Everyone around us is panicking, the entire world is on lockdown and people are getting sick. Coronavirus has brought the world to its knees. In my 26 years of existence, never have I ever witnessed such a pandemic. A few lucky ones, like myself, have the luxury to work from home but honestly, it can get mundane after a few days.
You cannot go out for drinks, cinema halls are getting shut, forget about hitting the gym, let alone going to the parlour for your beauty treatments.
Corona, ab bus bhi karona!
But, we have found a few ways in which you can make most of the time–start with some self-care at home and do some DIY beauty treatments!
Turn Your Home Into A Parlour
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, beauty parlours and other service providers are slowly taking measures by implementing policies that will keep everyone safe from the deadly virus. But what if we told you there was a way you can have your own mini parlour sesh at home?
Mani-Pedis
I don’t know about you guys but I love getting mani-pedis. So much so that sometimes I visit the parlour four times a week. Since that is now a distant possibility, it’s time to do it at home.
You will need:
– A tub
– Lukewarm water
– Epsom salt
– Essential oils
– Shampoo/ body wash
– Nail polish remover
– Cuticle cutter
– Nail filer
– Pumice stone
– Body scrub
– Warm towel
– Moisturizer
Pedicure:
Start by filling your portable tub with lukewarm water. Once done, add a tsp of Epsom salt, 2-3 drops of body wash and 2-3 drops of any essential oil. Dip your feet for five minutes. Till then, dim the light, put on some music. Light some scented candles perhaps?
Next, pull out one foot and remove nail polish (if any). Using a nail cutter, trim your nails and file them to your liking. Use the cuticle cutter to remove and cut any form of dead skin around the nail. Taking the pumice stone, buff your entire foot, especially your heels till it feels silky smooth. Do the same with the other foot. Once you feel that you have bid adieu to the dead skin, scrub ’em good!
Put them again in the water for two-three minutes and wash off all forms of residue. Put your feet in the hot towel and lie down. Let your feet air dry, moisturize them well and coat your nails with two coats of your fave nail polish.
And voila, you’re done!
Manicure:
Follow the same to have a kickass mani session at home. We say, play with different shades, different textures: mattes, satin finishes, glitter. ‘Coz a mani a day keeps the bad vibes away!
DIY Facial Cleanup
Are you ready to S.L.A.Y the day? We bet you are! Now that you have a lot of time on your hands, it’s time for some TLC!
You’ll need:
– Cotton pads
– Peel-off face mask
– Micellar water
– Face wash
– Scrub
– Mud mask
– Toner (rose water)
– Moisturizer
Start by cleaning your face with cotton pads and micellar water. You can use any product to remove any traces of dirt and makeup from your face. Next, use a peel-off mask to make your face feel clean and dry. Next, wash your face using a face wash, followed by using a facial scrub. Wash your face thoroughly and pat dry your beautiful face. Pour 2-3 drops of toner on your cotton pad and dab it all over your face. You can also use facial mists, followed by applying a nice layer of moisturizer. Then put a nice layer of mud mask and let it sit for 15-20 mins. Wash your face, pat it dry and apply moisturizer again.
It is advisable to apply moisturizer after you wash off the mask only, but if you’re suffering from dry skin, applying twice is the right way.
Hair Packs!
Salon-approved hair at home? Haan, ab ye hai mumkin!
You’ll need:
– 2 Eggs
– Vitamin e tablets
– Curd
– A bowl
– One whole lemon (juice)
– Two drops of essential oil for treating a specific kind of hair issue (like Tea Tree Oil for dandruff)
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and keep it for an hour. What makes this mixture effective? Eggs have biotin, which helps repair our hair from within, making it softer, shinier and manageable with every use. Curd helps get rid of oiliness in the hair, reduces itchiness in the hair and helps fight off dandruff. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner.
Lemon too helps reduce the traces of dandruff in our hair. It also helps to get rid of *hair smell* (which sucks, TBH!). Vitamin e is excellent for hair!
Body Hair Be Gone!
Summer is coming. Time to shave it off, shave it off!
Shaving is a great option to get rid of unwanted hair from anywhere. But not everyone is a fan of this popular hair removal method. We love to scream and moan…during our utterly painful waxing sessions. But if you do not have all the ingredients to wax that jungle, time to raid the kitchen.
You’ll need:
– 1 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp. lemon juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– Wax strips
– Spatula
– Talcum powder
Mix it all in on a pot, while heating it on low flame. Keep stirring the pesky mixture till it mixes well. Allow the mixture to cool down a little bit.
Using a big spatula, pour the thick mixture on your skin, put the waxing strip over it and pull it upwards. Make sure you pull it opposite to the hair growth for the maximum impact. If you have a problem pulling the hair, apply some talcum powder before putting the mixture (just like your parlour wali didi). Once done, wash it off and apply moisturizer and jump into your bed.
I swear there’s nothing better than cuddling into a fresh sheet with freshly waxed/shaven body!
Stay home, stay safe…andget that glow from the comfort of your homes!
Featured Image: Instagram