Self-care Diaries: Erika Fox, the influencer using all her good facemasks in lockdown

How influencer Erika Fox is spending this time in lockdown.

Self-care doesn’t mean you have to be a kundalini yogi, have mastered meditation or achieved nirvana. Even the most minute act done for yourself, from wearing bright lipstick to making yourself a cup of tea, has the power to turn your whole day around. There is no right way to do it. So we’re asking women during this period of isolation to tell us about the joyful moments in their days, be it a beauty product or a Netflix series.

Today’s self-care diary comes from Kerry-born, NYC-based blogger Erika Fox, a.k.a Retro Flame. Erika has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Olivia Palermo, Refinery29 and Whitney Port before leaving her job to work full time on Retro Flame.

Here, she shares how she’s spending her lockdown.

Where are you self isolating at the moment?
I am self-isolating in my apartment in New York City.

What is your daily routine consisting of while in quarantine?
I’m trying my best to stick as closely to my usual routine as possible. The fact that I already work from home has made that slightly easier. It usually begins with my morning routine. I love to get out for air first thing. I then come home, have my breakfast, take my vitamins and get ready to start my workday. I try to stick to my usual 9 am-6 pm work hours and then get out for another walk in the evening and try to squeeze a workout in too. I’m definitely cooking with my boyfriend a lot more which has been nice!

How are you dressing while working from home?
I’m trying my best to get dressed as I normally would but of course, keeping it a little more comfy and casual. I’ve invested in some cashmere sets which I’ve been wearing a lot!

Are you working out or moving your body while at home?
Yes, trying to. It’s definitely harder to motivate yourself to work out at home but I find any movement is such a help to keep me focused. Even a short walk or run. My go-to online workouts are pilates and boxing. I love to follow @melissawoodhealth for pilates and I do the @doyourumble Instagram Live workouts when I feel like something a little more high intensity.

How are you engaging with self-care at the moment?
I’m practicing it a lot actually. Since we have a bit more time on our hands I think it’s the perfect opportunity to look after ourselves that little bit extra. I’ve been using all my ‘good’ face and hair masks, reading more and just taking time to think/moodboard. It’s been a huge benefit from this weird time.

What’s bringing you joy right now?
I just got a new coffee machine – the Breville Barista Express – and I don’t think I’ve ever loved something more, haha!

What’s been your favourite thing to eat while stuck at home?
Funnily enough, I think it’s been banana bread. My sister has been making it non-stop like a lot of others so we’ve been enjoying that.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50+, €39.50

What beauty product are you enjoying using the most at this time? 
My most used product right now is probably my IT Cosmetics CC cream. Such a nice, light foundation to pop on in the morning. It gives me such a lift!

Photography by @retroflame.

Read more Self-Care Diaries here.