I know what you’re thinking… morning + pamper? Nobody has time for that.
Ah, yes…. time. It seems that nowadays we’re constantly on the run and rarely get to practice some self-care. Yes, you sometimes get to watch a movie, but it’s often happening while you’re also on your phone, answering emails. It’s sort of like resting, while still trying to remain active. You end up not getting any rest, at all.
This is one of the reasons why I love sneaking some self-care into my mornings; because 5.30-6.00 am is way too early to be answering emails. Especially if you’re still half-asleep.
QUICK BEAUTY TREATMENT
Few months ago, I mentioned these Lip Renewal FlashPatch 5 Minute Hydrogels from Patchology in this post right here, and they’re still a staple in my routine. I feel like I keep going on and on about it, but you know just how awful and dry my lips and skin have been during my acne treatment. Sometimes, even despite applying a ton of lip balm at night, I wake up with dry lips (which I have to say usually happens on nights I forget to turn on my humidifier). Lip Renewal FlashPatch Hydrogels are perfect to use in the morning, when you’re getting ready or about to do your makeup. Leave them on for 5 minutes to soften and smooth your lips. I actually like to leave them on a bit closer to 10 minutes, since my lips can use all the love and care they can get at the moment. After taking them off I dab in the excess serum and follow-up with my favorite lip product.
These hydrogels wear very comfortably and don’t slide all over the place, which is a huge plus since you can keep them on while doing other things, like styling your hair or doing your eye makeup. They’re great to use right before applying your matte lippies, too
MEDITATION
When I think “pamper” I don’t always think of beauty treatments. My morning routine also usually involves setting my intentions for the day, listening to a chapter or two of an audiobook and meditating. Most of the time, my morning is the only time I get to really slow down and spend some time not worrying about work or how many things I need to get done. I really think that having those little rituals to look forward to every morning, is what makes me feel excited to get out of bed, every single morning. Things like these are very much worth getting up 10 or 15 minutes early as they change the way your day starts. Take time to be kind and gentle to yourself. If you really don’t think you have time to meditate or create those little rituals for yourself, try backpack meditation which you can do pretty much anywhere.
DRY BRUSHING
We recently talked about dry brushing here on the blog and it’s definitely another part of my morning routine that I always look forward to. The skin-softening aspect of it isn’t the only thing I love about dry brushing- it’s something that’s also very invigorating and energizing; meaning, a little something we could all use in the morning. Also, it takes just 5 minutes. If you missed my post about dry brushing, you can find it right here.
DO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD
This is the best part about getting an early start to your day. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, you can still do something that brings you joy before you leave for work or school. It might be reading a magazine, a book, your favorite blog, writing, taking a walk with your dog- anything that brings you joy. How awesome would it be if instead of rushing out of the house because you’re running late, you could actually enjoy your morning tea or coffee, taking your time? Everyone knows that if you take your time and begin your day on a happy note, you’ll have a better start to your day than someone who keeps hitting that snooze button and runs out of the house in a rush. Make sure that you start your day with thoughts that are loving, peaceful, empowering.
FACE MASK
As much as I love using face masks, I probably don’t reach for them as often as I’d like to, for one particular reason: time. Applying the mask, waiting for it to dry for 15-20 minutes, then washing it off- it’s a process and usually, I treat myself to a face mask only during weekends. Luckily, Patchology products are designed to meet your real-life needs and fit nicely in your busy lifestyle. While traditional face masks take up to 20 minutes to work, one of my favorite products from Patchology, their Hydrate FlashMasque works in just 5 minutes- it’s all it takes to plump and hydrate my skin.
I’ve had extremely oily skin my entire life and now that I’ve been on Absorica for about three months, my skin is D-R-Y. At first, I loved having dryer skin; especially the part where my makeup didn’t melt off by mid-day (which honestly, is one of the worst things about having oily skin). As the weather changed and I started waking up to those annoying dry patches, I realized that having oily skin had its perks, too. On those mornings (or nights) when my skin is feeling exceptionally dry, I reach for my Hydrate FlashMasque. Just like with the lip hydrogels, I love leaving this mask on a bit longer than 5 minutes, if I have time. I love that it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, plumps and hydrates it and there’s no need to rinse it off- I massage the rest of the serum to my face and neck. First thing in the morning, my skin has that matte/dull look and the Hydrate FlashMasque adds a nice glow to my skin, without a greasy/heavy feel. There’s no sticky residue/feeling after removing the sheet, so these are perfect to use right before applying your makeup.
My friends at Patchology were also kind enough to offer a coupon code for you guys; you can use the code “PAULA25” to receive 25% discount, site-wide. (the offer expires 03/01)
What does your perfect morning look like? Do you have any small rituals that you look forward to every morning?
This post was created in partnership with Patchology.