Women eager to learn new skills while on lockdown

As the partial lockdown continues Joan thinks that people are more keen than ever to learn new skills, wanting to feel productive and make the best use of their time at home.

“People are taking to Instagram and YouTube to learn about skincare and makeup and self-isolation can be an amazing way to spend the time on selfcare,” she said.

Joan said that since lockdown people are investing more on skincare with a reportedly 600% rise in sales.

“The key to happy skin is to keep it moisturised and hydrated, there are a few DIY’s you can easily do at home, I swear by oils packed with B vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. My go-to moisturiser is Coconut/olive oil. It can also double as a makeup remover and a mask for your hair; combine with brown sugar for a deep hand and body scrub,” she advised.

“I finish by applying SPF 50 sun cream, which is important even though we’re all trading the beach for the garden at the moment,” she added.

Joan also uses vitamin C serums every day which she says helps to even out skin tone and brighten the complexion.

“If your complexion feels tight and flaky from being indoors, you may need to treat your skin to a primer blended with peptides and hyaluronic acid at night – this also helps plump and tighten the skin,” she said.

Once you’ve sorted your skincare, it’s full speed ahead to make up.

“Now I know it might be the last thing on your mind if you don’t have any Zoom meeting to get glammed up for but there’s no denying that ‘feel good factor’ when you put on a little mascara or lipstick,” Joan said.

She remarked that she loves Sothys cream-based foundation which helps to make the skin feel dewy. “I apply it with a brush, but you can use a beauty sponge or use your fingers, whichever works for you. I use my ring finger to apply a little concealer lightly to my under-eyes and around the nose,” she advised.

And some make up tips for us as we age.

“I’ve found that I need more definition on the lashline than I did before, so I use a matt brown shadow along the top lashline and up under the upper lashes, I apply it with a slightly dampened angled brush, which I find easier to use than an eye pencil. It helps makes my eyes look less hooded and more awake,” said Joan.

“I dash a little L’Oréal Paris telescopic mascara on the top lashes, a mid-tone shadow into the socket line and blend with a deeper shade along the outer third of the lid to ensure my eyes look awake and ready to go. I finish with a cream blusher which I apply to the cheeks, brow bone and to my lips for some colour.”