Redefining Radiance: How Lockdown Changed the Way We See Beauty
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the world collectively hit pause, so did our daily routines—including the rituals we relied on to look and feel our best. Without commutes, coffee runs, or office meetings, many of us found ourselves questioning our old beauty habits. As salons shuttered and makeup bags gathered dust, something surprising happened: we started looking at beauty through a softer, more personal lens.
As a naturopathic doctor who specializes in skin health, I’ve had the chance to witness these shifts firsthand. While the pandemic brought undeniable challenges, it also opened the door to a new kind of beauty—one rooted in authenticity, self-care, and simplicity.
When Slowing Down Became a Wake-Up Call
“I never realized how much effort I put into getting ready every morning—until I stopped,” admits Patrick, a courtroom lawyer. Stripped of his usual schedule and societal expectations, he describes grooming not as a necessity, but as a burden. And he’s not alone. Dozens of patients and clients have shared similar stories: letting go of routines that once felt non-negotiable—and feeling surprisingly free in the process.
Jen, who works in the skincare industry, described going makeup-free for days for the first time in years. “It was freeing,” she said. “I had the chance to really see my skin and care for it in a way I hadn’t before.”
The common theme? With nowhere to go and no one to impress, people were finally focusing on their skin—not to cover it, but to nurture it.
The Rise of At-Home Beauty and DIY Confidence
The lockdown also sparked a wave of creativity and experimentation. In the same way people turned to baking bread or crafting sourdough starters, many embraced the art of doing beauty treatments themselves.
Samantha, a Toronto-based loungewear designer, recalls learning to French braid her hair for the first time and diving into DIY skincare. “It felt indulgent in a new way—like I was finally making time for myself, just because I could.”
Similarly, Patrick took up a new challenge: cutting his spouse’s hair. “There’s something satisfying about learning to do something you never thought you could,” he reflected. Like many others, he found beauty in the process—not just the result.
This DIY approach didn’t just save time and money—it empowered people to reconnect with themselves in a hands-on, meaningful way.
What We Missed When Salons Closed
Of course, not everything was easily replaced. High-skill treatments like micro-needling and professional facials fell by the wayside. “I really miss my micro-needling sessions,” Alison confessed. “They made such a difference in my skin—but it’s something that just doesn’t work well on your own.”
Beyond the treatments themselves, many missed the people behind them. Sandi, a longtime makeup artist and esthetician, pointed out that these appointments were about more than just looking good. “They were acts of self-care, rituals, even friendships,” she said. “I miss taking care of my clients—and being cared for in return.”
A Shift Toward Sustainable Beauty
As restrictions eased and life slowly returned to a new version of normal, many people found they didn’t want to go back to their pre-pandemic beauty routines.
“I don’t think I’ll ever wear makeup the same way again,” said Alison. “I’ve fallen in love with having hydrated, healthy skin instead of covering it up.”
Samantha echoed this sentiment, explaining how her work-from-home lifestyle helped her build a beauty routine that felt more relaxed—but no less intentional. “Yes, I let go of some routines, but I also learned to elevate the ones that make me feel good,” she explained. “Doing a face mask in the middle of the day or a luxurious shower break—those became my new treats.”
Her experience even inspired her to launch Soft Focus, a loungewear brand built around the idea that comfort and confidence can co-exist. “Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you don’t want to feel like the best version of yourself,” she shared.
Beauty That Reflects, Not Masks
What the lockdown ultimately revealed was this: beauty doesn’t have to be performative. It can be personal, intuitive, and healing. For many, the absence of external pressures allowed for a deeper kind of self-connection—one that prioritized wellness over perfection, intention over routine.
And as we move forward into a post-pandemic world, that mindset is here to stay. Beauty is no longer just about what you apply to your face—it’s about how you care for yourself, how you honor your time, and how you express who you are without needing permission.
So whether you’re blending your own hair mask, skipping foundation, or simply enjoying the quiet joy of brushing your hair slowly in the morning—know that this new version of beauty is yours to keep.
