Five things making lockdown easier this week, early May 2020

Time for some new reviews, and this time I’m specifically looking for little treats and services that are making the lockdown easier. We have powerhouse skincare, super-easy makeup, an excuse to change out of your jim jams, and an app that aims to keep you in tip top shape. Let’s go!

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | £6.30 for 30ml. Buy at Deciem.

This is a powerful 10-minute exfoliating facial, with 30% alpha hydroxy acids, 2% beta hydroxy acid (aka salicylic acid) and Vitamin B5, to fight blemishes and improve skin texture and radiance. If you’re stuck at home it’s easier to do some serious skincare, and many of us are doing deep cleans and other treatments. This stuff really works but be warned that you must follow the instructions carefully, and moisturise and use sun protection afterwards, because it’s strong.

Beauty Pie Shine Up™ Lip Colour Balm Stick in ‘Baby Bare’ shade | Edited to add: I am no longer willing to recommend this company or its products.

Beauty Pie Triple Beauty Liquid Luminizer in ‘Golden Whirl’ | Edited to add: I am no longer willing to recommend this company or its products.

UNIQLO Women’s Airism Cotton Ribbed Sleeveless Bra Top | £19.99. Buy here.

For those days when you totally can’t be arsed to sling on a bra, but you don’t want to rock up to an online meeting or open the door to a courier with your nips poking out either. A comfy cotton vest that’s nice to wear, and gives you that essential thin veneer of professionalism at the same time. Smarter than those skanky pyjamas innit. Available in several different sizes and colourways, with an online fitting guide. If you prefer a different style they have a whole section on their website.

Auro fitness app | From £5.00 per month, find out more here.

Missing the gym? Need to get moving? I’ve been trying out this fitness app and it’s the next best thing to having a personal trainer, so it’s perfect for lockdown. The app includes loads of different strength and stamina workouts, most of which can be done at home either with or without equipment, and has classes and programmes for all levels of fitness. It even includes a range of yoga, stretching and meditation options which is ideal if you feel the need to relax and unwind. I like the demonstration videos for some of the exercises, so you can check you’re doing them correctly then go back to listening, and another really nice feature is that if you don’t like the background music you can change it to your own Spotify playlist.

There’s a 30-day free trial if you want to test it out for yourself, and after that you can either go for month-by-month for £11.99 or a year for £59.99 (just under £5 per month). Currently half price if you work for the NHS. Suitable for android or iOS phones.

Full disclosure: I have been gifted an extended free trial of Auro with no obligation to review. All other items bought by myself. I only discuss items and services that I genuinely like, and all words and comments are my own.