Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the infamous coronavirus pandemic. For most of us getting this virus would simply mean a week or two of bed rest, but for some with compromised immune systems or people like me who suffer from asthma, there could be serious complications. Even though the thought of this is unsettling, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect yourself which why I leave no stone unturned when it comes to personal hygiene, including my beauty routine.
Between work, the gym and my social life, I end up applying my makeup on the go which inevitably involves touching my face. One of the most common ways to contract a cold or flu is by touching an infected object or person and then touching your face.
Here are the ways our team at Subtl is staying healthy using simple, yet effective, preventative measures:
1. Wash those hands
This is the most important rule of all. Before applying your makeup or skincare products, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have a sink nearby, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. I recommend Daylogic Mini Hand Sanitizer because you can take it everywhere.
2. Stop touching your face
While we typically promote finger application, we recommend switching to applicators and brushes in the wake of this virus scare and flu season. Bacteria and viruses that hitch a ride on your fingers can easily enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth so it’s best to avoid face touching as much as possible. I keep my Stack which includes an applicator and Stack Brush BFF in my purse at all times because it’s multipurpose and has a lid for bacteria-free storage.
3. Use makeup tools and clean them
If you read our blog about applying makeup with your fingers, you’ll know that there are definitely benefits to that application method. However, brushes and sponges tend to be more hygienic as long as you clean them regularly. Brushes and sponges should be cleaned once every seven to ten days. All you really need is warm water and baby shampoo to get the job done. Check out our How To Clean Your Makeup Brush blog to learn when and how to clean your beauty tools.
4. Disinfect your beauty zone
Sometimes I don’t always have time to do my makeup at home so I end up applying it in a gym locker room or office bathroom. I always disinfect whatever area I’m doing my makeup in using a disinfecting cleaner. The Travel-Sized Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are great for this.
5. Get your beauty sleep
I’ve always been the type of person to get sick if I stay up all night. That’s because we need between seven and a half to nine hours of sleep per night to maintain a strong immune system. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, even if that means investing in earplugs, a sleep mask or some blackout curtains.
6. Skip the crowds
You might not want to hear this, but one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick is to stay home. Skip the crowded bar, concert or wherever you’ll be around a large group of people. If you start feeling under the weather, this is especially important to avoid getting your friends, family, and coworkers sick too.
Here are some other ways we are staying healthy this flu season:
- Drink water
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise daily
- Take your vitamins
Healthy choices aren’t always available when you’re a woman on the go, but taking extra steps to stay germ-free can make all the difference.