How To Enjoy A Spa Break During The Lockdown
Selfcare has never been as important as it is right now. Obviously selfcare means different things to different people - whether it’s creating your own spa at home or just taking time to watch Netflix with a glass of gin (that’s me). Whatever your way of taking care of yourself, I believe it’s really important just to make sure you take some time to do what you enjoy and relax - especially right now.
It’s easy to get into a habit of being always on the go. For me, I feel like I should always be working, or shooting for Instagram, or making a TikTok and can forget to actually spend time using some of the lovely beauty products I have. So in writing this article I have forced myself to find out which are my favourite ways to indulge in some selfcare. Here are my favourite ways and my favourite products to help me relax:
Credit: BeautyLaundrette
Taking A Bath
If you do it right, taking a bath can be one of the most relaxing things. If you don’t do it right, it may just feel like soaking in your own filth (yuck). For me it’s important to have the right tools for the job. These tools include a lovely bubblebath or bath oil, some good music and of course some beautiful candles! My ultimates right now include the Beauty Laundrette Bubble Soak from Superdrug* which smells delicious, or if you’re more of a bath oil person, I love the Oliverum Bath Oil* which leaves my skin so so soft. I love a good candle for setting the spa mood - my favourite is this BAIS Diptyque beauty. And music? Well Beyonce of course, so I can imagine myself performing Coachella 2020.
2. Scrubbing The Pain Away
Don’t worry, this title makes it sound a lot more painful than it is. It’s just about taking a little time to look after your body. I for one am very bad at not taking care of the skin on my body in the same way I do as the skin on my face. Whilst my routines for my face are in-depth and absolutely not avoided (however drunk) my body gets a little left behind. Taking your time on a good scrub is actually great to indulge in once in a while and leaves me feeling totally refreshed (and clean). My favourite body products are the Nourishing Body Polish from Beauty Pie and basically all of Skin City’s body range* which is beautiful and super affordable.
3. Taking Care Of My Hands
Of course right now with all the hand washing we’re doing, our hands may be needing a little more love. It’s really important to take excellent care of your hands. Mine are very dry a lot of the time anyway (because shock horror, I actually washed my hands before!) so I have always been very armed with a good hand cream. As the skin on my face is quite sensitive, I can’t really use fragranced products on my face, but as the skin on my hands is harder I can use fragrance, wohooo. So when it comes to hand cream - finding one that smells delicious is kind of a priority. My favourites are the luxury ones from the likes of Chanel and Aesop. I like to be bougie and of course it looks great in your handbag.
4. Bringing The Nail Salon Home
I don’t know about you, but I am missing getting my nails done. Just the ritual of going to the salon and getting some fresh nails was always something I looked forward to. And following on from the previous point, taking care of your hands does not stop at hand cream. Despite becoming lazy over the years, it’s time to face facts, it is possible (and way more affordable) to do your own nails. I’ve ordered some nail polish and using the lovely tools from Malva Belle* I will be giving myself a weekly manicure. It may be a slightly different ritual, but having a fresh set of nails feels even more satisfying when it’s done at home.
5. Slap On A Face Mask
Finally, there is nothing more spa-like than putting on a good face mask. This is probably the only time I really do force myself to do nothing. Just lie back and try to clear my mind. There are so many face masks out there that do tons of different things and it really depends what you’re trying to do - hydration? Exfoliation? I love a good eye mask too which I find so soothing and de-puffing. My favourites right now are the Heimish Bulgarian Rose Hydrogel Eye Patches and the Good Molecules Caffeine Energising Hydrogel Eye Patches* . Whole face masks takes a little longer and I will do it less often. My true favourite has always been the Oskia Renaissance Mask - this is a forever favourite of mine and has the extra exfoliating properties to leave my skin brighter and softer. And after all that I feel totally refreshed and ready for…. sitting on a the sofa with a gin!