As we reach the end of our second week in lockdown (has it only been two weeks?!), we’re starting to miss BEAUTY BAY HQ. Don’t get us wrong, there are many benefits of WFH. Swapping a shoulder-to-shoulder tram commute for a leisurely stroll from our beds to our living rooms is something we could definitely get used to.
However, one thing some of us are still struggling with is the ability to switch off, destress, and relax at the end of the working day. Thankfully, we’ve discovered a few mantras and regimes to help us instil a sense of calm and tranquillity during an uncertain time.
Scroll to find out how we’re choosing to unwind in the evenings.
Lighting A Candle
“The only way I can really distinguish what is working and what is home while working from my dining room, is to light all my candles in the evening. When I am working, no candles. When I am relaxing, all the candles. Plus, there is something about the flicker of a candle that says, ‘sit down and chill out.’ Working from home makes it really hard for your mind to differentiate your home from your work, so having something, even as little as lighting a candle, can really help you feel like you have done a full day’s work and now you’re at home relaxing. I’m thankful that I stocked up on NEOM candles before WFH really got going, so my evenings currently smell of Rooftop Garden – earthy scents mixed with lavender and ylang-ylang, and a citrus hint of bergamot orange.” – Liv, Content Assistant
Applying A Hair Mask
“Self-care is always important, but particularly now whilst we are spending so much time at home. I always find that when I stick to a self-care routine, I feel better in myself and my mood is instantly uplifted. My hair is always my main priority and I always want it to look and feel good, so my go-to product at the moment has been the Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hair Masque. I fit this in with my self-care routine in the evening by running a bath, lighting some candles and applying my hair mask to chill and unwind. I am using this time at home to avoid putting too much heat on my hair, and the mask is restoring its hydration and shine!” – Ellen, Senior Influencer Executive
At-Home Manicure
“When I saw that we were getting the new Sample Beauty Dipping Powders for nails at BEAUTY BAY, I was instantly excited as I’d heard about this new formula and was desperate to try it out to see if it lived up to the hype. Now we’ve all got a lot of time on our hands, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give them a go. I find in general painting my nails to be very relaxing and definitely one element of self-care that I try and maintain regularly. The instructions are easy to follow, and they last a really long time too! Will definitely be plotting this in my weekly calendar as a little evening treat for myself.” – Rhiannon, On Site Merchandiser
Soothing Eye Treatments
“Whenever I’ve had too much time in front of a screen or not slept well the night before, the Yes To Cucumbers 2 Step Eye Kit is my go to! The fresh, soothing feel on my under-eye is so relaxing, it’s like a mini spa treatment in the comfort of my own home. Whether I use it in the morning to wake my eyes up or at night to soothe tired eyes, I always see the dark circles fade and the puffiness has completely gone.” – Liv, Senior Marketing Executive
Experimenting With Makeup
“During lockdown, establishing the boundaries between my work space and my chill space has been challenging. I live in a one bedroom flat in the city centre, so having an abundance of space to work and move around in is not something that I have now I’m confined to these four walls. To wind down in the evenings, I’ve been trying to get in my one walk per day. I feel going outside (at a safe distance from others) really helps to reset my brain and finish my work day, just as it would if I was walking home from the office. If the weathers pretty rubbish, I turn to my lifelong companion – my makeup bag. I’m taking this opportunity to try out a lot more looks and experiment with my makeup. The Me, Myself & MMMMitchell Palette is my go-to for this – it’s the perfect mix of brights (which I love) as well as earthy tones to mix it up a bit.” – Kate, Content Assistant
Staying Active
“WFH can sometimes feel more stressful than the office and I find it even harder to wind down after a day at the computer! I definitely don’t get as many steps in as I’d like to either WFH or in the office so as soon as I log off I’ll stretch my legs whether that’s a walk outside for some fresh air, around the house tidying bits up or on a rare (very rare) occasion, skipping in the garden! After grabbing a shower my new obsession is the Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask. I massage it into my roots and through the ends leaving it on from anywhere between 10 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how many errands I have to do. After rinsing my hair feels super soft and restored. A hair wash day makes everything better, never mind a hair wash + hair mask a day!” – Jess, Assistant Merchandiser
Running A Bath
“I’m a person of routine. In my everyday (pre-lockdown) life, it was the little rituals like picking up an overpriced coffee on the way to the office and hitting the gym after work that kept my mindset in check and my week in order. Although my week looks a little different these days, following a new routine has really helped to add structure to my days and establish boundaries between work and home. As soon as I clock off, I’ll run myself a bath to mark the end of my working day and start of my evening. I’ve been throwing in some Dr. Haushka Sage Purifying Bath Essence because the refreshing scent and indulgent formula make me feel super calm and chilled. Bliss. ” – Francesca, Marketing Executive
