The evolution of our work-from-home beauty routines has been a roller coaster. What started out as a fun, borderline rebellious halt of all makeup and hair-care routines [1] quickly turned into a question of, "When was the last time I washed my hair [2]?" and "Wow, this Zoom call really washes me out." Now, on week five (I think?) of working remotely and social distancing, we're coming out of that hiatus and welcoming a new form of makeup routine [3]. It may not be the 10-step process that some of us used to wake up every morning and do, but it's what makes us feel good — ultimately, that's all that matters.
Now more than ever, we're smearing on lip gloss or a quick coat of mascara for ourselves, not anyone else. Makeup has the power to make you feel put together and ready to tackle the day; makeup is a form of self-care [4]. Following some sort of a routine, no matter how small, can help establish a bit of normalcy in your day, and boy, do we need some of that right now.
We may not be traveling into the office anytime soon, but a few of our editors are taking pride in "getting ready for work" in a different way. See what five of our editors' work-from-home makeup routine looks like right now, ahead.
Kelsey Castañon, Senior Beauty Editor
"Since working from home, I've been skipping foundation and most other makeup in lieu of a tinted sunscreen (thanks for all that you are, EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 [5] ($36)), with the exception of one item I will never join a Zoom call without: mascara. I'm saving my more volumizing formulas for the days this stay-home order lifts, but two swipes of the IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Mascara [6] ($25) makes me look a teensy more put together with little effort. It's either that or scare myself every time I catch a glimpse in the mirror on the way to the kitchen." — KC
Dawn Davis, Senior Editorial Director, Group Nine Media
"I have what feels like non-stop Google Hangout and Zoom meetings, and even if I didn't I would apply a little makeup. Makeup makes me feel put together — even if it's just for myself. These days, my routine is only five products and takes 90 seconds: Dr. Jart BB Dis-a-Pore [7] ($36), which is amazing because it has SPF 50 and is blurring and mattifying so it replaces other steps. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer [8] ($34) under my eyes because despite my best efforts, I'm not sleeping much right now. Charlotte Tilbury Beach Lip & Cheek Stick [9] ($45) because blush is a lifeforce for me — I think it's so underrated and completely necessary. Saie Mascara 101 [10] ($24) because, well, lashes, and this one is also conditioning and comes off easily when I wash my face. IT Cosmetics Micro Defining Eyebrow Pencil [11] ($24) because my brows never recovered from the '90s. On the weekends, I edit it down to concealer, blush, and mascara. Oh, and lip balm, but lip balm is a given and doesn't count." — DD
Jessica Harrington, Associate Beauty Editor
"I started doing a shorter variation of my regular makeup routine about a week and a half into social distancing. I thrived during the no-makeup, messy bun phase but after ten days of that, it was time to return to my beloved cosmetic products. I use the Purlisse BB Tinted Moisturizer Cream SPF 30 [12] ($35) instead of foundation and a little Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer [13] ($34). Then, I use my fingers to smear on a little Nudestix Magnetic Plush Paint [14] ($28) on my cheeks. Last but not least, I put a few coats of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara [15] ($25) — without using a lash curler, I'm trying to give my lashes a break from that — and swipe on a simple lip balm, the Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Calm Lip Save [16] ($17)." — JH
Danielle Jackson, Assistant Beauty Editor
"I'm at the point where I can't remember the last time I've worn a full face of makeup. I've only been wearing makeup for desksides or important video meetings, and even then I'll only wear basics. That includes NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner [17] ($9), Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer [18] ($22), Maybelline New York Falsies Lash Lift Mascara [19] ($9), and the Arches & Halos Precision Brow Shaping Pencil [20] ($10) for my brows." — DJ
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Associate Beauty Editor, Makeup.com
"My WFH makeup routine is a minimalist take on the nearly ten-step regimen you'd usually catch me doing around this time every year. I've cut it down to only a few key products that help me get a similar finish with half the steps. First, I'm still rocking a full-faced complexion as often as I can with the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40 [21] ($40). It helps keep my skin shine-free during a day of screentime, into an evening happy hour (since there's really no differentiation here anymore). Next, I've swapped my typical eyeshadow for a quicker, more glowy approach: a tap of the Tower 28 BeachPlease Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm in Magic Hour [22] ($20) all over my lids. I find that this formula is not only easy to apply, but it's perfect for creating a warm, monochromatic makeup look which brings me to my next step — blending it onto my cheeks. Applying it in both places instantly adds a healthy flush to my face. I wrap up my routine with a few coats of the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara [23] ($28) to give my lashes some lift and love. To complete the look, I add on a swipe of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm [24] ($22) — it has a glossy high-shine finish, plus major moisture. Then I spritz on the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray [25] ($28) to set my look. It feels fresh, smells like coconut, and gets me motivated and excited to jump into my work day, even if I'm still sitting in bed." — AMK