I've been on this de-stress, do anything I can to keep calm (literally keep calm) journey for the past few months as my work piles up and my plans keep changing which I can't really control. So I went on a little virtual shopping trip and found some over-the-top products that helped me find that "ahhhhhhh" moment I've been begging for!
You have to create the ambiance, first. This is so key to putting you in the mental space. A cluttered bathroom will just stress you out. I cleaned off my entire counter, making room only for candles. Go for scents that relax. Lavender will kick start the process.
I have a little vintage pineapple night light I keep in there. That kept the lighting right where I needed it to be. Too bright will just kill the vibe. If your bathroom is large enough and you have a tub, you can bypass ceiling lighting and light up your oasis with candles. The more the better!
So here are the products I think will really leave feelings ultra relaxed and ready to take on the world! It's all about the feeling and real effects. This is for both in bath and facial treatments.
Filling your bath with this super luscious and aromatically intoxicating amber vanilla honey bath. I wanted to stay in the tub longer than my skin could take it was so perfect. Laura Mercier created this high end bath with her two fragrances inspirations: amber and vanilla, to create a soothing experience. The creamy wash is probably the best I've used. A finger tip's worth will lather enough for three thorough hand-washes. For a full bath, use the honey stick to twirl the emulsion into super warm water. It'll turn into a soft but really foamy layer in no time. Shuffle your legs around, too, for more foam -- I've always found that therapeutic. That'll lift notes of sandalwood and citrus which I find stand out the most. Seriously, I think I've found my new body wash. It's too good to just use for sensual spa days at home! Lay and bask in its luxe.
Rinse off after soaking in that decadent amber vanilla bath and move to exfoliating your body with ESPA relaxing salt scrub. Your body's already clean, but this scrub with bits of Dead Sea particles will polish your skin and leave a subtle glow and radiance. I particularly like softness of it. It's not as abrasive as other scrubs I've used. This also has notes of almond which are noticeable and will layer nicely above the Mercier honey bath.
You should be in a state of blissful lush right now.
I finish with applying L'Occitane's Almond Milk Concentrate. Another 5* in my book of make a girl feel and look fabulous. This stuff just works. So much, it was out stock at Nordstrom the last two times I went in to grab more. I've gone through that jar already because I found myself using it every other shower. It's super supple and goes a long way, too, but I love lathering up and making sure I cover every knook and cranny on my body.
FINISH WITH...
Your face. Now that your body's a gem, rejuve your face with some essentials. Luxe line by Erno Laszlo of NY has an amazing full rounded collection of products for the girls an fellas that scream "do me right!" This ph balanced finding pre-cleansing oil pull away impurities before you do a final wash on your face. It leaves your skins surface feeling supple, tight and as clean as possible for an additional layer of cleanings. Sometimes, especially when doing spa treatments, two rounds of cleansing is necessary. The point is really wash away impurities and leave us feeling so rejuvenated we look foreward to getting back to the norms.
Finish off with ESPA's Hydrating Cleansing Milk. I thought it'd great to finish super smooth and soft where your skin can really feel the effects of soothing treatments. Nothing too harsh. It subtly takes away anything left behind, which at this point of our spa treatment, should be nil! And get this, this also has almond oils infused in the cleaner.
As a bonus, though I didn't include here, wrap your full face with Orico London Superico Face Oil --- my obsessive addiction these days. It's just a bonus. You've done enough already!
This is it! It's a process, but so worth the experience of not only taking time for yourself, but also knowing you took time to get to know products that really leave you feelings super special and glowing. There's something for feeling wonderful after a long week, month, or season of stress.
Find all of these of fab products at your local Barney's, Nordstrom, Sephora, L'Occitane Boutique. You'll splurge for sure but you're worth it!
So share with me! What's your at-home spa routine?! Was this helpful?
See my previous post on treating yourself to a private massage on the beaches of the Caribbean!
2 comments:
I love the cleansing milk. Do you have a suggestion for salt scrub substitute? I would like to exfoliate but salt seems to give me this strange feeling on my skin during the bath.
Hey Nicki! Love when you come by. You make me think! But I always have an answer. Try a sugar scrub! So good. I can make one and share a recipe here next week? Make sure to come back. A friend made me one once and it was great!
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