I’m not someone who is good at slowing down. Growing up, I was always running from school, to sports, to a friend’s house, and then finally going home to crash (and get ready to do it all again come morning). This was my normal, so it’s no surprise that I took on two majors and two minors when I got to college, and studied my butt off while trying to live the college life. What did I do once I graduated then? Went back for my master’s degree. Now, I work full time.
I’m very fortunate to say that I had these opportunities and I came out of them successfully, but I eventually did learn that constantly running and spreading myself too thin comes at a price. I was always anxious and tired, I had bags under my eyes, and my hair was a damaged mess. I lived this way until I met my fiance, who has always embraced an opportunity to enjoy the little things. Through the course of our relationship, he has shown me that it is okay to let down your walls and take a moment for yourself every once in a while. There are many things that he has taught me, and this is probably one of the most life changing.
In the last few years, I have really put effort into balancing my life. I have found ways to slow down, even on my busiest days, and take a minute for myself. Today, I will be sharing 5 of my favorite self care products that I am always happy to turn to when I want to treat myself.
“Deep Sleep Body Cocoon” Lotion - ThisWorks ($40)
I have mentioned in earlier blog posts that I subscribe to a couple of monthly subscription boxes partly to discover self care products that I didn’t even know I needed. This product came to me in one of those boxes, and upon reading the description I didn’t think that it would be as life changing as it is. You guys, it’s the best lotion that I have ever used. It is a unique blend of shea butter and oils that smells like lavender and chamomile. Beyond the fact that it smells amazing, it moisturizes my skin better than any lotion I’ve ever used without making my skin feel greasy. I love to use this lotion before bed, especially after shaving. The scents are calming, and assist in sending me right to sleep once I lay down for the night.
Upon first look, this may look like a regular microfiber towel that someone is trying to sell for $20. That could not be more wrong. Whether you wash your face at your sink or in the shower at night, this product is an amazing alternative to make-up wipes. It is soft on your skin, but takes even the toughest mascara off of my face with little more than a quick scrub. It is made chemical-free, and works with no soap needed. I always feel like my skin is clean and my pores are open after using this product, and I usually use a salicylic acid-based face wash once I use it to take off my makeup to make sure that I give my pores a deep clean. I have found that my pores are happier and healthier, and my face isn’t nearly as dry as it was while I was using makeup wipes. I’m all about efficiency, and this product really does the trick!
“Power Trio Complex” Serum - The Better Skin Co. ($38)
I had never been a big serum person, but after receiving this serum in a subscription box, I am horrified to know what I was missing! This serum smells so, so good, and doesn’t feel heavy on my face at all. It moisturizes my face (without making it greasy), while toning and tightening my skin at the same time. I put it on before my evening moisturizer, and I love how soft and clean my skin feels once I put it on. It sells at a fraction of the price of its competitors, and honestly works better than many of the other ones that I have tried. If you are looking for a good, calming treat for your skin, I would definitely recommend this.
“LashesMD” Eyelash Conditioner/Growth Serum - LashesMD ($69.95)
I was blessed with dark lashes since birth, but I never really thought of them as especially long or noticeable. This was another product that I received from a subscription box, and I thought that I might as well give it a try since I had it. As it turns out, it made a huge difference in a matter of a couple weeks. Shortly after starting it, one of my coworkers actually asked me if I was wearing false lashes! I now feel like I can get away with just mascara, and my eyes don’t constantly look unfinished without eyeliner. The bottle lasts forever - I’ve been using it for about two months and I still have a lot left. If you’ve been thinking about trying a lash serum, this is a great one to try.
“Rapid Collagen Infusion" Treatment - Murad ($78)
This stuff is amazing. I work a lot of hours, and most of those hours are in front of a computer screen. The hustle and bustle involved with working full time was really taking a toll on my stress level, which in turn took a toll on my skin. My skin had a nice, rosy glow when I was young and had a normal sleep schedule. I started to notice, though, that my skin looked droopy and tired no matter how much I slept. This treatment has been the saving grace for my skin. There are days where I actually just brush some mascara on my lashes and leave my skin to breathe because it looks so light and bright. I use just a little drop of this treatment every night before bed, and that is more than enough to do the trick. I absolutely love this product, and it is hands down the best anti-aging/fine line reducing cream that I have ever tried.
Whether you try some of these products or treat yourself to a nice relaxing bubble bath, I hope that I have inspired you to take a break from the stresses of daily life. We all work so hard, and it is so, so important to be kind to yourself and reward your mind and body for all of their hard work!
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