Everyday (Spa) Comfort

In a previous post, I talked about self-care and how it has benefited me since I recently made a point of carving out time for myself on a regular basis.

This time around, I want to go more in depth about one of the ways I go about caring for myself: at-home-spa days.

Sometimes, on a day off, I’ll take time to do an at-home facemask and/or manicure and pedicure. But that can be super time-consuming and sometimes, even on a what is supposed to be a day off, I’m just too busy for that stuff.

And so, on my busier days/weeks/months it has become all the more important that I still try to take even just a little time to do that stuff because 1) I like spa stuff. I enjoy the sense of relaxation that usually comes with them and 2) After I do them, I feel good about myself. Some beauty routines are rejuvenating and help me feel less tired. And plus, playing with things like makeup or doing my nails is fun because I get to play with how I look and how I express myself.

So how do I treat myself on days when I am just too busy? Over the years, I’ve used all sorts of beauty products and I think I’ve amassed a pretty reliable collection of stuff that I consider #treatyoself essentials, especially on days when I only have time for mini-moments of spa comfort.

Here are six ways I fit in spa quality self-care on those busy days:

1.) Exfoliate: derma e’s Microdermabrasion Scrub

I discovered this lovely little scrub via my Birchbox subscription. (By the way, if you’re able to get a subscription, do it! At least for a month or two. There’s all sorts of beauty sample goodies to play with.) I love how soft my skin feels after I use this scrub. Plus, unlike other scrubs I’ve used in the past, it doesn’t leave me with a reddened, irritated face. Also, it smells delicious, like lemonade. The picture above, is of the sample I received in my Birchbox. It was a decent sized sample and I don’t need to use much of the scrub to exfoliate well: a little goes a long way, which means even a sample size, should last  a while!

2.) Facemask: Montagne Jeunesse Tea Tree Face Spa – Pore Cleansing Fabric Facial

I’ve been using these fabric facial sheets since college, after a roommate introduced me to them. If you’re looking for an invigorating mask that’ll wake you up, look no further. There is a definite cooling and tingly sensation that happens the longer the mask is worn. The mint scent is calming too. If I’ve only got 5-10 minutes to spare, then this is pretty much my go-to self-care treat.

3.) Eyes: Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

Another Birchbox find. This is mostly intended for de-puffing your eyes and helping a bit with under eye circles, but I mostly use it for the cooling, soothing effect on my eyes when they feel tired or strained. I look like a fancy baseball player while I wear these gels under my eyes, but I always feel refreshed and relaxed afterwards.

4.) Tight shoulders/tired legs/tired feet: Earth Therapeutics Reflexology Foot Massage Lotion

This massage lotion is chock-full of yummy-smelling aromatherapy oils and scents: chamomile, lavender, peppermint, orange, and almond, just to name a few. The combination is super soothing and it’s the closest I’ve come to re-creating the aromatherapy scent blends I’ve had during massage appointments at day spas. The lotion is primarily for feet, but I’ve also used it on my legs, and the tops of my shoulders when they get tight. For all-over relaxation, this stuff is perfect.

5.) Hands: Bath and Body Works Nourishing Hand Cream 

I use this everyday, multiple times a day. It’s the best hand cream I’ve found. It’s great for people who constantly work with their hands. It always keeps my hands super soft and BBW’s creams come in a variety of scents. I just happen to be in love with Sunlight and Apple Trees right now.

6.) Lips: Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (Original formula with Peppermint)

This is another staple I’ve been using since college. I’ve used a million different lip balms, and this is the one I always come back to. I feel like for me this stuff is magic. My lips could be super chapped one minute and the next, right after putting this stuff on, they look happy again. It’s like a tiny spa for my lips and all I have to do is swipe it on.

So there you have it. Those are some of my #treatyoself essentials. What are yours? Comment below.