There's nothing more I love on a cold evening than cosying up and having a bit of a pamper! I try to make time for a relaxing routine every Sunday and these are the essentials I use to unwind.
I just never feel 'relaxed' at home until the makeup is off! So I start by using the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm | £38. This is an oil-based emulsifying cleanser that's so effective at removing even the most stubborn waterproof mascara. It also smells amazing and has the most beautiful texture, so feels like a luxury little treat for my skin when I'm having a pampering session. Of course I then cleanse my skin - at the moment I'm loving the combination of the Niod Sanskrit Saponins Cleanser* | £21 | and the Foreo Luna Mini* | £119. This cleanser has such an unusual texture and fragrance (which I personally love). It's almost like a smooth paste, which I enjoy because it leaves my skin feeling completely clean and free from oils without stripping it of moisture. It also feels nice and luxurious and ensures my skin is clear and moisturised. I'm also obsessed with my Foreo Luna Mini because it's a cleansing brush without the bristles. The silicone texture makes it hygienic, long-lasting and easy to wash. The vibrations really help to work the product into the skin as well as gently exfoliating.
I then like to have a nice relaxing bath with a couple of candles lit. For my bath tub I've been enjoying the Prezzybox Luxury Bath Melts Collection* | £14.95. These are just so beautiful it's almost a shame to use them! The box contains a variety of floral scents and all of the melts look like sweet treats. For a chilled-out evening, Lavender and Patchouli is my favourite. It fills my bathroom with a relaxing scent and I find that my skin is smooth and nourished after a soak with one of these melts. I also like to light a couple of candles - my current favourite is the Elemental Herbology Five Element Earth Candle* | £38. Earth is deep, woody, slightly spicy scent that has amazing throw and fills the entire room with its unique fragrance. I then like to use the Korres Lavender Blossom Shower Gel* | £8. I love Korres shower gels - they feel premium, come in so many beautiful scents but still have a reasonable price tag. The formula foams but still feels nicely moisturising. The scent is noticeable but nothing overwhelming or heavy and even just flipping the cap on this instantly makes me feel less stressed out.
Whilst I'm in the bath, I like to put on a face mace and chill out with a book. The Caudalie Moisturising Mask* | £22 | review | is perfect for this time of year because it's cream-based and amazingly nourishing on dry winter skin. It semi-absorbs as you wear it instead of hardening and feeling uncomfortable. I'm currently reading Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes, which is the follow-up to my absolute favourite beauty-related book: Pretty Honest. I'm really enjoying it so far because I love Sali's conversational writing style. This time she's taking us through the most iconic beauty products of all time, but she still keeps it very personal.
Once I'm done in the bath and have rinsed off my face mask, I take my book and candles into my bedroom to fully unwind before I go to sleep. I never go on my phone or laptop immediately before bed because I find looking at bright screen keeps my eyes alert when they should be relaxed. Instead I read some more and take the opportunity to paint my nails. For the past couple of weeks I've really been liking the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Commander in Chic* | £6.99. This is a mushroom-toned purple-grey that's a perfect transitional shade. I love the shape of the brush on this because it makes application so quick. easy and tidy. It's an opaque formula but I do tend to opt for two coats, which isn't a problem because it dries very quickly. I lock it in with the Seche Vite Topcoat* | £9.95 | which I only got my hands on for the first time last month, would you believe?! This is worth all of the amazing things people say about it; it locks in the nail polish, ensuring it lasts as long as possible, it smooths the finish of my nails and ensures everything dries really quickly. On the toenails I opt for something a bit more fun that's also going to be seriously long-lasting and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Buffalo Nickel* | £9.95 | fits the bill. I was impressed at the opacity of this seriously metallic silver shade because it only needs one coat. I seal it with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat* | £9.99 | and it's lasted without chipping for a good week now. However I think next time I'll give it a go without the topcoat to see if it really is necessary or if the gel formula holds up on its own.
Once my nails are dry, it's time for the final steps of my routine before I get a nice, early night. First, I use the Mandara Spa Oriental Retreat Beauty Oil* | £7 | on my hair. This has the absolutely gorgeous, warm scent of cedar wood and sweet orange. It's also incredibly nourishing (you can also use it in the bath or on your skin) without being greasy. I apply this to my dry ends and leave it overnight before rinsing off in my shower the next morning. I then reach for the lavender scent from the Weleda Mini Body Oils Set* | £15.95. This is a fantastic little set with a variety of fragrances to choose from but lavender is my go-to when I want to relax before the week ahead. I like to massage some of this oil onto the insides of my wrists so that when my head is on my pillow with my hand next to it, I'm inhaling the scent. For extra effect I also use the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray | £16. I honestly couldn't imagine that this would work before I tried it but now I use it every single night! It's a subtle lavender and chamomile scented mist that rarely fails to help me drift off into a natural sleep.
Whilst I'm in the bath, I like to put on a face mace and chill out with a book. The Caudalie Moisturising Mask* | £22 | review | is perfect for this time of year because it's cream-based and amazingly nourishing on dry winter skin. It semi-absorbs as you wear it instead of hardening and feeling uncomfortable. I'm currently reading Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes, which is the follow-up to my absolute favourite beauty-related book: Pretty Honest. I'm really enjoying it so far because I love Sali's conversational writing style. This time she's taking us through the most iconic beauty products of all time, but she still keeps it very personal.
Once I'm done in the bath and have rinsed off my face mask, I take my book and candles into my bedroom to fully unwind before I go to sleep. I never go on my phone or laptop immediately before bed because I find looking at bright screen keeps my eyes alert when they should be relaxed. Instead I read some more and take the opportunity to paint my nails. For the past couple of weeks I've really been liking the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Commander in Chic* | £6.99. This is a mushroom-toned purple-grey that's a perfect transitional shade. I love the shape of the brush on this because it makes application so quick. easy and tidy. It's an opaque formula but I do tend to opt for two coats, which isn't a problem because it dries very quickly. I lock it in with the Seche Vite Topcoat* | £9.95 | which I only got my hands on for the first time last month, would you believe?! This is worth all of the amazing things people say about it; it locks in the nail polish, ensuring it lasts as long as possible, it smooths the finish of my nails and ensures everything dries really quickly. On the toenails I opt for something a bit more fun that's also going to be seriously long-lasting and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Buffalo Nickel* | £9.95 | fits the bill. I was impressed at the opacity of this seriously metallic silver shade because it only needs one coat. I seal it with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat* | £9.99 | and it's lasted without chipping for a good week now. However I think next time I'll give it a go without the topcoat to see if it really is necessary or if the gel formula holds up on its own.
Once my nails are dry, it's time for the final steps of my routine before I get a nice, early night. First, I use the Mandara Spa Oriental Retreat Beauty Oil* | £7 | on my hair. This has the absolutely gorgeous, warm scent of cedar wood and sweet orange. It's also incredibly nourishing (you can also use it in the bath or on your skin) without being greasy. I apply this to my dry ends and leave it overnight before rinsing off in my shower the next morning. I then reach for the lavender scent from the Weleda Mini Body Oils Set* | £15.95. This is a fantastic little set with a variety of fragrances to choose from but lavender is my go-to when I want to relax before the week ahead. I like to massage some of this oil onto the insides of my wrists so that when my head is on my pillow with my hand next to it, I'm inhaling the scent. For extra effect I also use the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray | £16. I honestly couldn't imagine that this would work before I tried it but now I use it every single night! It's a subtle lavender and chamomile scented mist that rarely fails to help me drift off into a natural sleep.
Finally, I finish off my evening skincare. For the body, I've been using the Korres Lavender Blossom Milk* | £10. I've tried a couple of other fragrances in this and am a huge fan of the lightweight, intensely moisturising formula that doesn't leave my skin greasy. The soft lavender scent is absolutely gorgeous too. I give my face a good spritz of the Hylamide Hydra-Density Mist | £15 | in place of a toner. It's both very refreshing and super-hydrating. Once it's absorbed I then use my current favourite face oil: the Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil* | £22 | review. It's lightweight and non-greasy but incredibly hydrating. It also ensures my skin looks fresh and radiant by morning. I always use the Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm | £9.50 | before bed. It has a heavy texture but it's just so incredibly nourishing that I don't even care! It never fails to leave my lips soft and hydrated after use and I don't think I've had chapped lips once since I introduced this into my routine. Last of all, I moisturise my hands and my current product of choice is the Cowshed Cow Herb Restoring Hand Cream | £8. This isn't at all greasy or thick but really does soften the skin and the lavender and fennel scent adds to the relaxing bedtime atmosphere.
What are your essentials for a relaxing night in?
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Disclosure - products marked * were sent to me for consideration however all opinions remain my own.
I'm just the same: I can't relax unless my makeup is off and I tend to take it off right after I get home! I really want to try the Hylamide Hydra-Density Mist, it sounds very good!
ReplyDeletehttp://fannyanddailybeauty.com
It's so good, I've basically been using it every morning and evening recently :) xx
DeleteGreat post! This post makes me want to have a pamper night tonight ^_^
ReplyDeleteLaila from Townhouse Palette
Ooh I've not tried that Korres scent, adding it to the list. I bloody love a bit of Korres! Am with you 100% on the emma hardie, I really am liking the caroline/pixi new double cleanse but tbh it's just not the emma hardie one which is life! x Sarah from Iheartcosmetics xx
ReplyDeleteSome great products on here! I have been using the Avon Anew overnight recovery mask and it just feels so amazing!!
ReplyDeleteRachael xox
http://gatsbyandglamour.blogspot.com
I feel relaxed just reading this haha. I love the sound of the Sally Hansen nail polishes, I used really rate their formula so I'd like to try them again! Seche vite is one of my favourite top coats, it makes any polish look a million times better! I must get my hands on the EH cleansing balm to xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
I know right, where has the Seche Vite been my entire life?! Xx
DeleteI love a good facemask! Also I can't feel completely relaxed until I have removed my makeup, theres something about it! x
ReplyDeletewww.emilyy.co.uk
Sounds like my kind of night! Nothing better than a good pamper! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
I've heard such great things about Seche Vite... I really should buy it. There's no point in having a great nail polish that you ruin 5 minutes after applying it because it hasn't dried yet! I've heard a lot about Pai but haven't seen it here in Canada yet.. I think I need to hunt more!
ReplyDeletehttp://thedianaedition.com
I hope it's available because their products really are fantastic :) xx
DeleteI need a night like this very soon...sounds amazing. So many things I love here and so many I'd love to try. Mandara Spa is such an underrated brand - I used to use a lot of their products when I lived nearer a giant Sainsburys. That oil is lush xxx
ReplyDeleteUmmBabyBeauty
There are some great products here I love a relaxing night in!
ReplyDeleteLauren x Huggled
Some good choices right there my dear! I need to make time for one of these relaxing nights in haha. Sorry I have been AWOL from commenting, I have been so super busy!! Glad to be back reading your blog! <3
ReplyDeleteTahana
www.tahanalee.com
Removing my makeup is the first thing I do as soon as I get home, like you, I don't feel relaxed without doing so. Scented candle is an essential for a relaxing night as well as a nice hot bath. After a bath, I end up falling a sleep straight away :) x
ReplyDeleteEla BellaWorld
This moisturising mask sounds like just what I need, I might have to get it!
ReplyDeleteTia | The 10am Blog
The Emma Hardie cleansing balm sounds really nice, definitely something I would save for a pamper night because of the price but it just sounds fab!
ReplyDeleteJodie / jodiemelissa.com
I love a good night in with a face mask, a hot chocolate and a good book! Bliss!
ReplyDeleteKayte
www.immbeauty.com
These look amazing!
ReplyDeletewww.upyourvlog.com
I try to make time for a relaxing routine every Sunday and these are the essentials I use to unwind.click here
ReplyDelete