Whether you’re already a proven self-care expert or you’ve yet to jump on this relaxing (and totally essential) trend, let’s talk Self Care Sunday! In today’s hectic world, the idea of spending a little extra time on yourself as the weekend draws to a close, is something more and more of us are adopting. I know myself trying to find the time for some self-care during the week can be a challenge as family and general life admin usually take precedence which is why Sunday is the perfect time to dedicate an hour to yourself. Once the to-do list has been checked off, claim the bathroom for yourself and try a few of my favorite Sunday treats.
For me, a good Self-Care Sunday ritual begins with a nice long soak in the bath or a long hot shower, for the bath I use Epson Salts and I also add in some Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate, which activates with the heat of a warm bath or shower and has the soothing, aromatic virtues of Basil, Camomile and St. John’s Wort. It’s also gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. A high street option is Radox Bath Oil Soothing Rose Scent which is enriched with natural oils and Vitamin E to leave your skin soft and moisturized while you bathe, plus it smells divine. Not only will it nourish your skin, the sweet scent will also help you deeply relax. Whether it’s a bath or shower you opt for, another important step is to use a body scrub. From your heels to your shoulders, buff away those dead cells and invigorate your skin back to life. Two scrubs that you might like to try are Nuxe Fondant Body Scrub and Soap & Glory Scrub of your Life.
Once you are feeling suitably exfoliated and relaxed, the towel dries your skin and slather in a rich moisturizing body cream, lotion, or oil. Try and take the time to really massage the product into your skin, working upwards to the chest to encourage blood flow. For when I’m feeling a little indulgent I reach for Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Cream. This luxurious body cream is enriched with macadamia oil and fragranced with frangipani flowers to leave skin silky smooth. Another one I always have to hand is the Garnier Ultimate Blends Body Restoring Lotion in Honey Treasures. This is a blended royal jelly cream with honey and bee propolis to leave skin naturally nourished and hydrated. If your skin is very dry, Waleda Skin Food boasts a super-rich and natural formula and just happens to be one of Victoria Beckham’s favorite go-to body creams!
Now that you’ve given your body some self-care and you’ve slipped into your comfiest pj’s, time to focus on your face. If I have time, I like to start with a very easy facial stream. First, make sure you have cleansed your face and have removed all makeup, etc. To a bowl add six cups of boiled water and then sprinkle some herbs or essential oils. I like to use Lavender which is helpful in soothing stress and aiding sleep or Bay Leaves as the antioxidants in them can fight free radicals, great for when your skin is feeling dry or irritated. If using essential oils, you only need a few drops, two to three will be enough – so don’t overdo it! To soften dry skin, add rose, for combination skin, add balancing grapefruit, or for any acne issues, add tea tree oil. Once the water has cooled a little, place a towel over your head and make sure to keep your face well above the water, approximately 12 inches above. Relax and enjoy. You can stay here for up to 15 minutes but for dry skin or mature skin, you should only do this for 5 minutes at most. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Follow up by applying toner/facial spritz and your regular serum/moisturizer to lock in moisture or you can do what I do and reach for a face mask.
When it comes to face masks you have endless options to choose from. Whether it’s a cream, clay, gel, or sheet mask, apply and lie somewhere comfortable, and quiet, and switch off. Your skin type and your skin concerns will tend to dictate which one you go for and sometimes you might use two! Perhaps a clay-based one for your t-zone and a hydrating one for the rest of your face. Sukin Hydrating Facial Mask and Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask always give great results and are purse friendly too. Once you’ve given your mask some time to work, follow the recommended removal. I like to spritz straight after with either Avène’s Eau Thermal Spring Water or Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner, before applying my evening skincare products. Finally, climb into bed, get a good night’s sleep, and believe me Monday blues will be a thing of the past. You’re recharged, rejuvenated, and ready for the week ahead!
Sherna x