So, all to say that if you want to spend a little more time relaxing and pampering yourself while in Quarantine, this is the post for you. I thought I'd share a few of my favourite products to help you unwind and treat yourself by turning your home into your own personal spa - from bathtime to your nighttime skincare routine.
Daytime Self-Care
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cleanser & Mask: With not being able to socialize (outside of the house) on the weekends, I've been enjoying some extra time hanging out in bed with a face mask on, doing my nails. Cause why not?? One of my favourite face masks is Neutrogena's Deep Clean Purifying Cleanser & Mask. It feels cooling on the skin when you initially apply it which feels nice and refreshing. It does a great job of deep cleaning, so when my skin is breaking out (which it is right now), this is my go-to. Or I like to use it in the summertime because of the cooling effect.
Essie Treat Love & Color: I'm also using this time in quarantine to give my nails some special treatment. I know lots of people are also using the time right now as an opportunity to let their nails heal after having salon nails for ages. If you want to give your nails some love, Essie's TLC (Treat Love & Color) nail care is a great way to do it! It gives the prettiest sheer shimmer and natural-nails-but-better shine. Plus it'll help give you stronger nails in just a week, with less peeling and less breakage.
MIFA Eucalyptus Mood Mist: The other must-have is an essential oil mist that will give your space some soothing spa vibes. MIFA makes an awesome Eucalyptus Mood Mist that smells sooooo so good. The eucalyptus scent is so refreshing and soothing - I like to spritz a little on our pillows before bed too, for an extra calming experience! It's made with organic ingredients, and is plant-based, fragrance-free and toxin-free. Plus - they're Vancouver-based, so #supportlocal!
Neverland Heavenly Cream Tea: No R&R is complete for me without a glass of wine or some good tea. If it's first thing in the morning...it's some good tea! My favourite treat is Neverland's Heavenly Cream black tea, which has notes of creamy vanilla and bergamot. A quarantine-themed Socially Distant mug can't hurt either!
Night Time Routine Self-Care
My skincare routine has definitely become far more elaborate in quarantine. I've been testing out tons of awesome new products, and these are two of my favourites that will help you feel like you've had some spa-grade treatments at home!
Derma E Essentials Microdermabrasion Scrub: Give yourself an at-home spa facial with Derma E's Microdermabrasion Scrub (you can find it at London Drugs!), which buffs away dullness and smooths the look of fine lines, wrinkles and roughness for healthier-looking skin. This pro-grade salon-worthy scrub is made up of a super fine-textured crystal blend that makes my skin feel insanely soft afterwards. You can also use this scrub on your hands, elbows, knees and even heels!
NeoStrata Correct Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel: No need to go to the spa for a chemical peel (not that that's even an option right now)! These NeoStrata Overnight Peels (mine are from London Drugs) come in a one-month supply of 4 peel pads, which you use once a week. These do a phenomenal job of exfoliating the skin, revealing your fresh new skin underneath! I do get some slight tingling and peeling at first, but I find it's usually very mild. And so worth it for the super smooth skin afterwards.
Bath & Shower Self-Care
While I wish I had a giant soaker tub, our bathtub will have to do for the moment. I don't do baths all that often, but that makes them a special self-care evening when I do partake. And in quarantine, there definitely is all the time in the world for baths.
Lavender Caprina Foam Bath: No relaxing bath is complete without some foam...and this Lavender Foam Bath from Caprina (get it at London Drugs) is super foamy and the scent is so relaxing. I looooove lavender.
Garnier Fructis Smooth Treat Hair Mask: I don't usually do hair masks, because I don't have the patience for one while showering... but they're perfect for during a bath! I love the smell of Garnier's avocado Fructis Smooth Treat Hair Mask, and bonus - it's made with 98% naturally derived ingredients! You actually only need to leave it on your wet hair for 1 minute after shampooing, but I've left it on while taking a bath and rinsing off afterwards. My hair smells so good afterwards, and feels super soft. It's a great way to treat your hair while stuck at home.
MIFA Eucalyptus Coco Body Wash: Once you're done soaking, a rinse-off is of course necessary, and MIFA's Eucalyptus Coco Body Wash is the perfect way to continuing unwinding. It's 100% natural, and creates the most rich and luxurious lather. Just like the Mood Mist, the eucalyptus scent is so relaxing and soothing!
Handwashing Self-Care
We've all been washing our hands an insane amount lately. In fact, my hands are sadly pretty dry, irritated, and flaky right now as a result. Why not make handwashing a little more enjoyable, with some spa-worthy products?
MIFA Oatmeal Shea Olive Oil Soap Bar: MIFA has a natural olive oil soap bar that is unscented and packed with vitamin E, so it's safe for your sensitive skin. The oatmeal can also do some light exfoliating! Considering we're washing our hands so much right now, it makes sense to invest in some decent soap (and why not make it a local purchase, too?).
La Biosthetique Citromycine Hand Cream: Speaking of dry skin from all that handwashing, take the opportunity to treat yourself to a spa-quality hand cream! The scent of La Biosthetique's Citromycine Hand Cream is so delightful (lime, basil, lemon grass, pink pepper, vanilla and woody cedar notes), and definitely makes me feel like I'm in spa. I'm a sucker for a good scent! And the rich oils make my skin so silky soft.
Hopefully, these products help you create your own relaxing spa experience at home! What's your favourite way to practice self-care during quarantine?
Happy Relaxing! xo
~ Britta