Q: What can I do to add fun to my 2020 summer beauty routine? And where can I buy products locally? – Debbie S.
In the slow-going resurrection of life-as-we-know-it, when seeing friends and family is mostly at a physical distance, and stores and restaurants continue to open to limited capacity with restrictions, it’s the little things that perk up our spirits.
Mid-summer is the perfect time to revamp your beauty routine and enjoy the last half of the season before cooler temps return. And Summer 2020 presents its own special challenges (and opportunities) to looking fabulous. Fortunately, some of our local discount retailers and drug stores have remained open, and have lots of options. Let’s digest.
EYES
In the age of COVID-19, masks are everywhere. And with the lower half of faces covered and concealed, have you noticed how GORGEOUS everyone’s eyes look? Play up yours with one of this season’s hottest trends: white eyeliner. Graphic and airy all at once, white eyeliner boosts the color of anyone’s eyes, but without the smudgy melty mess of black eyeliner in July. It’s like trading in your little black dress for a little white one June through August. Apply it just like your regular eyeliner, or take it a half-inch above the lash line for something bolder. Try: NYX Epic Wear Waterproof Eye & Body Liquid Liner (Target: $9.99)
The best way to finish off your fresh eyeliner game? With beautifully dark mascara that gives lashes lift and volume. The absolute best drugstore find I’ve tried is Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara in Blackest Black (Walmart: $8.98). Two coats give you a false lash look without the glue and hassle and magnets and crying.
HAIR
With so many meet-ups still happening via video, some quick hair tweaks can give you the freedom to roll out of bed without looking like you did. Dry shampoo was a crucial hair tool before, but now it’s essential. Grab a can and give your roots a few shots to build texture and volume, giving your hair body to make ponytails and buns messier (in a great way). My favorite dry shampoo? COLAB Dry Shampoo in Original Fragrance (Target: $5.49). And get yourself some Goody Jelly Bands in rosy neutral shades to hold everything in place (Walmart: $3.84 for 4).
NAILS
Although it’s still best to keep your hands to yourself, there’s no reason your nails can’t shine. Try a quirky shade for summer – Taxi Hopping by Expressie. The all-in-one vegan formula features a spring-green-meets-warm-yellow vibe that pops on tanned skin (Walgreens: $9.00). Which brings me to my next topic…
SKIN
Get a safe tan this summer with some at-home options. I boost color with two rounds of self-tanner, both from Jergens. Use the brand’s Wet Skin Moisturizer in the shower, and follow-up with Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer. The combo gives you color fast, but keeps it natural because it builds daily (both at Target: $8.69 each).
To help with that glow-y look? Start with Dr. Teal’s Pink Himalayan Mineral Soak in the bath (Target: $4.89). And a scoop of Vital Proteins Collage Peptides unflavored powder in my coffee every morning gives my skin added moisture and elasticity (Target: $24.99).
EARRINGS
With neck-up dressing still a thing, why not add sparkle? Personally, I’m dying to wear some bold earrings for my next video call. Make sure they’ve got lots of color, and give your co-workers a fun surprising jolt. A great option? NOBO Pineapple sequin earrings. Can you find a better way to scream summer? (Walmart: $3.88). Or, for a less literal and more sculptural feel, try red-wrapped-with-rhinestone SugarFix by Baublebar earrings (Target: $12.99).
If this year has taught us anything, it’s to be thankful for small energetic pick-me-ups that remind us – we are still ourselves, we are still here, and it’s OK to celebrate tiny joys while we face the day’s challenges. In fact, remaining joyful makes the struggles more manageable. Find beauty in your own life in any way that makes you happy – even if it’s nothing more than dry shampoo.
By: Erika Hanson
