Seven Products to Boost Your Quarantine Beauty Routine
One of the few perks of self-isolation may be developing a seriously indulgent self-care routine.
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Call it what you want: self-care or retail therapy. Either way, I just made your quarantine beauty routine easier by curating all the products I can’t stop using during self-isolation—from a 50-year-old French mineral water spritz to a toxin-free manicure to a seriously moisturizing hair savior. If you’re not venturing out just yet, all of these can be found locally or online. Prices may vary slightly from retailer to retailer.
A Hard-Working Eye Cream That Does What It Claims
Bluemercury’s M-61 Hydraboost Eye Cream
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Let’s begin with the eyes, because a pixelated Zoom screen can only hide so much. If you’ve been late-night binge watching (and who hasn't?), it’s likely you’re in need of some depuffing, hydration, and maybe even a little firming. So it's Bluemercury’s M-61 Hydraboost Eye Cream ($78) that you’ll want. This powerful concentrated treatment includes hydrating peptides and vitamin B5.
Local: Bluemercury, 110 University Town Center Drive, #828, Sarasota (941) 232-7370 Online: bluemercury.com
Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water
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The Fanciest Water You'll Ever Spritz on Your Skin
I keep a bottle of Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water ($18 for 300ml) near my laptop to remind me to stand and spritz my face from time to time. This naturally soothing, softening and calming spring water has been on the radar of beauty-conscious Europeans since 1743. The spring water makes its 50-year journey through the Cévennes Mountains in Avène, France, and over time becomes gradually infused with trace mineral elements and silicates, including the ancient healing micro-organism aqua dolomiae. (I’m feeling Zen just imagining that.)
Local: Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery and Medspa, 1 S. School Ave., #800, Sarasota (941) 365-8679 Online: aveneusa.com
Nano Emulsion by Hanacure
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A Seriously Rejuvenating Moisturizer
If you’re not familiar with Hanacure, it will quickly become one of those products you will always want to have on hand. You may have heard of the company's brilliant All-In-One Facial that went viral with celebs like Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connolly and Demi Moore. Well, take note because Hanacure has launched Nano Emulsion ($47), a pH-neutral, multi-peptide moisturizer with powerhouse Ruby of the Forest mushroom extract that is, well, heaven. Don’t let the dewy, lightweight composition fool you—this treatment is potent, skin-refreshing and refining, and can be used morning and evening.
Online: hanacure.com
Zoya’s Naked Manicure starter kit
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A Professional-Quality Manicure at Home
I became keenly aware of toxin-free polish when I began my mani/pedi appointments at Paint Nail Bar. So, one of the first things I ordered during self-quarantine was Zoya’s Naked Manicure starter kit ($25). It’s super easy to apply and quick to dry. The kit I found includes one bottle of Naked Base, Pink Perfector, White Tip Perfector, and a Satin Seal topcoat.
Local: Paint Nail Bar, 1417 First Street, Sarasota. (941) 366-8989 Online: zoya.com
Lip Chic by Chantecaille
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A Lip Gloss That's Perfect for Zoom Cocktail Hours
Social distancing networking apps like Houseparty means we need a little pop of lip color to brighten up for cocktail hour with friends. Lip Chic by Chantecaille ($48) does triple-duty as glossy color, plumper (it’s infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid) and feel-good purchase: buying it helps give back to the Amazon Conservation Team, which works to preserve hummingbirds' rainforest habitat. All that and your lips will feel super-soft and nourished.
Local: Saks Fifth Avenue, 120 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. (941) 364-5300. Online: Chantecaille.com
MZ Skin Mask & Glow Collection
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A Soothing, Smoothing Eye and Face Mask Combo
There’s a reason that every beauty editor on the planet is touting the benefits of a quarantine mask - it makes a huge difference in brightness and a dewy hue. The MZ Skin Mask & Glow Collection ($52), developed by oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor Maryam Zamani, includes a rejuvenating eye and face mask which look like they are poured from liquid gold. The soothe and smooth duo are a vitamin-infused treatment mask that just need 15 minutes then rinse with warm water. It’s a refreshing self-care reboot.
Online: mzskin.com
Aveda’s Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner
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A Dry-Hair Savior
In a recent interview with Terry McKee, NUOVO Salon Group co-owner and master stylist, he reccommended Aveda’s Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner ($37), a new product that addresses hydration. Not only does it replenish moisture, it protects against that high blow dryer heat, which can be damaging. Well, I tried it, because I may have neglected my hair’s moisture long before self-isolation. What do you know, it actually does what it says. I’m in awe of how smooth and healthy my hair feels.
Local: NUOVO Salon Group, 1421 First Street, Sarasota (941) 684-9000 Online: nuovosalongroup.com
