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Nov 133 min read

Managing Stress with Beauty:Affordable Routines for When Life Gets Tough

Sometimes, life hits the fucking fan, and it's hard to stick to one's usual maintenance routines. Sometimes it's an exam or a big paper coming up. Other times, it may be a big move, or you've just run into your old but unwanted friend, depression. Whenever I am in a stressful situation, it begins to show in my hair, nails, and makeup routines. These are a few things I've done to keep myself looking put together, even when I feel anything but.


Portrait of me with a soft pink background, featuring a natural makeup look



Nails:

When I have time, I love painting my nails. But when I don’t, I opt for stick-on nails. More specifically, the Kiss Real Short Nude French Press-ons.

Hands with Kiss Nude Acrylic Nails, featuring a short, natural nude color with a sleek, smooth finish

My technique is as follows:

  1. Cut nails just a touch shorter than the press-on.

  2. File nails neatly to remove ragged edges.

  3. NOTE: Do not buff nails; your natural nail ridges create a good grip surface.

  4. Remove cuticles.

  5. Paint nails with a strengthening base coat.

  6. Find the press-on that fits best for each nail.

  7. Apply brush-on glue to the nail.

  8. Hold the press-on to the nail bed for at least 10 seconds.

  9. Once all fingers have been done, do NOTHING for an hour to allow the nails to set.


This lasts for 7 days.

Hair:

I put my hair in a protective style like rope twist, or braids.



In order to prepare my hair for long stretches between washes:

For wash days,

1.         Wash with Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

2.         Condition with Rosemary  Mint Conditioner

3.         Seal with Rosemary Mint Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner

4.         Dry hair with hair dryer on cold

5.         NOTE: hot hair dries out the hair too much

6.         While hair is still damp, add strengthening oil. This seals the moisture in.

7.         Dry completely, then plat hair into braids.

 

If I don’t have time to prepare, I just throw it up and put a headband over my hair!

Make-Up:

Ultimately, I write this not to add pressure during hard times, but to share that I struggle with depression. The lesson I've learned is that, even in moments of stress or fatigue, it matters to maintain yourself in some way. When work gets difficult, days get longer, and gravity feels heavier, trying to look nice helps. These are the things I've figured out for myself that make me feel at least put together when those dark times come. That way, when I am ready to ask for help, I can remind myself that I'm not far from my usual self.


With Sincerity,

Thank you for Reading.

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