fiive minutes The Panel’s Lockdown essentials

When you're cooped up inside, with no place to go and no plans to make, taking a moment for a little self-care really does become more significant. We asked some of our panel to give us their beauty recipes for survival when the hairdressers and beauty salons are closed and it's time to nurture body and soul...

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Sabrina's Lockdown Essentials

Essie All-in-One Nail Polish Base Coat and Top Coat, £8.99

“Lockdown forced me to kick my gel nail habit which my bank balance was thanking me for, but my nails not so much. I always love having some colour on my nails but non-gel polish always used to chip after a day or so, until I started using this base coat/top coat. I can get a solid week of no chips when I use this with my other Essie nail polishes or some new OPI colours I bought, and it’s relatively inexpensive!”

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, £12

“I’ve noticed my skin has become more dry since lockdown, thanks to a combination of being inside more often and central heating. This moisturiser immediately calms my skin and feels nourishing but not too oily. Works great as a face moisturiser as well as on dry patches on the body eg knees, elbows “

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm, £23

“WFH means I’m haven’t been wearing as much make-up but I still like to feel put together. This lip balm/sheer lipstick from Nars is super quick and easy to swipe on your lips but is really nourishing, so acts as a lip balm, and has a lovely natural colour.”

Hey Estrid Razor Subscription, £7.95 (starter kit)

“I was completely sucked in by the influencer marketing on this one but I’m glad to say it was worth it. Lockdown has meant I can’t visit beauty salons as often so I’ve gone back to shaving for ease. These razors with their weighted handle give such a smooth shave in comparison to the disposable razors I’ve previously used. I love the subscription idea where you’re sent new razor heads every month (you can choose the frequency) as it means I won’t forget to stock up on them.”

Loreal Tecni Art Liss Control, £9.95

“I wanted to use lockdown as a chance to use less heat on my hair. So I bought this on recommendation from @thehairbros who released a brilliant guide during lockdown to air drying hair. It manages to tame any frizz but doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy, just super soft and manageable.”
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Kit's Lockdown Essentials

Sunday Riley Tidal Moisturiser, £60 

“It has a really light gel consistency that feels light but is so hydrating – like a drink of water for your face and leaves your skin really soft. It’s also a great make-up base and doesn’t feel sticky or tacky. No greasiness whatsoever.”

Goat Milk Cleanser, £32

“Brilliant! Something I would definitely buy on repeat. Lovely subtle fragrance and a real pleasure to use. Feels very creamy – like a lovely pampering session. Great for a second cleanse in the evening…”

Olaplex No 3, £26

“As the hairdressers are closed and I’m trying to grow my hair long, this is great because it keeps my hair in really good condition. I apply it once a week religiously  – it’s great.”

Glossier skin tint, £20

“When you don’t want to put much make -up on this just gives your skin a little bit of a glow and makes you feel like you’re wearing a nice sheer base. It  really evens out the skin – I really love it.”

Malin & Goetz, Vetiver, Eau De Parfum, £75

“When you’re feeling a bit rubbish and you need an uplifting  fragrance to make you feel ready to tackle the day, a quick spritz of this is great.”

 

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Ellie's Lockdown Essentials

Josh Wood Hair Dye, £14

“Before lockdown I had a couple of botched home dye attempts that made me swear I’d never, ever do it again (think Carrie with brown hair dye). Looking like Rip Van Winkle two month’s into lockdown made me re-think. I ordered the Josh Wood Deep Mid Brown and I was super impressed with the depth and distribution of colour, how easy it was to apply and how you can pull it through your hair,  fading out towards the ends for a natural look. Converted.”

Hot Tools Black Gold Volumizer 2-IN-1 Brush & Dryer, £80

“I have always struggled to get lift at my crown and that fresh from the salon look with a home blow dry. This hair tool is something else! The volumising is out of control in the best possible way and the lengths of my hair, that are in desperate need of a cut, look bouncy and smooth. I’ve tried a couple of other hair brush wands in my time and this is by far the best.”

Vanderohe Oil serum, £88

“This oil never fails to lift my spirits. The smell is incredible and the oil feels so nurturing. A really lovely product that encourages a moment of self care and slower, deeper breathing.”

This Works Energising Shower Gel, £18

“I actively look forward to using this shower gel! I splash out on it from time to time when I need a lift and this lockdown, it has been a real mood booster.”

Romilly Wilde Cleanser, £58

“Our recent guest editor Tahira recommended this product and I am also a big fan. It’s a super rich and cosetting hot cloth cleanser that makes your skin feel super nourished. Especially good for dry skin in the winter months.”

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Tara's Lockdown Essentials

Hourglass, Ambient Lighting Edit Mini, Sculpture Unlocked, £57

“Perfect glow in a millisecond.”

Vieve, The Essential Eye Palette, £43

“Warm toned colours to die for and easy to blend.”

Natasha Denona,I need a Nude Lipstick (Maria 30NP)

“A done nude look in one swipe.”

Garnier Face Sheet Masks, £3.99

“Great when the central heating parches you!”

Kevin.Murphy, Blonde.Angel.Wash, £22

“The smell is unbeliveable! I have found my HG shampoo….until the next one!!”

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Abigail's Lockdown Essentials

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub, £27

“Incredible non cloying scent in a fresh, light,  easily spreadable and very effective scrub.”

Antipodes Aura Manuka Face Mask, £26.99

“Instantly hydrates, purifies, and balances your skin, leaving it full of healthy radiance.”

Aveeno Yogurt Body Lotion, £4.90

“Light, creamy, nurturing and easily absorbed.  Lovely delicate scent.”

Giovanni Hair Reconstructor, £8.99

“Incredibly hydrating and softening.  Smalls divine.  Smoothed my super dry and  angry hair in a way no other has managed.”

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Sheer Stick Tint, £12.95

“All the power of eight hour cream.  Glossy hydrated lips.  Never sticky, with a lovely bright wash of colour.  My favourite of berry.”