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13 best skincare products for some well-deserved self-care during lockdown

From face masks to bath oils, we've found the perfect practical yet indulgent buys

Tamara Corin
Tuesday 31 March 2020 10:00
Sure, we're stuck inside... but it's a great chance to switch up your skincare and try something new
Sure, we're stuck inside... but it's a great chance to switch up your skincare and try something new

It’s fair to say that most people you know are currently working from home following the social distancing measures announced by the government last week.

But being stuck at home does come with a silver lining (that is, if you haven’t got school age children) you’ll have more time on your hands with nowhere to go or people to meet, so there’s been no better time than now to look after number one and practise some more self-care.

Skincare is a great starting point. Often, we’re too busy to think about mixing up our usual skincare routine, and factors like hormonal imbalances, seasonal changes and travel all affect our skin, until now.

It’s a great time to change up what you’re applying on your face and body every morning and evening, and to try something new. Ask yourself what does your skin really need right now? Is it hydration? Is it a deep cleanse? Is it an anti-ageing boost? Then, adapt your products accordingly while indulging in some guilt-free self-care.

Consider scent too. A citrus-based cleanser will refresh and awaken your face and boost your mood, while a rose face oil will comfort and nurture your skin and your mind. Transport yourself to happier times with the power of smell. It will do wonders for your overall wellbeing and will help to keep anxiety levels low.

Here we reveal the best beauty products that are practical yet indulgent, we chose products that will help you de-stress and unwind while helping you stay suitably groomed during lockdown.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

The Light Salon boost cleanse and recovery spray

We’re all about anti-viral and anti-bacterial protection right now, so this is a great beauty buy to protect your skin while also cleansing, balancing and calming irritated and stressed complexions. If you’re spending your working-from-home days in front of a screen of any sort, this will counteract any blue light rays that can harm your skin, while also minimising pesky monthly breakouts caused by stress or hormones (this is great for teenage skin too). Spritz after cleansing and then throughout the day if your skin is feeling taut and dehydrated or looking lacklustre.

Australian Glow ultra-fine facial bronzing mist

When you’re sporting a tan, real or fake, it instantly makes you feel (and look) better. This fast-drying tanning mist will fake a natural tan almost immediately and give your skin a dewy sun-kissed glow. Spritz your face, beginning at your forehead and then working down to your decolletage for even coverage. If you prefer a darker tan, simply build-up colour over a few applications. Unlike many other self-tan products that don’t have any skincare properties, this is enriched with rosewater for a soothing application and to hydrate your skin. Plus, the light summer scent will immediately transport you to memories of summer beach holidays.

Charlotte Tilbury instant magic facial dry sheet face mask

Thanks to its innovative dry sheet formula, this mask has quickly become a cult product for all skincare lovers, winning several industry awards. It’s completely waterless which leaves you wondering how the supercharged ingredients (vitamins, floral extracts, peptides and oils) penetrate your skin and give your complexion such a noticeable boost and dewy look, without any liquid product, in just fifteen minutes. Plus, you get more for your money, as each individual sheet can be used up to three times. Very aptly named indeed.

Liz Earle calming botanical drops

Tailored skincare has never been as hot as it is now, making it even easier to give your skin what it needs, when it needs it. Simply mix two droplets of this lightweight plant-based gel (a very satisfying and unusual texture) into your regular moisturiser or use alone for a more concentrated effect. This is packed with giant hyssop and silver birch to instantly calm and inflammation and protect dry patches. A great choice for overtired and stressed skin that’s prone to redness and needs some extra care.

ESPA positivity bath and body oil

Start your day on a high with this zingy and refreshing aromatherapy-based oil to uplift your body and mind. Perfect for the bath or shower, breathe in the bathroom’s steamy air and envelop yourself with aromatic notes of jasmine, gardenia and rose geranium for an instant boost. The vibrancy of bergamot and sweet orange will also keep you grounded and grateful. We can honestly say this is a must-have product for everyone during this trying time.

Skin Alchemists the humble warrior skin cleansing oil

Not only will you be supporting a small family-grown business which is vital at the moment, but the pureness of the ingredients in this cleansing oil is second to none. Although this doesn’t come cheap, it’s been purposely formulated to double up as a face cleansing oil, hair and scalp oil, a massage oil, after bath or shower oil, a cuticle oil, an after sun care oil or a beard oil. Basically, if you’re looking for a multifunctional product that smells divine, contains pure ingredients and does the job, this is it.

Hollywood Browzer single

A-listers (hence the name) have been quietly using this ever-so-clever tool to shape eyebrows, remove unwanted facial hair and dermaplaning (removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz) in the comfort of their home. It’s virtually pain-free to use, though it needs a little practice when it comes to technique, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s quick and effective. Seeing as the country is currently in a state of lockdown, with trips to the salon a long way off, this affordable tool will soon become your new best friend.

Seed To Skin the devotion restorative body balm

The name of this product already makes us feel comforted, even before application. It’s a high-performance silky balm that sinks into the skin but at the same time leaves an ever-so slight veil behind. Enriched with all-natural active ingredients, the balm contains nourishing probiotics, cleansing olive leaf, and mineral-rich thermal water, as well as a hydrating blend of shea butter and macadamia oil. It's also packed with essential oils including rose, mandarin, neroli, lavender and geranium, which will help you unwind. Your skin will feel nourished, hydrated and well-moisturised for hours. It’s a decadent and expensive buy and definitely not essential, but it’s exactly the kind of self-care and indulgence our body and mind needs right now.

Jillian Dempsey gold sculpting bar

A celebrity make-up artist and skincare expert in her own right (but also very fortunate to be married to actor Patrick Dempsey), Jillian created this 24-karat gold-plated T-bar to mimic the effects of a face massage, helping to relax muscles and release tension in the face which can lead to deeper expression lines caused by stress and worry. Gently push it upwards over just-cleansed skin to feel your muscles relax and tension ease. You can also use it around your cheekbones and jaw to sculpt and carve out some definition – albeit temporary. This is a splurge, but we expect while you’re working from home, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to use it. Imagine how youthful you’ll look when life returns back to normal.

Sugarbearhair women’s multi vegan gummies, 60

When Kim Kardashian claims she’s a big fan, we sit up and take notice. This American vitamin brand makes taking your vits seem like a cheeky sweet treat. These delicious chewy vitamins (that are gelatine, dairy and gluten free) are flavoured with natural berries and contain vegan sourced amino acids, as well as 16 micronutrients to help supplement the vitamins and essential nutrients that many of us are probably missing in our diet. When keeping healthy has never been more important, and we’re stuck at home with easy access to our kitchen cupboards, these vits will ensure we’re on top form.

Red Carpet Manicure professional starter set

Groomed nails needn’t come to a standstill just because your nail salon is temporarily closed for business. Become your own manicurist with this easy-to-use kit that mimics a professional finish in the comfort of your home. It contains all the nail supplies you need, from an LED light (with a timer function so you can’t go wrong) and remover wraps to a cuticle oil and a universal flattering natural shade gel polish to get you started, plus much more. It may seem pricey but think of all the money you would save in the long-run if you could do a DIY mani, we’re estimating hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. And there’s no shortage of colours either, with 58 to choose from.

Aesop resurrection aromatique hand balm

If like us you’ve been washing your hands constantly over the last few weeks, they should be the first place that deserves attention. This rich non-slippery balm will hydrate skin and cuticles with its softening emollients, leaving a pleasant woody and herbaceous aroma that your partner will be tempted to steal from you. For extra nourishment, smother your mitts in the balm, then cover with gloves and go to bed. You’ll awake with the softest of palms without a dry crack in sight.

Hugg roll-on stick oil rollerball

From the brand that gives us top-end CBD products that never fail, this handy rollerball is a great mind booster for when we’re feeling a little low, overwhelmed or need some reassurance. Which we’re sure you’ll agree is basically all of us right now. Infused with mint and lavender essential oils, it’s a calming refresher that instantly sinks into skin and gets to work in seconds. Keep in arms reach and dab on pulse points throughout the day, every day, for the best results. Make it a self-care ritual that is easy to follow wherever you are.

The verdict: Self-care skincare

Self-care is essential, so while all the products mentioned deserve top marks, the all-round performer is The Light Salon boost cleanse and recovery spray for ensuring the skin is protected while also staying hydrated, giving a dewy finish in seconds. However, there’s no denying a tan makes us feel and look ten times better than we usually do, so a close second for its natural colour, flawless application and affordability is Australian Glow’s tanning mist.

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