COVID-19 has meant we’re all working long hours in the hospital, sometimes even with personal protective equipment (PPE). Here are some tips to help you look your best, even on little sleep and no food.

Bag the bags

So you’ve been in the COVID unit for 92 straight hours; is that really an excuse for looking so tired? For dark circles or bags under your eyes, try cold compresses or tea bags. Even if your hospital’s out of PPE, the breakroom may have some old packets lying around. If you’re in an outdoor COVID tent, be sure to put on SPF 15 every morning to avoid premature aging.

Get the right equipment

Just like before starting a procedure, make sure you do a “time out” and check your equipment. Ideally, your call room should have magnifying mirrors, adjustable LED lights, an eyelash curler, eyeshadow and brow brushes in various sizes, and a full case of eyeshadows, blushers and bronzers. Most of these come in portable sizes, so you can take them with you to and from work.  Just don’t forget to sanitize when you get home.

Amp up eye make-up

Those surgical masks block the lower half your face, so now’s the time to up your eye game. Have fun with it! Try a sexy cat eye look if you’re on the prowl; with the bars closed, unconventional dating might take off. A smokey eye can help you pull off the plague doctor vibe, or try colorful glitter for a “This must be a bad dream!” vibe. But nobody wants smudges, so make sure you use an eyeshadow primer, especially if you’re at one of those places using eye PPE.

Accentuate your assets

Sure, it’s important to protect yourself, coworkers, and patients from COVID. But remember that little things can go far! Try tying the sash on your contact precautions gown to accentuate your curves. Or swap out your Crocs for leg-lengthening clogs.

Skin care for restoration

Those medical-grade wipes are a great way to kill COVID and remove your make-up in one easy step. But, in addition to probably causing cancer, they can really dry out your skin. So apply moisturizer after your full decontamination routine. And then get some sleep; we’re gonna need your beauty and brains tomorrow!