Since the spring of 2020, the BeautyLeeBar.com editors have been primarily working from home. It may not surprise you to learn that, before making these workweek changes, we all had pretty lengthy beauty regimens and loved experimenting with new products and looks on a daily. But as you can imagine, spending the majority of our workdays indoors and away from a traditional office building has inspired some changes, both in routine and mindset. Read on for the beauty lessons we learned during the pandemic.
Sara, Content Director
One of the biggest beauty lessons that I’ve learned during the pandemic (and there have been many!) is to fully lean into makeup that helps me feel most like myself — and whatever that may be is allowed to change day by day, week by week. In other words, I listen to how I’m feeling before I do my makeup every day, which is given me the freedom to have more fun with my look. Recently, I’ve been embracing nail art, bright nail polish shades, and press-on nails. I’ve got my eyes on Essie Risk Takers Only, a bright orange, for my next mani. On the skincare front, I have even more appreciation for my dermatologist’s recommendations. Since following my derm’s suggested routine, my skin has only gotten clearer, smoother, and healthier.
Chyanne, Editor
The biggest beauty lesson I’ve learned throughout the pandemic is to not be afraid to wear lipstick — mask and all. I’ve gotten a thorough idea of what the ultimate lipstick is for me to get me through long days on Zoom calls or errands with a face mask. The recipe is matte, long-lasting, and transfer-proof. My go-to has been the NYX Professional Makeup XXL Lip Lingerie Matte Liquid Lipstick. This little tube has gotten me through it all over the past few years, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ariel, Editor
One thing the pandemic taught me was how to master the five-minute face. Pre-pandemic, I used to wake up at least two hours early to apply a full face of makeup, pick out an outfit, and account for my commuting time. During the pandemic, those habits shifted drastically. Anyone who works from home has likely had a morning (or maybe quite a few mornings) when they woke up minutes before a Zoom meeting and had to rush to look polished before logging on. In my case, I usually swipe on mascara ( Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara has been my go-to for years) and a bright lip gloss, like the Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint. Together, these makeup products pair up to make me look freshly caffeinated and awake in minutes.
Katharina, Social Media Editor
Being at home through the pandemic has taught me two important lessons when it comes to my beauty routine. First, being utterly bare faced is completely fine. Second, when I do choose to wear makeup, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little bit bold and experimental with it. I probably wouldn’t have shown up to work without an ounce of makeup on before the pandemic but being virtual has shifted my mindset to a point where I can be fully confident in a meeting with nothing on my face but some light, natural mascara (I swear by the Maybelline Green Edition Mega Mousse for a no-makeup makeup look). I also have the freedom to play with my makeup a little bit more; if I want a bold lip in the morning and a subtle gloss in the afternoon, I have my entire makeup kit at my fingertips and can play around with my look.
Crystal Lee, Founder
Pre-pandemic, you could find me wearing only full-coverage foundations and concealers to hide any skin imperfection. You would never catch me with a bare face, especially if I was walking into the office or going out to eat with friends. After countless social distancing parameters and countless Zoom meetings, I’ve found myself becoming more comfortable with embracing my skin’s natural texture and opting for products that have a “your skin but better” feel. I’ve started leaning on buildable, lightweight foundations like the Valentino Beauty Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation on the days I decide to wear makeup. It leaves my skin with a natural look without the heavy feel of foundation.
