How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse: A Beauty Lover's Guide

Is there a place for a beauty lover in a zombie-infested world? In post-apocalyptic films, everyone seems so well-adjusted. Where are the women who can’t go out in the sun without layers of SPF? Or those who draw their superpowers from immaculate manicures? The girls with multi-step skincare routines? If you feel misrepresented in zombie pop culture, this guide is for you. Find out how to survive a zombie apocalypse if you really, really love beauty.

A few months have passed since Patient Zero. Humans and zombies roam Earth, the former avoiding crossing paths with the latter. You live in a settlement with your family. You’re feeling a lot of things. Sad and scared? These are givens. The truth is you also feel crummy and not at all like yourself.

In popular zombie films, women aren’t allowed to have these feelings. They’re not supposed to care about physical appearance. Beauty is frivolous when you’re in survival mode. Or is it? What if you could keep your beauty regimen – with a few minor adjustments – and keep slaying? Here’s how.

Ah, yes. Bathing is a thing of the past unless you live near a stream or any flowing body of water. In this case, you would probably be better off cleaning your body first. Hair hygiene is always the first to go. But don’t worry, you can make your own dry shampoo to use between washes. Grab some cornstarch on your next grocery run and use it to absorb oil on your scalp. Once a week, mix it with a few teaspoons of baking soda to deodorize and freshen your hair.

There’s nothing wrong with staying true to your passion in post-apocalyptic times. Beauty products are probably gathering dust at department stores. Avoid grabbing eye makeup, mascara, and foundation, since these tend to have short shelf lives. Instead, go for lipsticks, which can last up to three years from opening. Petroleum jelly is also handy for soothing dry skin, moisturizing minor cuts, and removing stains. It lasts up to three years; five if stored properly. Grab some rubbing alcohol, which you can use as a deodorant.

If there’s ever a time to be a plantita again, this is it. Growing your own vegetable and herb garden makes sense when you can’t venture too far from your camp. Why not plant aloe vera? This fast-growing succulent plant can soothe minor injuries and alleviate dry skin caused by extreme temperatures. It can keep your teeth healthy and help with digestive issues.

Don’t let your fragrance collection go to waste. In The Walking Dead, zombies can smell pheromones in sweat. Therefore, the humans covered themselves in zombie parts to hide their scent. If slathering undead serum on your skin isn’t your thing, try dousing yourself in your favorite perfume instead. This chemical camouflage can help mask sweat and body odor. Since you’re not going on an island getaway any time soon, you might as well put that Neroli Portofino to good use.

How to survive the zombie apocalypse? Evade the wrath of UV rays! If your sunscreen reserves are running out, double up on other means of protection instead. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and a scarf to protect your neck when going outdoors. Protect your face, ears, and scalp with a lightweight hat. Use sunglasses or protective goggles when the sun is bright. Don’t forget to shield your legs, too. At your camp, board up glass windows that don’t filter UVA rays.

The threat of mosquito-borne diseases is high, especially amid decay. Avoid bugs by making sure the perfume you use to camouflage your scent isn’t floral. In 2019, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported that mosquitoes are attracted to floral scents as much as they are to human chemistry. You could also make bug spray with herbs like citronella, thyme, lavender, rosemary, and mint. Crush the leaves and steep them in boiling water. Let the mixture cool, strain, and spray away.

One valuable takeaway from World War Z: the September Issue can save your life, and not just in a metaphorical Andy Sachs way. Grab your glossy magazines and roll them around your forearms. Keep them in place with good old duct tape. As Brad Pitt demonstrates in the movie, zombies can’t munch their way through multiple pages of C2S 180.

One thing to remember about how to survive a zombie apocalypse is preparedness is key. Have a well-stocked go-bag handy in case of emergencies. Fill it with your personal essentials and universal must-haves like flashlights, batteries, hypothermia blankets, and bandages.

It should also contain deodorants, sunscreen, and cleansers like Lifebuoy Antibacterial Body Wash with Multivitamins+ Total 10 and Lifebuoy Antibacterial Hand Wash with Multivitamins+ Total 10. These will keep disease-causing bacteria at bay. Stock up on alcohol, too. You can use it as an all-around sanitizer.

Wondering how to survive a zombie apocalypse as a beauty lover? You’re not alone. Stock up on essentials and build yourself an emergency kit. While you’re at it, consider the suggestions above and maybe start growing an herb garden or collecting magazines again.