Something that is often overlooked, but is SO important for mental health, is pampering yourself. It’s a form of self-love and self-care! After a long stressful week, filled with work and school, sometimes all you need is a night in to recharge and take care of yourself. One of the best ways to do this is by pampering yourself with a “spa” night.
Makeup is so much fun and one of the greatest ways to express yourself, but it really can have an effect on your skin, and can be building up in your pores. This can lead to acne and well… no one wants that!
When it’s time to give your skin a break, refer to this list of pampering essentials, which includes things that make not only your skin, but also your mind happy after a long week! I know these things definitely help me recharge and feel my best!
1. Take off that makeup!
Now this may seem obvious, but it is so important to take your makeup off after having it on all day. You don’t want to clog your pores with makeup and oils, because this leads to bacteria and pimples! Take it off! I usually start with a makeup wipe, then I’ll wash my face with a basic facial cleanser. This is so refreshing after having it on all day! Here’s what I use:
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
2. Take a relaxing shower/bath.
Now if I were home and having a pampering night, I would 100% take a bath with a Lush bath bomb, and read a book while soaking in the hot water. As a resident college student, however, a shower will have to do, and it can still be a form of relation! I play some music through my speaker to help me de-stress (I have two moods: Cardi B or John Mayer).
3. Do a facemask.
This is possibly one of the best ways to relax. Putting on a facemask and just relaxing and reading a book, or watching your favorite show is a great way to recharge. When you wash it off your skin will feel so soft and smooth! My favorite mask:
4. Use pore strips.
If I am using a facemask that is harsher on the skin (like a peel off one) I’ll usually skip this step. If not, however, then this is a nice extra thing you can do for your skin to get some blackheads out and really clean deep down in your pores. My favorite pore strips:
5. Moisturize
This is such a crucial step for a pampering night. I usually will put lotion on my legs and arms and it’s such a nice step that makes you feel extra smooth and not to mention, smell nice! I usually use a Bath and Body Works, or Victoria’s Secret Lotion I have hanging around. I also put some lotion on my face, and this really makes me feel complete. My facial moisturizer:
6. Facial Spray
This is the ultimate pampering product. I cannot say enough good things about rose-water! I love spraying it on my face after moisturizer, as it adds even more moisture, but I mostly use it for how refreshing it feels on the skin. The one I use also has aloe and herbs in it, which I definitely think have an effect on making my skin clearer. I should also mention, this smells AMAZING. The product I use:
Overall, taking care of yourself is so important, and should not be an afterthought. Take the time to pamper yourself every once in a while and you’ll feel so much more relaxed and refreshed!