There’s nothing that I like more than a nice, lengthy pamper session after a long, cold Autumn day.
During summer I rarely get to have those lengthy self-care sessions- the most I do is slap a 5-minute mask on my face- but Autumn is a different story. I can have a long bath (because who wants to soak in scolding hot water during summer, amiright?) burn my favorite candle, read a book and actually let that face mask dry.
The first thing that I always do is turn off my phone. Your time is the most precious thing that you have and I think it’s so important to just unplug once in a while, even if it’s just for 15 or 20 minutes.
I love to go all-out and prepare myself a little healthy snack- usually some fruit- and hot raspberry herbal tea, I bring a stack of magazines and draw myself a bath. I’ve seen pretty much every single blogger I know talk about Lush Bath Bombs, but I’ve actually never used them. One of my bath-time essentials is Dr. Teals Epsom Soaking Solution in Relax and Relief with Spearmint and Eucalyptus. I’ve been using this stuff for years, it’s super cheap (one bag lasts me an entire season) and it really helps to relax my tense muscles, soften my skin and the smell of spearmint and eucalyptus is just amazing- very relaxing and soothing.
Usually, when taking care of my face I’d cleanse, exfoliate, then treat and moisturize, but since my recent favorite Pumpkin Enzyme Mask by Peter Thomas Roth is such a great multitasker, I can exfoliate and treat in one step. I know I just reviewed this mask a few weeks ago, but I seriously can’t get enough. The pumpkin spice scent is a huge bonus- although I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin, I’m absolutely in love with its smell.
I usually don’t bother with lip scrubs- all I use is a moist washcloth- but I love to indulge in a little sugar lip scrub once in a while (mine is from Victoria’s Secret) and then follow up with a ton of lip balm.
After a good soak, I usually use a body scrub then follow up with body butter. Since my face is still pretty dry (I honestly don’t know if it will ever adjust to that tretinoin cream I’m on?!) I first use Darphin’s Purifying Balm all over my face (even under my eyes) and then follow up with Jurlique’s Skin Balancing Oil. If it’s nighttime, then I follow up with Retin-A right before bed, as I always do. I usually wait for the Retin-A to absorb and then apply some Cetaphil Cream.
The last thing I do, after I get out of the bath is to paint my nails. I first apply just a little of Dior’s Creme Abricot and then push my cuticles. Creme Abricot is really thick and sticky, so I let it sit for about five minutes and wash off whatever didn’t absorb during that time, and then I paint my nails.
