Where the Heart Is: 17 Stories on the Simple Comfort of Beauty at Home

In its purest form, beauty has always stood at the intersection of creativity and wonder: the ability to see multitudes in something as simple as a swipe of red lipstick. It’s how we send a signal to the world, sure. But more than that, it’s a signal to ourselves. One that speaks to what we feel and who we are. These portraits and as-told-tos, entirely produced in homes during self-quarantine, is devoted to what beauty has come to mean when the collective becomes individual. To many, it is an act of self-care; to others, a moment of solidarity; and to some lucky ones, a family bond.

We asked 17 of our fellow beauty-loving humans (among them models, actors, entrepreneurs, artists) to share an image of themselves at home during these unprecedented times and share their thoughts and feelings during this time. These portraits are comforting reminders that even in an era of social distancing, beauty is still there, providing normalcy and small moments of joy.

At Home With Jessica Alba During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Where family bonding happens over face masks, manicures, and bubble baths.

Taraji P. Henson Is Doing Her Own Makeup, Hair, and Nails at Home

The actor shares how having regular spa days is helping her pass the time.

How Nina Dobrev's Skin Has Changed While Staying at Home

At home in L.A., the actor finds calm in workouts with her dog and experimentation with her brow regimen.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham on Making Memories Together

“We take a lot of pictures of family life together,” says Huntington-Whiteley, whose partner, actor Jason Statham, photographed her for this story.

<cite class="credit">Photographed by current roommate, Asha Scott</cite>
Photographed by current roommate, Asha Scott

Winnie Harlow's Entire At-Home Makeup Routine

The model offers up her guide to getting the perfect makeup for selfies, including her favorite brow pencils, tips for undereye circles, and the mascara she swears makes eyelashes look like extensions.

Inside Hairstylist Jen Atkin's Time at Home

She's advocating for foster dogs and helping hairstylists while testing a closetful of beauty products.

How Lily Aldridge Is Dealing With Anxiety During the Pandemic

At home with her family in Nashville, the model turns to meditation and at-home workouts to find calm.

<cite class="credit">Tracee Ellis Ross</cite>
Tracee Ellis Ross

Right Now, Tracee Ellis Ross Misses the Smell of Loved Ones

At home in Los Angeles, Ross thinks about her favorite scents and finding the joy in the day.

Bryce Anderson on Finding Artistic Inspiration at Home in Nevada

While sheltering in place with his family out West, the model is turning the lens on himself.

Models Breanna Box and Peter Dupont on Cohabitating During a Pandemic

The two were dating for just over a year when the COVID-19 outbreak led them to stay at home together.

The Wellness Routine Hilary Rhoda Has Followed While Staying Home

Being pregnant during a pandemic is a recipe for anxiety, but Rhoda is finding comfort in the little things.

<cite class="credit">Photographed by her mother, Therese Kerr</cite>
Photographed by her mother, Therese Kerr

Miranda Kerr's Balancing Act: Homework, Meetings, and Skin Care

The model’s self-care ritual begins just before the sun rises.

Model Herieth Paul Is Practicing Her Makeup Skills While Social Distancing

“I wore a dress I had made for me in Africa,” says the model. “I miss home so much, so I wanted to wear a little piece of it just to remind me that it’s all going to be okay.”

Choi Leung Preaches Self-Compassion During the Pandemic

Here’s how the model is staying creative right now — and why she's sticking to her usual beauty routine.

How Georgia Fowler is Finding Joy in Face Masks and Board Games

“I came to Sydney with a carry-on bag thinking I was going to be here for five days — but I imagine it will be many, many months.”

<cite class="credit">Photographed by her boyfriend, David Alexander Flinn</cite>
Photographed by her boyfriend, David Alexander Flinn

Why Soo Joo Park Feels Like She's Gone Back in Time

The model and her boyfriend share what they've been up to since New York began sheltering in place, including a simple-and-sweet birthday celebration.

Model Lindsey Wixson-Young’s Picture-Perfect Makeup Routine

As shelter-in-place orders continue around the country, the model shares her gratitude toward living somewhere as beautiful as Kansas.


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Originally Appeared on Allure