My Routine for the Ultimate Pamper Session

Even as a beauty fanatic, I struggle to find the time for a proper good pamper. Except for when I remember to church a face mask on a Sunday evening.

But in the last week or so, I've (obviously) found I've had a lot more time on my hands, and with that I have been snapping up the opportunity to really look after myself and nail the whole pampering thing. Which has been an absolute god-send when I've felt myself getting anxious over everything that's going on in the world at the moment.

For anyone who doesn't know where to start but wants to treat themselves to some 'you time', here is my ultimate routine to take me from crawling up the walls with cabin fever or with high anxiety levels to zen af. 

Step One: A long shower or bath.
I find that this is the perfect tonic for being stuck in the house when your family/other half/housemates/whoever you live with are driving you crazy. Lock the bathroom door, run some hot water and breathe. Either with music, or in silence if you prefer. Wash away the tension. Take your time. You'll feel so much better.

Step Two: Use matching shampoo & conditioner.
You know that feeling when your bra and knickers match? When you feel totally empowered and like you really have your sh*t together? It's the same when you use matching shampoo and conditioner. Go for a scent that you really love. I'm crazy about the Garnier Ultimate Blends banana range right now. Mostly because it smells like the foamy banana sweets that I used to get as a kid, and the scent lingers on your hair for ages. Divine.
Remember a hair mask for extra levels of luxury!

Step Three: Shave your legs, if you feel like it.
If smooth legs makes you want to prance around your house in shorts like a goddess, do it. If not, that's cool, skip to the next step!

Step Four: Put on fresh PJs and let your hair air dry.
I always feel so satisfied when I've not put my hair through blow-drying. And we all know how wonderful fresh pyjamas are for your mood.

Step Five: Double cleanse.
You'll be amazed how different your skin feels after a double cleanse. I like to start with a balm, something like Beauty Pie's Plantastic Apricot Balm, or The Body Shop Cleansing Butter. Followed up by something light and fresh, Too Faced's Hangover Wash the Day Away cleanser is a current favourite. My advice would be to really take your time with this step to ensure a squeaky-clean feeling. The perfect solution to a day or two (or five) languishing about the house!

Step Six: Exfoliate.
It's so easy when you're busy (or when you're just sitting around at home) to forget about a proper skincare routine. But I find a good exfoliator or peel helps to fix that, by getting right into the pore and dragging out all of the grime and gross stuff.

Step Seven: Face mask time.
It wouldn't be a pamper session without a face mask now, would it?! But BEFORE you go and grab any old mask off your bathroom shelf, I want you to stop for a second. How's your skin been feeling lately? Has it been getting dry with being indoors a lot? (Because bloody hell I know mine has!) Are you breaking out? Is it generally looking a bit tired? Or a combination? Now, go and find a mask that'll tackle your concerns, and don't be afraid to multi-mask! I think we can all be guilty of just using any old product and hoping it does the trick. But take your time! You're pampering! Stick on some music, or read a book and chill. And now that you've chosen a mask that will actually do your skin some good, you'll feel so much more like you once it's done.

Step Eight: Do your nails and brows.
Now I know it's a real first world problem with all that's going on, but now that all salons are shut I'm trying to embrace doing my nails and eyebrows at home. While my first thought is ugh effort, it's not so bad with an episode of Friends on in the background and thoughts of the snack I'm going to have once my nails are dry.

Step Nine: Put your phone away.
Social media and the news can be pretty overwhelming, especially at the moment. Switching off as part of my pamper routine is helping me A LOT.
Put it in another room. Grab a hot drink and put on a film or TV show that makes you smile, or get lost in a book. Switch off from the real world for a bit while you enjoy your fabulous-smelling hair and admire your nails. You'll feel loads better.

What do you like to do as part of your pamper routine?

Love,
Sian xo