January has been a long month for most, not only because there’s the post festive slump to battle but also as it’s usually a 6 week pay month. Roll on tomorrow so I can become a pay day millionaire. After such a miserable and drawn out few weeks it’s time to treat yourself to a little pamper session, if you haven’t already done so nearly every day in January like me. As January comes to an end I thought I would share the products I have being loving for a little pamper session.
THE PREP
First up I like to have the worlds longest shower then pop on my pyjamas, slippers and a snuggly cardigan because I am secretly a 68 year old woman at heart. There’s nothing quite like getting your comfies on after a long day, especially when there’s pampering to do. I don’t have a bath so a long shower is the next best thing for me, unless I fancy a trip to my mums to use her bath. I’m usually a quick 5 minute shower person as I hate the thought of water wastage, but every now and then I like to treat myself to a long hot shower.
It’s then time to pop on my fluffy hair band and let the products get to pampering. Recently I have being trying out a few new face cleansers so there’s no specific one here, but a rich cream cleanser or balm is perfect for a pre-pamper cleanse. To wash off my cleanser I use a hot wet flannel to wipe away and then rinse. I heat the flannel again under hot water and lay this on my face for a minute to open up the pores.
THE CLEANSE & EXFOLIATE
I’ve made the step back to manual exfoliators recently as I prefer them during the winter months when my skin is drier. Twice a week I use the Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream (£19.00) to exfoliate, but then when I have a full on pamper session – around once every 2 weeks – I use the Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator (£20.00)* to really rid my skin of dead cells and deep clean those pores. You only need a tiny amount as a little goes a long way. The corn grains in the formula help to exfoliate and unclog pores without being scratchy on the skin.
THE MASK
Again, I like to remove the product with a hot flannel and then leave a warm flannel on my face for a moment to keep the pores open. After that it’s face mask time. Mask mapping has always been part of my routine as certain areas of my face need different types of masks, so the new Origins Ritalitea* masks are perfect for this. There’s currently 3 types; Matcha Madness for revitalisation; Feeling Rosy for comforting; and Oolong for purifying. The masks take it back to basics in that they aren’t pre mixed, you take the powder and mix it with water to activate. The best way to mask map is with a facial brush so that only the areas you want are covered, plus is less messy especially when mixing your own masks. I love the whole mixing process too, I find it really relaxing and also it makes me feel a little like a scientist. I have being using the Feeling Rosy on the majority of my face and then Oolong in the areas of congestion like my nose, cheek strip and chin. Whilst my mask is setting I tend to do something for me, no cleaning, no phone, just something relaxing like reading a bit of a book or painting my nails. It’s not just about the mask itself, it’s about taking time out to treat yourself and really relax.
TO FINISH
I am not big on toners and never have been, but over the last year I have started to use beauty mists instead as they offer the benefits of a toner without the bits I don’t like about them. A new addition is the beautiful Caudalie Beauty Elixir (£12.00)* which is fast overtaking my Holy Grail beauty mist for the top spot. This is a plant based formula that feels very light on the skin, yet you can feel the ingredients working to hydrate and tighten the skin. Just a couple of sprays and my skin feels refreshed and ‘new’, yes I know that sounds strange. I tend to leave my skin bare for an hour or so after spraying the elixir and usually settle down to read a few chapers of a good book before my next step.
Oils are my go to for evening skincare and the Trilogy Age Proof CoQ10 Booster Oil (£31.50)has been a bedside staple for months. I absolutely adore this facial oil as it sinks in to the skin beautifully without leaving a greasy film behind. By the time I wake up of a morning my skin feels super soft; it’s seriously the only product you need on your face overnight.
BEFORE BED
I am a terrible sleeper and have been for years, I often get mild insomnia and can still be awake at 4am in the morning unable to drift off. Even when not having a bout of insomnia it’s usually around 1.30am when I manage to drift off, which isn’t great when I have to be up at 6.30am. I was kindly send the Tropic So Sleepy range just before Christmas as a cute little ‘get to sleep early for Santa’ gift. The limited edition set contains a So Sleepy temple roll on and pillow mist for £10.00* and let me tell you it’s well worth it. The pillow spray is AMAZING. I hate the scent of lavender but as it’s main property is aiding sleep it’s in every sleep spray known to man. However to me this smells more fresh than lavender, slightly sweet as it contains Vanilla and also like roses. It’s definitely a staple after a pamper session when I want to drift off in to a peaceful slumber.
So there we have it, all my pamper products and secrets. What are some of your pamper routines and most used products?
