Surviving MCO 2.0: How to perfect self-care at home in the midst of a pandemic
In the light of the recent second Movement Control Order (MCO) announcement by the Malaysian government, there is no better time to revisit our long forgotten at-home self-care routine from the first home quarantine back in the beginning of 2020.
And while you may call this “extra” and “excessive”, we prefer the term “sine qua non”.
Lucky for you, we have taken it upon ourselves and put together a comprehensive beauty-centric self-care guide, complete with a line-up of little wellbeing luxuries, to make your “me time” during your home quarantine extra special.
HAIR
For starters, the scalp can do with a weekly detox. Before showering, dispense a golf-ball size of Kristin Ess Scalp Detoxifying Bubble Mask and massage the pre-shampoo treatment into the scalp to eliminate product build-up or flakes.
The AHA/BHA blend and gentle plant cellulose exfoliating beads in Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub too effectively dissolve and sweep away dead skin cells.
After scrubbing, distribute Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask evenly through the locks to rebuild, strengthen and silken each strand in under three minutes.
As for post-shampoo treatments, applying three pipettesful of Hair Rituel by Sisley Revitalizing Fortifying Serum for the Scalp to the scalp daily is not only great for slowing down hair loss and improving hair density, the non-greasy texture and uniquely fresh fragrance are ideal for a truly sensorial head massage.
Shifting our attention to our towel-dried locks, dispense TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum throughout hair, avoiding the roots, for perfectly polished tresses.
And if you fancy a little sweet smelling action, go ahead and coat them in a light veil of Gucci Bloom Hair Mist’s delicate floral scent of tuberose and jasmine.
FACE
Go beyond your conventional three-step cleansing, moisturising and sunscreen routine by exfoliating twice a week using Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant. Not only does the five-minute masque contain hydrating snow mushroom and soothing cucumber extract, its touch-activated bamboo make for an enjoyable application.
For added declogging action, put aside 20 minutes and pick between the peel-off Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask, which fits tightly onto the skin to remove impurities and dead skin from the skin as it dries.
Or the mineral-rich THREE Purifying Clay Mask to draw out excess sebum from deep within the pores with its paste-like texture.
Once your skin is properly detoxed, replenish the complexion with a nutrient-packed sheet mask like Dr.Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Facial Mask. Its fine cellulose material allows moisturising active ingredients to penetrate deeply for maximum hydration.
For the last step of our extended routine, slather on a generous amount of Glow Recipe’s luxuriously bouncy Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask to seal in all that essence, in addition to imparting extra hydrating watermelon extract, pore-refining AHAs and soothing amino acids.
Alternatively, Tatcha’s multitasking Gold Camellia Beauty Oil is also an ideal final-step treatment as its extra virgin Japanese camellia oil and 23k gold flakes work amazingly well to lock in moisture, add instant nourishment and promote luminosity.
EYES & LIPS
Unlike the face, the more tender and thinner skin area around the eyes and lips require dedicated products to care for them. La Mer The Eye Concentrate and its decadent yet fast-absorbing cream works wonders on tired eyes. For a de-puffing effect, try refrigerating the product and applying it using its unique cooling applicator.
Not a fan of eye cream? Roll on Kora Organics Noni Radiant Eye Oil, featuring a potent blend of nourishing oils to smooth and tone the peepers.
Or slap on a pair of Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches for some energising and detoxifying cucumber goodness.
With the eyes taken care of, proceed to glide the precision tip on Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Smoothing Sugar Scrub over clean, bare lips to allow the sugar crystals to buff away dry skin.
Follow up with a few nourishing drops of Fresh Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer—a first-of-its-kind, no-rinse water-based gel to resurface, prep and prime the lips thus creating an ideal canvas for even application of your favourite lipstick or balm.
Meanwhile, Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is better suited for night use as it is a delicious-smelling overnight mask that treats and moisturises your pout with a Vitamin C-rich berry mix complex during your sleep.
BODY
Consider replacing your regular shower cream with L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, a deliciously addictive and wonderfully sensual shower that transforms into a sheer, milky lotion upon contact with water.
Frank Body Coconut Coffee Scrub, a coconut oil-infused coffee scrub which provides natural exfoliation to unveil post vacation-glowing skin, is also another great product to elevate your bathing session.
If you happen to own a tub, trade a 10-minute shower for a 30-minute leisurely soak with Neal’s Yard Remedies’s relaxing and restorative Lavender Bath Salts added into the mix.
Once you are out of the bathroom, immediately pat on some Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Body & Hand Lotion all over. You are guaranteed dewy skin that smells like a bouquet of white freesias wrapped in the sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears.
Alternatively, those who desire a sun-kissed glow may massage on a layer of Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Neige Shimmering Body Oil which doubles as a skin illuminator as well as an addictive fragrance of floral amber and sandalwood
Finally, uphold impeccable freshness with the aluminum-free Aesop Déodorant spray. It does an exceptional job by leaving behind a woody and herbaceous scent that is suitable for both men and women.
