I'm sure many of you have been feeling a lot of anxiety and fear due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the state of the economy. The current situation can even be panic-inducing for many people. I think that it's so, so necessary right now to take some time for yourself and care for yourself. It's important to remember that you and your needs are important too. One of my favorite life lessons is the airplane oxygen mask metaphor, which is that we always hear flight attendants instructing us to place the mask on ourselves before assisting others because I believe that you have to be in a good place yourself before you are able to help others. I hope you like my tips for practicing self-care at home and the products I recommend!
Dress Comfortably
Why not throw on a comfy robe or loungewear and some slippers especially if you're planning an at-home spa day?
Loungewear
Brooklinen Boerum Jogger ($75)
Robes
BHLDN Rosa Kimono ($88)
In Bloom by Jonquil Mia Wrap ($50 - currently on sale at Nordstrom for $30!)
Simply Vera Vera Wang "Mrs." Satin Wrap Robe ($58 - currently on sale at Kohl's for $29!)
UGG Braelyn II Robe ($88)
Slippers
Pottery Barn Faux Fur Slippers ($39.50 - currently on sale for $22.99!)
UGG Ansley Water Resistant Slipper ($99.95)
UGG Genuine Shearling Slipper ($119.95)
Hair Care
I have a pretty oily scalp, and I used to wash my hair every day until I started going to a hair salon, and a hair stylist told me that I was stripping the natural oils and that was very damaging for my hair. Try to ease up on the washing, and break the daily hair washing habit if that's what you're currently doing! I try to wash my hair every other day now, and sometimes even wait two or three days.
Ditch the towel, which can cause hair breakage. A good alternative is the Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban ($30), which will help to improve the overall health of hair for less frizz and breakage, more body, and more vibrant hair color.
I've also been taking a break from hair styling tools because heat from dryers, flat irons, and curling irons also damage hair. I also try to let my hair air dry at least once a week now and have been seeing a lot of improvement in my split ends and the overall appearance of my hair.
If you've ever highlighted or permed your hair at a hair salon, you've probably heard of Olaplex. I try to get it done whenever I go in for a balayage because chemical treatments like hair lightening are just so harsh for your hair. Olaplex, a three-step process that aims to repair and prevent hair damage by restoring your hair's broken bonds, is definitely the industry's top treatment. It's amazing not only because it actually works but also because it works with literally all hair types and textures.
So the first two steps of the Olaplex system are for professional use only and actually take place at the salon, and the third step and beyond is used at home to extend the quality. You don't have to head to the salon for the complete treatment if you don't want to, and you can always just skip right to step 3. The Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 ($28 for standard size of 3.3 oz/100ml) is like a mini treatment, and I've been using it every week or so at home! I don't use the Bond Maintenance Shampoo or Conditioner, but I can still see the improvements in my hair with just using the No.3!
There are also a lot of easy DIY hair mask recipes using ingredients that can be found right in your kitchen that are available online. An easy one calls for a banana, honey, and a tablespoon of olive, coconut, almond, or argan oil. Mash them up or blend them together, and massage the paste into your head and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
Scalp Serum
Meditation / Yoga
This time period has been a stressful time for many people, and it's important to take a moment for yourself. Meditating can help you calm down, but if you find the idea of meditating daunting or unachievable, start small and keep trying a variety of techniques. You won't know what works for you until you try!
Breath counting meditation is an easy technique for beginners. First, find a quiet place to sit, and start by counting your breath from 1 to 10 with each inhalation and exhalation cycle being one. Once you reach 10, start counting your breaths beginning at 1.
If you prefer to follow a guided meditation, Sundays Studio, a wellness nail care brand offering non-toxic products and mindful services in NYC, is providing its guided medications at no charge on Spotify. There are also many apps available such as Calm, Headspace, and Simple Habit.
Staying active helps to boost blood circulation and skin wellness. Lululemon is offering free online classes for strength training and yoga for all levels.
Nail Care
You can DIY a beautiful and affordable manicure and/or gel mani/pedi even at home.
The Sephora Collection Tough As Nails Deluxe Manicure Kit is a seven-piece tool set perfect for creating a flawless manicure and is only $20! Each set contains a cuticle nipper, angled nail clipper, scissors, nail clipper, double ended cuticle trimmer/pusher, cuticle trimmer, and toe nail clipper in a durable zippered case, and each tool is full size.
Le Mini Macaron is fast and easy with gel manicure kits ($35) that include a 1-step gel polish and cute LED lamp shaped like a macaron. They also have a Gel Manicure Starter Set ($24) that comes without a gel polish, so that you can pick any color you want from their range to customize your own starter set.
Skin Care
Hydrate or Diedrate! Drinking water flushes toxins out of our systems and hydrates our bodies overall. When we're hydrated, it's easier for our skincare products to do what they're supposed to do.
Like I said in my Things to Do While in Self-Isolation post, treat yo'self with some face masks! Try a facial roller to soothe your skin and help minimize puffiness and boost smoothness.
Do the multiple step skin care routine that you don't normally have time for! If the face mask is supposed to be rinsed off (like a charcoal or clay mask), apply it before the rest of your skin care routine. If the face mask is supposed to be left on overnight, put it on as the last step of your nighttime skin care routine. Target certain areas with a concentrated serum and use a face moisturizer to finish.
Eye Gel
Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye 5-Minute HydroGels ($15 for 5 count / $50 for 30 count)
Face Mask
Aromatherapy Associates Skin Treatment Hydrosol Sheet Mask ($68 - currently on sale for $30.60)
bliss Mint Chip Mania ($15)
Cooling Gel Face Mask ($9.50 - reusable!)
Facial Roller
At-Home Spa Day Products to Try
Bath Soak
Mer-Sea & Co. Bath Soak ($24)
Body Scrub
Candles
Turn off the lights and take in the relaxing scents of the candles.
Homesick Candle ($29.95)
Voluspa White Cypress Glass Jar Candle ($18 - currently on sale at Sephora for $13.50)
Essential Oil Diffusers
The beautifully-crafted stone diffusers from Vitruvi ($119) are handcrafted in Taiwan and helps you diffuse essential oils throughout your home while doubling as a simple piece of decor with its minimalistic design.
Foot Massager
Miso Shiatsu Foot Massager ($139.99)
Naipo Foot Massager ($44.99)
RENPHO Foot Massager ($125.99)
Hand Cream
Rituals The Ritual of Dao Night Balm ($12.50)
Heat Pack
Himalayan Salt Lamp
Scalp Massager
Stress Relief Ball
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