It's Self-Love Season: Here are the Valentine's Day Gifts You Can't Miss!
Hello February!
This month has been insane to say the least. The constant terrifying and heartbreaking news cycle has been really getting to me, and making it harder to stay focused on the positives and daily joys in life. I’ve been trying to remind myself to just tune out more to protect my mental health and the energy surrounding me, and try to focus on all the things that I’m privileged to have and incredibly grateful for.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and this year is all about self-love, whether you are partnered or single, so make sure you treat yourself and show yourself all the love you deserve. I rounded up some of the gifts of the season, and things that are helping me take care of myself in these crazy times.
Here are a few of my favorite self-care themed Valentine’s gifts you should add to your list!
5 Valentine's Day Gifts You Can't Miss!
Urban Decay Tube Job Mascara
I still love cluster lashes, but it seems the trend is fading and they may be going out of style, and personally the damage they have done to my natural lashes is very real. I just started using Urban Decay’s Tube Job Mascara, and let me tell you – they did their big one with these! The formula just glides on and leaves your lashes looking long and lush, without any of the damage that comes with lash extensions.
This mascara is perfect for your every day glam, and holds up all day without running or smudging.
The formula comes in black, brown, and a daring platinum blonde that would be perfect for a high fashion look. And paired with their 24/7 Liquid Stick liquid eyeliner which comes in all these colors, your eye makeup will be unstoppable.
And I never got over the Urban Decay 24/7 Glaze-On Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadow and All Nighter Setting Spray, so be sure to add those to cart when you get to shopping!
Viqure Lumirea Photofacial
I recently partnered with Viqure to review the Lumirea Photofacial Device, and this post isn’t sponsored - I just wanted to give an update after using it!
This tiny tool is a powerful and effective at-home light therapy tool designed to address multiple skin concerns commonly associated with aging. It uses a combination of 530-650 wavelength light (DPL) and 900-1800 wavelength light (NIR) to promote smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.
Unlike traditional LED devices that use a single wavelength, Lumirea’s dual-light approach targets different layers of the skin to support collagen production and cellular repair. This makes it more versatile—and potentially more effective—than cheaper at home devices.
With consistent use, this little thing will help address a variety of skin issues, like fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dullness and texture irregularities, and improve overall skin vibrancy and resilience.
It is a little expensive, but if facials are in your budget regularly, you can skip those and this will be more than worth the investment. And you can use my code Malikah15 for 15% off the product!
Quince Cashmere and Silk
Stepping away from beauty for a minute, its freezing out there! And nothing says warm, cozy and luxury like a brand new cashmere sweater. I’ve been obsessed with Quince since I first got my husband one for Christmas.
I got their famous $50 cashmere sweater and to be honest was not impressed because it was super thin and you could completely see through it, so I did return that one. But I decided to try their heavier weight Fisherman Crewneck Sweater which was $99 and that was a world of difference. Obviously $50 is an amazing price for a cashmere sweater, but to me, it looked like a $50 sweater. The fisherman sweaters are $119 for the turtleneck and $99 for the crewneck, but they look like $300 or more, and they definitely give that quiet luxury look!
I love a cream turtleneck, but my makeup would never let me be great, so I got the turtleneck in black and the crewneck in cream. I also got coordinating washable silk skirts, the midi length was just $69.90 and the mini was $59.90 and I think these are some super cute and stylish winter looks.
Cecred Oil Ritual
Moving on to hair! If you have been following me for a while, you know I’m almost always in braids or a weave, but since September I decided to just give them and focus on the health of my hair and learning how to properly style and maintain it.
I ignored Cecred for a while since I truly thought it was all hype, but since I started regularly using the products after buying a bundle on sale, I have to say I am obsessed. My wash and style time is down to 2-3 hours start to finish for a silk press on my type 4 hair, and my strands feel hydrated the full 7-10 days between washes.
My hands down favorite product in the line is the Cecred Oil Ritual. I apply it to dry hair, sit under my steamer for about 20 minutes, then wash and deep condition. Not only do I love how this makes my hair look and feel, I love the ritual behind and the reminder to spend the extra time taking care of myself.
It is expensive, and I do use a lot of oil each time so it doesn’t last more than 4 or 5 washes, but for me and my healthy hair and length retention journey it is worth it!
Anecdote Candles
And the last thing on my list – you can’t have a self-care day without some candles, and my current favorite brand is Anecdote Candles. They are a small brand that designed candles inspired by trending moments and personal memories, all hand-poured in Brooklyn NY.
Bottomless Mimosas has been a long time favorite of mine for the bright citrus scent, and I also keep Mid-Century Modern and Pool Party in the rotation. I also grabbed a few travel sized tins of new scents I wanted to check out before committing to a full-size, and I highly recommend you take advantage of the lower prices on those to get to know which of these scents will be your fave!
What are you planning for Valentine’s Day?
5 Must Have Style, Beauty and Self-Care Products You Need Now!
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx , all opinions are my own
Be honest - have you been shopping for yourself this holiday season? I know I’ve picked up a few things I had my eyes on over Black Friday. This time of year can be so crazy we forget to prioritize ourselves and our needs. But you can never neglect self-care! I partnered with BabbleBoxx to review some of the best Style, Beauty and Self-Care products to gift or keep this season. Check out the list below!
Must Have Style, Beauty and Self-Care Products
You Need Now!
1. Terminator 10 from AcneFree
Are you suffering from breakouts? Check out the Terminator 10 from AcneFree. It’s a fast-acting, maximum strength 10% benzoyl peroxide spot acne treatment that fights active blemishes and prevents new ones from forming. It is formulated with fast-acting Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide to absorb deeply into pores and also includes chamomile and ginger to calm and soothe skin. Just apply to clean, dry skin one to 3 times daily, and if you notice any peeling or dryness, scale back to only once a day or every other day.
1. At-Home Dry Cleaning from Dryel
I’ve been making efforts to run less errands out to spend more time at home, and the Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaning kit has been an amazing help! Dryel works in your dryer in 15 - 30 minutes and saves up to 90% of the cost of dry cleaning, but keeps your clothes and fabrics looking newer longer. The heat of your dryer activates the cleaning solution in the Dryel Activated cleaning cloth to release a steam that removes body soils and odors from the clothes. The Fabric Protection Bag maintains the optimal balance of cleaning agents and heat, allowing the steam to work thoroughly through the clothes, and then slowly vents the vapors out of the bag and dryer. The kit also comes with the Dryel Booster Spray, which includes extra cleaning agents to remove stains and add freshness to heavily soiled areas.
3. Relax Bears and Nightly Dose from Green Roads
We all need to get more relaxation these days! Green Roads Relax Bears are the best-tasting CBD Gummies on the market. Each gummy bear delivers 10mg of soothing CBD in mouth-watering sweet n’ sour flavors. They are the ideal way to incorporate CBD into your daily wellness routine. The Nightly Dose is made with melatonin, CBD, and CBN, and is the perfect addition to your evening routine .
4. Intensive Foot Repair and Multi-Purpose Nail Repair from Kerasal
Have you been missing the nail salon? Level up your at-home pedicure with the Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair: This is an exfoliating moisturizer that is clinically proven to hydrate/moisturize dry feet while exfoliating away dead skin, with results visible overnight. For best results apply to your feet before bed, then cover your feet with cotton socks overnight.
And don’t forget your nails! The Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair is a solution designed to improve the appearance of nails damaged by a variety of conditions, especially gel manicure damaged nails. Kerasal’s patented formula helps improve nail appearance by reducing discoloration, smoothing the surface, normalizing thickness and hydrating the nail. Its effective, clear formula penetrates the nail to restore a healthy appearance. You’ll see results after just one week of use, but keep using it for up to 3 to 6 months for full effect.
5. Witch Hazel Soothe with Rose Alcohol Free Mist 3.3oz from Humphreys®
And you can’t forget your skin care. Work the Humphreys Soothe Witch Hazel + Rose Alcohol-Free Mist into your daily routine to soothe your skin and senses. Certified Organic Witch Hazel, Rosewater and Hyaluronic Acid soothe, hydrate and soften skin for a healthy-looking complexion and Humphreys products are always free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and gluten – vegan & cruelty free and dermatologist tested. Apply the Alcohol-free Witch Hazel Facial Mist by closing your eyes and gently misting onto your face. You can use it after cleansing, but also mid-day for a quick makeup refresh.
Hope this roundup helps you stay glowing and relaxed all year long! This time of year can be an intense one so take every opportunity you can to practice self-care.
The Best Beauty and Self-Care Gifts of 2020
Wondering what to buy your skincare-obsessed BFF, gal pal with the great hair, or bearded beau this holiday season? There’s never been a better year for self-care gifts than 2020 when we’re all spending a lot of time solo at home. Pamper the people you love this year with these self-care gifts designed for 2020
The Best Beauty and Self-Care Gifts of 2020
For the girl obsessed with hair care
Silk pillowcase
Great hair starts with a great night’s sleep on a silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases are gentler on your strands than standard cotton or polyester pillowcases, preventing frizz and bed head. Rumor has it, silk pillowcases also make great wrinkle prevention. For a high-quality product, look for 100 percent Grade A silk.
For the skincare addict
Collagen Supplements or Treatments
2020 feels like it’s lasted a decade, and the bags under our eyes are showing it. Give a girlfriend her glow back with anti-aging collagen. Collagen is a natural supplement that boosts skin elasticity and hydration by promoting natural collagen production. It’s basically superfood for your skin and with a flavorless powder like Vital Proteins, all you have to do is toss a scoop into your coffee or morning shake. Great skin has never been easier!
For the Sephora shopper
Sephora holiday gift sets
Sure, you could buy your Sephora-addicted friend a gift card, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, splurge on one of Sephora’s famous holiday gift sets. From the Lashstash set stocked with mascara, false lashes, and serums to haircare and skincare sets, you’ll find something for every kind of beauty lover.
For the bubble bath lover
Bathtub caddy
Nothing’s better than a long soak in the bathtub after a tough day of Zoom meetings. Now, with a bathtub tray complete with spots for devices and wine glasses, you can do both at once. There are some super chic caddies to find, and I’m linking a few of the best bath caddies of 2020 below. You can choose the perfect design for your giftee’s aesthetic. Pair this gift with a bath bomb and a bottle of wine for the ultimate bath experience.
For the manicure obsessed
At-home manicure kit
Nail salons and social distancing don’t exactly go hand-in-hand. If your friend is missing her favorite nail tech during the pandemic, gift a manicure-in-a-box that lets her take nail care into her own hands. Olive & June’s The System supplies everything you need to do an at-home manicure, or pedicure - or both! . I’m also linking a few of my favorite DIY mani kits below!
For the karaoke queen
Waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Everyone knows the shower is the best place to practice your karaoke tunes. Give your gal pal the gear she needs to belt it out with a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It doesn’t get much better than the JBL Flip 5, a simple Bluetooth speaker with show-stopping sound quality and up to 12 hours of playtime. Throw in a silly, fun mic for extra dramatic effect!
For far-away folks
Travel-themed candles and accessories
Forget pine-scented candles this holiday season. Send a long-distance loved one the gift of home packaged in a classy little candle. The state candles from Homesick encapsulate familiar smells from every state in the U.S., from the sunny beaches of SoCal to the magnolias nestled in the Ozarks. And since we’re all missing travel a bit, why not throw in some travel essentials for when we’re able to get back to normal!
For the boyfriend or husband
Beard care kit
Forget No-Shave November! During quarantine, every month is a good time to grow your beard. If your beau is upping his facial hair game during the pandemic, lend a hand with a beard grooming kit. The best kits include beard oil, lotion, and brushes to keep your man’s facial hair looking fresh.
2020 has made everything harder, gift-giving included. Luckily, there are plenty of gift ideas that let your friends and family pamper themselves at home so you can make the holiday season a little bit more joyful for the people you love!
About the Contributor
Sheila Johnson once enjoyed a very successful career, but it came at a cost. Those long work weeks pulling overtime left her feeling stressed and burnt out. She left the corporate world to start her own business, on her own schedule.She’s seen so much personal success with her health and wellness routine that she wanted to share it. By creating wellsheila.net, she hopes that sharing her story will help others too.
10 Expert Self-Care Tips You Need to Survive the Rest of 2020
If 2019 gave us the words “toxic” and “no cap” then 2020 gave us #Self-Care
The year 2020 has been brimming with words such as #quarantine and #Covid19. It’s been an insane year, and as it comes to a close, things just don’t seem to be letting up. In many ways, we are all way more stressed and anxious now than we were back in March!
In spite of, or maybe because of all the craziness, another trending hashtag emerged in 2020 - #Self-Care. People have been posting about all the ways they prioritize taking care of themselves and maintaining their sanity in these trying times.
But what exactly does it mean to practice self-care? For starters, self-care will look differently to different people. For some, it may be a spa day to get a manicure or a massage. For others, it’s about looking in the mirror and saying, “I’m proud of you”.
The essence of self-care is to reflect on the relationship you have with your inner being, the goddess that is within you. There are many forms of self-care ranging from physical and emotional to social and spiritual. Self-care, in my opinion, is taking time to practice forgiveness and extending grace to yourself. It’s a time to be intentional about your goals and assess what you are doing to attain them. Self-care is more than just a hashtag. It’s about being present and available to the people that love and support you. It’s also about showing gratitude. Self-care is acknowledging that you have made mistakes and being kind to yourself. Self-care is recognizing that your healing and well-being are a priority. After all, if you are not good for YOU, then you won’t be good for anyone or anything else.
What is self-care?
Self-care is any activity that is done deliberately in order to take care of your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. Taking the time to be intentional about your own well being is vital to your relationships with others. As I said earlier, self-care in practice can look very different for different people. Part of practicing self-care is finding rituals that work for you.
What isn’t self-care?
Knowing what self-care is not might be even more important. By taking care of ourselves, we are in a better position to take care of others who depend on us such as our kids, romantic partners and colleagues. It is important that we understand that self-care is not a selfish act, but rather something we do selflessly in order to be our best selves.
We are mothers, entrepreneurs, wives and visionaries. Women are ambassadors for the human race, representing strength, love and life in all that we do. Thus, the need to maintain a positive state is essential to all those around us.
10 Tips for Practicing Self-Care
Create a work-life balance.
Take breaks when you need to.
Learn to say no.
Give yourself credit for how far you have come.
Make an appointment to see your doctor.
Do one thing a day that gets you closer to your goal.
Tomorrow is not promised. Use your PTO.
Get some sleep - you probably need more than you are getting
Focus on nutrition - not dieting to lose weight but making sure you are eating healthy.
Take a walk - sunshine and fresh air do a body good
And remember - refrain from judging how others practice self-care. Everything from a therapy session to a stiff drink can be self-care for someone!
About the Contributor
De’Jarnette K. Johnson is an author, blogger and owner of TheRealBlackCarrieBradshaw.com, a blog dedicated to love, life and relationships. De’Ja is a graduate of UA Little Rock with a Masters degree in Applied Communication with an emphasis on Interpersonal & Romantic relationships. Having completed her thesis on Ghosting, De’Ja has extensive knowledge on relational issues such as Attachment styles, Dark Triad personalities and Intrapersonal communication. She is also the creator of The Breakup Space, a 12-week program designed to help you cope with the loss of your relationship, manage your emotions and empower you to obtain the love that you deserve.
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How to Stay in Your Best Shape While Stuck at Home
It’s been 7 weeks since shelter in place orders started in California, and most of the country has experienced similar restrictions since March. You guys know I love my regular workouts so not being able to get out to the gym has been tough. Staying in shape during quarantine has not been easy! In between the limited physical activity and a pantry full of quarantine snacks, it has been a struggle. It’s totally understandable if you have been completely distracted and overwhelmed by everything going on in the world. After all, we are living through a global pandemic! However I find that physical activity is about more than just keeping up with appearances. My workout routines help me maintain a sense of normalcy in these crazy times, and staying active is good for both physical and mental health. I’m sharing a few of the ways I’ve been staying fit while on lockdown. Hopefully some of these help you guys get or stay motivated!
Have a Daily Fitness Schedule
I try to keep my days as structured as possible while on lockdown, since it keeps me from feeling bored. Part of that includes scheduling my workouts the same way I would if I were going to a fitness class. Some days I plan to work out in the morning or in the evenings, but the time is always scheduled and I stick to it. Staying consistent is half the battle. Everyone’s circumstances are different; it may be challenging to find time to yourself if you are swamped with work while remote, still commuting to your place of employment, or quarantining at home with small children. If fitness is important to you, try your best to carve out time. It can be as little as 20-30 minutes if that’s all you can spare!
Find New Workouts Online
The good thing about having to work out from home is the endless array of free fitness resources. You can do ballet barre, HIIT, bodyweight workouts, yoga, anything. While some studios are charging for access to streaming workouts, there are thousands of free ones on YouTube or IG live. Popsugar and Chloe Ting are in my regular rotation on YouTube, and occasionally Core Power Yoga. When my husband joins me for a workout, we do more weight focused circuit training, usually from former MMA fighters.
Having the variation helps keep things from getting stale and keeps your body guessing. Test our a few different workout routines and see what works for you, and subscribe to a few channels you like. You’ll get notifications when new workouts are posted. And check out fitness studios and personal trainers on Instagram. It seems like there is a different IG Live workout almost every day!
Get Outside if You Can Socially Distance
If you feel safe and can maintain distance, take your workouts outside! The weather is starting to warm up and a good old fashioned walk is a great way to burn some calories and get some fresh air. Pop on a pair of ankle weights if you want to make it more challenging. We try to do a 30-45 minute walk every day to get some sun and break up the afternoon. If you want more intense cardio, take a run! I’ve never been into running, but since I’m trying to mix up my workouts and challenge my body, I’m giving it a go.
Invest in Some At Home Workout Equipment
If you haven’t already, get a little stock of at home workout equipment. Stuff like resistance bands and body bars are great for stepping up your workout intensity. Plus they are easier to store than dumbbells or bulky fitness machines. A lot of sites sold out of fitness equipment in April when shelter at home orders were in full-swing, but you should be able to find more options. And while you may be able to return to the gym in the next few weeks, that may not be the best thing to do! I’m not sure when gyms will reopen in Los Angeles, but I do plan to work out from home at least until mid-June. I just don’t want to exercise caution and avoid getting caught up in the first wave of anything when businesses start to reopen.
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
Physical and mental health are 2 sides of the same coin. The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on millions of people’s lives around the world. Try to make room to take care of your mental and emotional health as best you can. These are unprecedented times and our health and safety is number 1.
Hope this helps and that we are in the home stretch of coronavirus lockdown!
Coronavirus Crisis – How to Practice Self-Care in Times of Crisis
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been on edge the past few weeks. The news about the rapidly spreading coronavirus has got me feeling a new level of anxiety that I can’t seem to shake. I’m lucky enough to be in good health and not be immunocompromised, but I’m still freaking out almost every day about what the news will bring. Most of my stress right now revolves around how the coronavirus will affect my wedding, since COVID-19 has been wreaking havoc on any social gatherings. It may seem trivial in the face of a deadly pandemic, but I (and thousands of other brides) have put months, maybe even years of effort into meticulously planning and saving for the big day. I feel like the dream day that was within arm’s reach may just disappear. There will also be a significant economic impact of the coronavirus that honestly scares me more than anything else.
Since I am currently in a place of trying to keep myself sane, I wanted to share a few tips I’m practicing to manage my coronavirus related anxiety. I am in no way an expert, just sharing what I’ve been trying to practice to keep myself in check.
Practice Safety Tips to Reduce Exposure to Coronavirus
According to the CDC there are some basics you should follow to help flatten the curve, or slow the spread of COVID-19. At first I felt overwhelmed and paranoid when faced with all the new info and guidelines. But once you commit them to memory and actively practice the techniques, things become far less anxiety inducing. Think of a great song to sing or hum when washing your hands, break out a few pairs of stylish gloves, and get used to putting distance between yourself and anyone you may encounter.
Stay Productive When Working From Home
A lot of offices have been closing or reducing hours, leaving employees working from home. If you have never had to work remote, trust me, it is not just a free vacation day! My days are packed with conference calls, online presentations, and getting a head start on brainstorming Fall strategies. I’ve also found that staying busy with work related projects keeps me focused so my mind isn’t wandering and falling into a pit of anxiety. I’ll be working from home at least the next 2 weeks and keeping my days as structured as possible helps. I get up at the same time I would if I were commuting in, get dressed and do makeup. It doesn’t matter that no one will really see me – the routine is reassuring and helps me maintain a sense of normalcy. Sometimes I will pick up a coffee from Starbucks, which is part of my daily routine. Other days I will make one at home. Then I settle into my dedicated working space and get busy!
I make it a point to set up a few conference calls each day. Number one, human interaction is nice! Number 2, it keeps me accountable and helps break up the day.
The most important thing to note about working from home is to stay focused on work! Do not use business hours to do random chores or tasks in the house. That takes your head out of a professional mentality. You’ll have plenty of time for personal errands and house work on evenings and weekends since all of your social plans are being cancelled!
Indulge in a Hobby
I’ve seen a lot of stuff trending on Instagram about using your quarantine time to start a business, focus on your side hustle, invest in stocks etc. That is not necessarily bad advice, but I do believe that hustle culture can be toxic and now is not the time for negative energy. You don’t have to pressure yourself to be on your A game right now! It’s ok to focus on your feelings and things that bring you joy. That may be reading a good book, writing in your journal, or practicing a new language. As long as you can get it done while maintaining self-isolation go ahead!
Spend Time with Your Friends
The beauty of modern technology is the freedom and methods of communication we have! You may not be able to go out with your squad, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy each other’s company. Set up a virtual girl’s night happy hour on Zoom, start a group chat to keep in touch during the day, and plan an epic trip for later in the year! Staying connected and having something to look forward to is critical in times like this.
Turn Off the News
The 24 hour coronavirus news cycle is enough to make anyone insane. To manage my coronavirus anxiety I’ve starting restricting how much time I spend listening to COVID-19 related news. I get a daily check in for 10 minutes, twice a day. That is all! When the news first broke and started getting aggressive, I was constantly monitoring for updates, refreshing Google News and my Twitter feed every 5 minutes for the latest news. That was giving me major emotional stress and once I started chilling out I instantly felt better. Now is not the time to completely bury your head in the sand, but you do need to monitor what you are exposing yourself to (physically and emotionally!).
And please stop hoarding food and supplies! There won’t be a shortage if everyone only takes what they need. Shop responsibly, be mindful of reducing your waste and wash your damn hands!!!
Keeping that Glow! Get Unready with Me and Aveeno MaxGlow!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MaxYourGlow #CollectiveBias
Hope you all are ready for Christmas! I’m sure you will be spending the next few days grabbing last minute gifts, finishing decorating and wrapping everything, and if you are hosting, prepping for the big party. Crazy stressful right? It’s so hard to juggle everything this time of year, stay balanced, and not lose your mind in the process. Plus the holiday season also demands that you always look glam and put together, which just adds another level of pressure! As much as I enjoy hair, makeup, and fun outfits, sometimes you just NEED a bare face and sweat pants. One way I stay sane and squeeze in self-care is to find an off night, or even an early evening, where I stay home and show my skin some extra TLC. Here are a few steps I take to get unready and pamper myself during the stressful holiday season.
Hover over the image above for product information and to purcahase at CVS
The first thing to go is whatever sparkly, tight, layered thing I had on, kick off the heels and cozy up in a warm, fluffy bathrobe. Sometimes I’ll treat my hair to an overnight oil treatment for extra moisture, sleeping with it covered by a plastic cap and satin bonnet.
Then it’s time to get all the holiday makeup off! I’ve been using the Aveeno Positively Radiant Micellar Gel Cleanser. I love micellar cleansers as a first step in my getting unready routine, since they gently remove makeup without stripping the skin. Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Micellar Gel Cleanser is formulated with a moisture-rich soy and kiwi complex and it helps skin feel hydrated, soft, and enhances your skin’s natural radiance. More than just a cleansing and moisturizing routine The AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Collection is designed to enhance your natural radiance and give you a lit-from-within glow. Each soy enriched product targets tone and texture.
I also love using face masks, and do one at least once or twice a week. When you don’t have time to put one on then sit and wait, sleeping masks are perfect. Who wouldn’t want to put one on before bed and wake up glowing?
Aveeno’s Maxglow No Mess Sleep Mask is a new one I’ve been testing out. This nighttime face mask helps even skin tone and texture for soft, luminous skin when you wake. Plus the tube includes a paddle applicator so that your hands stay clean for an easy, mess-free application. Then just rinse off in the morning for radiant, glowing skin. Don’t worry about it making a mess when you sleep, the mask will stay on your face and not end up all over your pillows. After I apply it, I like to tuck myself in, turn that phone on silent and spend some time reading or just reflecting on my day. I think it’s important to unplug and not spend the last moments of your day staring at a phone screen.
Since this time of year doesn’t allow much time for personal shopping, the most convenient beauty destination to pick up these products is your local CVS. CVS is actually one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, so it makes staying on top of your beauty needs easier than ever. Make sure you check out the AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Collection if you want to enhance your natural radiance and give you a lit-from-within glow.
6 Ways to Practice Self-Care During the Holidays
Is anyone else starting to feel the holiday stress? I’ve had a CRAZY couple of weeks between travel, my day job, wrapping up holiday campaigns, securing new business for Q1, and my social life, which these days includes catching up with friends and prepping to host this Christmas. I have a post planned for managing it all without losing it, so look out for that next month, because I’m seriously trying to figure it out! November and December are pretty much the time where we are all going out more, spending more, eating more (and usually less healthy stuff) and sleeping less.
My friends always say I am pretty good about taking care of myself, and being selfish when need be, so I’m trying to remind myself of how I do that. Self-care is pretty buzzy these days, but it’s crucial to stay balanced and centered. When it feels like the world is pulling you a hundred different directions, you need to find time to take care of yourself. I’m not sure about “having it all” but here are a few ways I practice self-care during the holiday season.
Stay on top of your daily routine
We all have little things we do to start and end our day, but when schedules get crazy it’s hard to let that fall to the wayside. But don’t! When you get out of your flow that only makes things more intense, and it’s harder to get back into it once you’ve been off for awhile.
Know when to say no
Yes there are holiday parties every night, or friends or loved ones who want to catch up for dinner, or trips you could go, etc. It’s hard to RSVP no, but sometimes you just have to take care of yourself. Sleep in instead of going to brunch, catch a workout you love instead of a boozy night out, or just lay around in your coziest PJs as long as you need to. I have had days where getting out of bed was physically not an option, so I cancelled my day and took the time needed to rest. The next day I was infinitely better, and ready to get back on track. When you need to hit pause, just do it! Your loved ones will understand.
Don’t give into FOMO
Millennials are plagued by FOMO! However I’ve realized that when you need to skip social plans to take care of yourself or prioritize your to-do list, the fear of missing out can easily fade away. Just remember that you chose to be exactly where you are for reasons that were important to you. Plus, if you were out doing whatever it was that’s in the back of your mind you’d be having FOMO about missing your couch!
Take time for your health
Sometimes self-care means laying at home, taking a hot bath or indulging in some of your favorite comfort foods and a glass (or half-a bottle) of wine. Other times it means putting in work to get reenergized and ready to take on the challenges. One of the main ways I stay sane is my regular workouts. I get in at least 3, but usually 4 or 5 a week! No matter how busy I am or how gross the weather is, because I know that workout time is an investment in myself, my health, and my body. Of course there are days where dragging myself to the gym is the last thing I want to do, but when I get there I never regret it. But if I skip a workout I always have regret the next day. So whether it’s fitness, meditation, or just some gentle stretching while YouTube is on in the background, find something that will be your thing and make time for it on a regular basis.
Respect your budget
November and December are also times where there is increased pressure to spend, on shopping, gifts, and socializing. By October I pretty much know how much I’m going to spend between holiday shopping, stuff for myself, entertaining costs, and socializing. Then I FIRMLY stick to those numbers, and am never shy about saying I need to prioritize my budget when saying no to things. Keeping up with the Joneses needs to be a thing of the past and anyone in your life who cares about you would not pressure you to spend frivolously. There should be absolutely no stigma about living within your means!
Protect Your Sleep
I can’t stress this enough! Protect your sleep as vigorously as you may need to, It is paramount to your overall health and well-being. I always make an effort to be in bed unwinding about 30 minutes before I need to actually be falling asleep. That means the alarm is set, phone silenced, and I’m reading a good book and finishing my nightcap (usually a bourbon neat – I’m not a tea person). If you can’t stand the thought of fully silencing your phone, at least dim your screen and turn on the blue-light fliter, which is easier on the eyes before you go to bed.
Let me know how you guys practice self-care through the craziness this time of year!