier Glow Setting Powder because that is still GOALS — but it is a really nice budget-friendly alternative.
I wear the powder when setting the tinted moisturizer as well as on its own if I just want a boost to pick up my complexion!
Marc Jacobs Beauty Scandalust Eyeshadow Palette (Shop)
I’ve enjoyed getting to know several knew things from MJ Beauty lately, but the Scandalust eyeshadow palette is at the top of my list!
What I particularly like about this palette for my quarantine makeup routine is the rather unique mix of shades. It basic nudes for those (majority of) days when I’m feeling uninspired. But, it also has some poppier shades for when I want to have a little fun in the morning. It’s a versatile palette that’s also quite unique compared to other neutral palettes out there. The shades also blend very easily and last all day long.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Lipstick (Shop at 50% off)
Full coverage and liquid lipsticks have no place in my life at the moment. That’s just the honest truth! So the gel “Have We Met” lipstick from Marc Jacobs is the perfect for solution. It gives my lips a nice wash of color that’s quite pretty — while also being super comfortable to wear and easy to apply on the fly without a mirror.
To illustrate how much I love this lipstick, let me tell you that I already went ahead and bought a backup while they’re on sale. It’s my new must-have.
Urban Decay Naked Flush Palette (Shop Before Fully Gone)
Don’t you hate when you discover a makeup product you love has been discontinued? Well, I just learned that’s the case with the Urban Decay Naked Flush palettes – so get them before they’re gone! I’ve loved these face trios ever since they dropped a few years back. They are great for getting ready quickly as well as super compact for travel — with blush, bronzer and highlight all in the same place!
Taking the time to individually pick out a blush, bronzer and highlight is simply too much effort for me at the moment so these palettes have become a staple in my quarantine makeup routine. Most days I don’t even bother with highlight, but the bronzer and blush bring some much-needed life to my complexion.
OPI Elephantastic Pink Nail Polish (Shop)
While not *technically* a makeup product, I had to share with you my love for the OPI “Elephantastic” Pink nail polish! The color is a perfect poppy pink that works great as we transition into summer either on your fingers or toes. It’s also a quite cheery color – which is definitely appreciated at the moment. Do I know why they consider an elephant to be pink? No. But I’m not asking either.
Also – overall, quarantine life has reminded me that I love and adore OPI’s formula and I amend to buy nothing else from now on. For at home manicures and pedicures, I dare so no formula lasts longer for me. It’s remarkable! All the shades I picked up from this year’s Essie spring collection were streaky and chipped like crazy. No more!
EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm (Shop)
Last but not least, I wanted to share with you the lip balm that’s been essential in my everyday quarantine makeup routine! Now that we live in a world that when we do go out requires a face mask, this moisturizing color-less lip balm has hands down been my MOST used lip product over the last two months. I’m on my fourth right now and show no signs of slowing down any time soon! (I even have my backups all set and ready to go.)
You can pop this on in place of lipstick during the day, as well as on your lips before bed. The mint delivers a subtle cooling sensation on the lips that’s quite nice and it smells and tastes like a Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie. #Yum
Thank you for reading! I hope you and your loved ones are staying well. Sending love! x
Shop My Quarantine Makeup Routine Favorites
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XOXO
Kelly
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