Most of us have been living life close to home for the past year. Things have certainly changed in our daily lives and that probably includes your makeup routine and skincare.

The pandemic has changed the amount and time I’ve spent on makeup. Instead of applying a complete look, I’ve become minimalistic. My everyday, stay-at-home “pandemic look” first begins with a healthy and moisturized base. First, I cleanse with Purity by Philosophy. It’s creamy, hydrating, and it also removes makeup. Winter wreaks havoc on my skin because of dry, inside heat. I’ve been going old school and steaming my face a couple of times a week, moisturizing with Oil of Olay Regenerist then using the gel inside a vitamin E capsule to dab on trouble spots. Steaming and vitamin E are inexpensive and natural ways that help me restore my skin. For an extra boost of moisture, I occasionally pat a few drops of Josie Maran’s argan oil on my skin.

My stay-at-home daily makeup for the past year consists of only five products:

  1. I start out with filling in my eyebrows. This is a must for me. I’ve learned that eyebrows frame your whole face and without them, I feel bare. I’m currently using e.l.f. in deep brown.
  1. Next, I use Estee Lauder Double Wear Radiant Concealer for under my eyes and any other trouble spots.
  1. My favorite makeup product during the pandemic is Thrive cosmetics Brilliant Eye Brightener in the shade Muna. It’s a highlighter that I use on my eyelids and also under my lower lashes. It’s a cream to powder pencil that gives my eyes just a little pop of brightness! I encourage you to try Thrive because they donate products and funds to over 200 non-profit organizations.
  1. A quick coat of mascara makes a huge difference on my lashes. I’ve tried lots of different expensive brands and types but my recent favorite is drugstore brand, L’Oreal Bambi mascara in black. 
  1. Lip gloss is my finishing touch! I like any of Philosophy’s flavored lip gloss and Josie Maran’s Argon Natural Volume Lip Gloss in Sundance.

Even when I’m staying home and not leaving the house, I feel pretty, put together, and more confident when I incorporate about 5 extra minutes into my morning routine to apply a little makeup. Whatever works for you, just feel fabulous!

Photo credit to my two great-nieces, June Scarlet, who you see in this post, and Rosemary Adrienne, who will adorn her lipstick face on my Instagram post today! They’re the cutest!

“ Beauty to me is being comfortable in your own skin. That or a kick-ass red lipstick.” -Gwyneth Paltrow