This is the new normal
Saturday was a pivotal day of my quarantine-beauty journey, as this was the day I finally entered the “acceptance” phase of my personal-maintenance grieving. After thinking and talking about it for way too long (and using my pedi-extension hack twice), I took off my polish, cut and filed my nails and trimmed my cuticles. Then I hopped in the shower, said fuck it and shaved my thighs and bikini line. (You must understand that I haven’t shaved above my knees in more than 25 years with the exception of a handful of “emergencies” that usually involved a potential intimate situation before I got married or impromptu post-nuptial/post-child pool party.) I was due for a wax 4 weeks ago so use your imagination.
Yes, these actions served a real aesthetic need, but they were more symbolic than anything. As a reminder, the stages of grieving include:
Denial: [March 10]: “It’s fine, coronavirus is out there but I go for a Hydrafacial because my skin is freaking out.”
Anger: [Three weeks ago]: “I’m so pissed I didn’t squeeze in that wax last week.”
Bargaining: [Two weeks ago]: “If I’m going to be tending to my personal-care needs for the foreseeable future, I totally deserve to splurge on a few cute lounge sets.”
Depression: [One week ago]: “OMG, I’m going to look like a train wreck when this is all over.”
Acceptance: [Saturday]: “Let’s just get this over with and move on.”
In my particular case, I feel like the “depression” stage is going to be an ongoing challenge. My toes look pretty good (if I may say so myself), and my legs and bikini line are bathing-suit ready now, but once it’s time for the next DIY pedicure, I’m pretty sure I won’t feel as good about it.
For the record, while I may come across as very high-maintenance (which I am), this has all been part of my job for the last 20+ years—but those who really know me this isn’t ALL I’m about. (I backpacked across Europe after college sans pedicure, swapped dirty white tank tops with my bestie for 8 weeks and was just fine.) But right here, right now, I’ve come to realize that I need a pedicure or wax as much as I need to add another handbag to my collection when I’m not leaving the house. (I actually purchased a “Spring/Summer” bag early last month that never had a chance to see the light of day.)
My hair is a different story, but I haven’t reached DEFCON 1 as of yet so I’ll just put on a headband and leave that for another day. I’ll be OK, and we’ll all be OK. This is just temporary, and we’ll all be back to our usual personal-maintenance schedules eventually. Until then, we’ll do what we can—and I’m here to provide tips and tricks that can help all of us feel our best during this crazy time.
If you have any specific questions, PLEASE email me at paige@insiderbeautybuzz.com. I promise I’ll get back to you!
Xoxo,
Paige
