11 luxury self-care products to keep on hand in quarantine

The pandemic has altered all of our day-to-day lives over the past seven months, from business and school to how we socialize. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is indulging in our favorite beauty products.

In fact, if anything, it’s become even more important to find a moment for yourself throughout the day - whether it’s lighting your favorite candle while settling in with a good book or expertly going through your multi-step skincare regimen.

And if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration as restrictions start all over again, this list of luxury beauty products has something to suit every preference. From a blue light protection serum that shields your skin during all that extra screen time to celebrity-loved silk pillowcases, these are the luxury beauty products you’re going to want to stock up on.

Diptyque Set Of Small Candles, $108

If you’re going to be spending all of your time indoors, you may as well make it as enjoyable as possible. For the indecisive, Diptyque’s set of candles lets you indulge in three of the brand’s most popular fragrances (Roses, Berries and Fig Tree). No matter which candle you choose, it’s best paired with your favorite face mask, a glass of prosecco and a rom-com marathon.

Olive & June The Studio Box, $50

You’ll hardly miss your manicure appointments once you get your hands on the Olive & June kit (or, at least it will hold you over for the next few months). The LA-based salon curated this DIY box with all of the essentials - nail polish remover, clipper, file, buffer cube, cuticle serum, clean-up brush for touch-ups, their Poppy polish bottle handle, a top coat and a nail polish color of your choice. They also have nail stickers you can add on top if you’re a nail art devotee.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden, $95

A full face of makeup may currently be on pause, but for running errands or hopping on another Zoom call, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer does the trick. It adds an instant filter-like effect to the skin thanks to its golden, pearlescent color. And because it’s loaded with good-for-skin ingredients like black tea ferment and algae extract, pores and fine lines are gradually minimized with continued use. It’s also hypoallergenic and free of potentially irritating ingredients like alcohol and fragrance.

Chantecaille Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum, $150

You already know that the blue light emitted from devices like your laptop and phone is bad for your eyes, but new research also suggests that it can be damaging to your skin, too. If your screen time is up now that you’re working from home, you can help protect your skin from long-term effects like hyperpigmentation and the breakdown of collagen with Chantecaille’s Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum. The lightweight serum hydrates with hyaluronic acid and acts like a shield against blue light exposure thanks to a blend of botanical ingredients.

Eve Lom Cleanser, $135

In the eight-plus years I’ve worked in beauty, I’ve yet to find a cleanser that tops Eve Lom’s. The balm cleanser gets massaged over your face while it’s still dry, and it removes even the most stubborn makeup (if you haven’t completely given up on makeup, that is) once you rinse off. Despite being tough on dirt, oil and makeup, the balm itself is super-gentle, using ingredients like clove, eucalyptus and chamomile oil to leave the skin feeling soft. Plus, it comes with a muslin cloth that somehow makes washing your face seem more spa-like.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $99

There’s a reason the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence continues to top best of beauty lists. The essence was the first product introduced by the Japanese brand, and its hero ingredient, Pitera, is full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Designed to be applied (two drops are all you need) after cleansing and toning, the Facial Treatment Essence will leave your skin instantly refreshed and soft while helping to diminish fine lines and improve the skin’s clarity with continued use.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Serums, $250 - $350

Skincare enthusiasts will already be familiar with Dr. Sturm, whose background in orthopedic surgery informed her scientific approach to skincare. Her MC1 cream, which uses the patient’s own blood cells to help heal the skin is a favorite of Hailey Bieber’s, but it also requires a visit to Dr. Sturm’s clinic in Germany.

For a standout product that doesn’t require an international flight. Dr. Sturm’s serum range is comprised of concentrated formulas that target a variety of skin concerns. From an intensely hydrating Hyaluronic Serum that pairs high and low weighted hyaluronic molecules to a Calming Serum that instantly soothes irritation while strengthening the skin’s barrier over time, you’ll find more than one go-to formula. You can even give them a test drive with her mini options.

Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel, $88.50

Esthetician Renée Rouleau’s approach to skincare has earned her a celebrity following that includes Demi Lovato and Lili Reinhart. Her line of products aims at helping you to identify your skin type so that you can better treat concerns, with an emphasis on non-irritating ingredients always at the forefront. Rouleau’s Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is a fan favorite for its ability to resurface the skin without the risk of causing any irritation that will have you calling up your dermatologist for an emergency appointment.

Hourglass Cosmetics No. 28 Lip Oil Treatment, $49

With colder weather settling in, a lip balm is about to become as essential as your mask. But for serious hydration, the Hourglass Cosmetics Lip Oil Treatment is formulated with a blend of botanical oils and active ingredients that boost moisture levels and plump up lips while keeping them protected from damaging environmental elements. It also comes in six tinted shades if you want to glam up your quarantine look.

St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse, $44

During a pandemic that kept most of us from heading to the beach this past summer, a DIY tan will at least let you fake a holiday glow (it’s also much better for your skin’s health than roasting out in the sun, so at least 2020 brought us one piece of good news). St. Tropez’s Dark Bronzing Mousse is foolproof thanks to the guide color that lets you see exactly where your tan is going, and the bronze glow you’re left with after the tan has developed and you’ve rinsed off is completely natural looking. (But don’t forget to use a tanning mitt to apply, and wear dark clothes to avoid any stains as the color sets in.)

Slip Silk Pillowcases, $89

Yes, silk pillowcases (and a matching sleep mask) are luxurious enough on their own, but they also serve a practical purpose. Compared to your average cotton pillowcase, Slip Silk Pillowcases are gentler on your hair, absorb less of your nightly moisturizer and even reduce friction on your skin (aka, no crease lines). Just make sure you switch to one of your old pillowcases if you’ve applied self-tanner before bed - or tried your hand at the at-home hair dye.