How to create your own Self Care Sunday

We’re in the throws of a third lockdown and it feels never ending doesn’t it. People’s stress levels are off the scale and home schooling, the weather, inability to go to the beautician for a pamper session and lack of focus if you’re on furlough are certainly taking their toll. Yet this is Valentine’s week and we’re supposed to be celebrating the art of love! There’s no better way to share the love than taking care of yourself but where should you start.

Here’s my top tips for creating a Self Care Sunday - prepping your skin, tanning your face and body and putting yourself first.

Eat Right

If you really want to kick your mind and body into shape then getting a grip on your eating, exercise and mental health can really make a difference. My 14 or 30 days to healthy living plan is where I start. It is designed to help you create a new relationship around food and shed any excess pounds you may have and create a long lean physique by reducing toxins and eliminating foods that don’t serve you. It’s all about creating a new relationship around food rather than yo-yo dieting or deprivation. Here’s what one recent client said just 4 days in “I’m starting to do my shopping list for Friday collection. I’ve looked at what I ordered last week and I’m shocked haha and I just don’t want it this week, feeling good already.”

Take 5 mins out

If you can find 5 mins to sit quietly with your own thoughts it can be really beeficial to your mwntal s wel as your overall health. You dont need to have a full-on meditation ritual, though I do love to meditate after my morning ceremonial cacao. Jus sitting for 5 minuts on the grass, in the park while the kds play or taking a wak aroudnt he block cn create a bi tmore balance in your life.

Give yourself a home facial

Giving yourself a home facial has got to be one of the most indulgent things you can do for yourself. If you’re in a relationship why not do this together too. Sharing is caring after all. Start by double cleansing the face and neck so that it is free of any makeup, dirt, pollution and/or lotions. The first cleanse removes makeup, dirt and pollution from the day while the second cleanse actually cleans and refreshes the skin.

Moisten a fresh, clean washcloth with hot water. Ensure it’s hot enough to generate steam but not so hot that it will scald your face. You don’t want to burn your skin.

Drape the hot washcloth over your face. This will help open your pores, prepping your skin for your treatment. Depending on the directions on your mask, leave your skin damp or pat it dry accordingly.

Scoop the mask into the palm of one hand using a clean spoon or spatula. Never dip your finger into a pot of cream or a mask as the bacteria under your finger nails and the enzymes in your skin will contaminate it and may even react with the product and make it go off more quickly.

Using two fingers, gently spread the mixture onto your face in a slow, circular motion. Avoid your eyes, lips, and nostrils. Depending on the thickness of the mask I sometimes apply it with a clean paintbrush or foundation makeup brush.

Follow the directions on how long to leave the masque on and how to remove it. Never leave a mask with clay or acidic ingredients longer than 15 minutes and always cleanse and moisturise after removing especially if you’re using a mask with active enzymes like the Arbonne Cellular Renewal Mask. This is one of my favourites as it eats away at all the dead skin cells but I also love this Rescue and Renew Detox Mask with pink clay. The oil pulling technology helps to unclog pores by drawing out impurities, dirt and oils from the surface of the skin. It will visibly draw out excess sebum without stripping the skin, helping pores appear smaller too so is perfect for teenage skin too.

Try Dry Skin Brushing

If you’re not already an advocate of dry skin brushing start now. This simple technique helps your skin, the biggest elimination organ we have, to shed toxins more quickly and will brighten and smooth skin. I make this a morning ritual before I jump in the shower.

How to get started

Use a special natural bristle brush to brush along the entire body starting at the feet and working up the legs, thighs, stomach, arms, chest, breasts and neck. Don’t forget your back too. Use long sweeping strokes moving upwards towards you heart. Pay special attention to the back of the legs, elbows, and knees, especially if you are applying a fake tan.

Prep Your Skin for hair removal

On the morning you plan to schedule your hair removal – self wax or shave - exfoliate the skin to prep it before your treatment. I love this Detox Scrub which Polishes away dry, dead surface cells and surface impurities caused by exposure to environmental aggressors.

It helps improve the appearance of radiant, brightened skin and hydrates to promote the appearance of softer and smoother skin, leaving skin feel soft to the touch – perfect for a romantic valentines weekend!.

After you’ve exfoliated is the perfect time to wax or shave your legs. Follow up with a good moisturiser which really hydrates. I love this Rescue and Renew moisturiser which helps to improve the appearance of dull, tired skin. It contains Aromatic essential oils from orange, lavender, anise, and bergamot oil which are known to create a sense of calm and relaxation.

Do a home pedicure

Prepare a home Pedicure for yourself and if you love feet (I’m not a fan!) your loved ones too!
You can slough off the effects of dry heels with a foot file and moisturise so they are silky smooth. To prolong the benefits of your pedicure apply a small amount of moisturizer to the bottoms of your feet after your morning shower in the days that follow. This will help lock in the hydration while your skin is still semi-wet.

Start to create your Tan
So many of us feel better with a tan so why not create a sun blushed face and body for a glowing skin. If you’ve been following my routine above your skin should already be well exfoliated and moisturized by this point which will prevent fake tan from streaking. I’ve found this Liquid Sunshine Self Tanner to be the best fake tan there is.

It’s a natural colour and can be built up in layers over a few days if necessary. I love to mix it 50:50 with my moisturiser before applying with a mitt to keep palms from turning brown too. I find this helps to distribute the colour more evenly and for me gets a really natural shade. Make sure you wash your hands immediately after you’ve applied it and allow at least 10 minutes to dry before putting on loose clothes. You’ll see the colour developing in the first 4 hours but for the best effect don’t shower for at least 8 hours. I love the fact that I don’t smell of chemicals or like a digestive biscuit either!

If you need more ideas on self care or would like to pick up my weekly tips join my FB community page - The Glowing Pantry and come and hang out with like minded women who love and support each other.

Or get in touch via email [email protected].