Lockdown beauty routine tips from a former beauty editor

We spoke to content creator Lerato Seuoe, who says her beauty routine has changed dramatically since lockdown started. 

I’ve gone from wearing make-up almost every day pre-lockdown to not even touching my foundation. The most I’ll do is groom my brows and put on a little concealer and mascara for those runs to the grocery store.

My main priority at the moment is skincare. I’m a product junkie and have used this time to try out a number of gems I’ve been sent. I’m currently obsessed with masks and anti-ageing products. Prevention is better than cure.

How do you prep for a Zoom meeting? 

Brow gels have been my saving grace; I use them to tame and shape my brows. To help to hide any fatigue from all the late nights (and early mornings) of binge-watching series, I use eye cream that I store in the fridge. I found this tip in one of the beauty articles I’ve read over the years; the cooling temperature just makes me feel more refreshed. I top that off with a concealer on my under-eye area and a daub over any dark spots. And then I finish off with a volumising and lengthening mascara and clear gloss.

Has wearing less make-up changed your relationship with your skin?

It’s changed completely! I have put my skin through a lot due to my previous position as a beauty editor, and having experienced acne quite late in life I used makeup to cover the unsightly marks left by the breakouts. I have used this time to focus on attending to my uneven skin tone, blemishes and odd breakouts. I am more consistent with targeted products such as serums and masks and I’ve also added steaming to give me more of a spa feel.

Are you experiencing #lockdownskin – breakouts, appearance of lines despite being indoors and away from pollutants … 

Not at all, my skin is loving this period and all the attention it’s getting from me. 

Any #lockdownbeautyroutines tips you’d like to share? 

The one thing I miss the most about life pre-lockdown is my spa days. Make “me time” a priority even in the comfort of your own home. I use Sundays to soak in a bath with essential oils and bath salts with my head lathered in a deep conditioner and a sheet or clay mask depending on what my skin needs at the time. Don’t forget to pamper your feet as well, after soaking in the bath use a pumice stone to slough off dead skin and rub on a super-hydrating foot cream. 

WIN | Share your beauty, grooming, hair and personal care videos and images with us using the hashtag #lockdownbeautyroutines on Twitter and Instagram. 

You can also send your videos and images with a brief description or question, name and contact details to lockdownbeauty@arena.africa.

The best entries will be selected to win prizes – four NIVEA beauty hampers:

1. NIVEA Q10 hamper, valued at R1,400.

2. NIVEA Essentials hamper for normal, dry or oily skin with fluffy bathrobe and towel, valued at R1,000.

3. NIVEA Body hamper with fluffy bath towel, valued at R1,000.

4. NIVEA Men hamper with Skull Candy earphones, valued at R1,000.