5 Editors Share What Their Work-From-Home Makeup Routine Looks Like

POPSUGAR Photography | Eric Helgas
POPSUGAR Photography | Eric Helgas
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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 quickly turned into a question of, "When was the last time I washed my hair?" 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. 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. 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
dermstore.com

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 ($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 ($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
us.drjart.com

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 ($36), which is amazing because it has SPF 50 and is blurring and mattifying so it replaces other steps. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($34) under my eyes because despite my best efforts, I'm not sleeping much right now. Charlotte Tilbury Beach Lip & Cheek Stick ($45) because blush is a lifeforce for me — I think it's so underrated and completely necessary. Saie Mascara 101 ($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 ($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
amazon.com

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 ($35) instead of foundation and a little Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($34). Then, I use my fingers to smear on a little Nudestix Magnetic Plush Paint ($28) on my cheeks. Last but not least, I put a few coats of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara ($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 ($17)." — JH

Danielle Jackson, Assistant Beauty Editor
amazon.com

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 ($9), Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer ($22), Maybelline New York Falsies Lash Lift Mascara ($9), and the Arches & Halos Precision Brow Shaping Pencil ($10) for my brows." — DJ

Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Associate Beauty Editor, Makeup.com
sephora.com

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 ($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 ($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 ($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 ($22) — it has a glossy high-shine finish, plus major moisture. Then I spritz on the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray ($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