I'll wholeheartedly admit I'm a 'new year, new me kind of person. I know this mentality annoys a lot of people, as if you're going to make changes you have a whole year in which to do them (fair point). But for me there's nothing better than the promise of a brand spanking new year to take a step back, re-evaluate the direction in which I'm going and make as many positive changes as possible. In order to kick of the year feeling fresh and rejuvinated I thought I'd have a pamper evening, which will be a much needed treat after slightly neglecting most of my regimes over the party season!
Prep
Before jumping in the bath there's a couple of steps I like to do first, one of them being body brushing. I'm usually quite lazy with bodycare, but on occasions like this when I'm going all out then I'll dig out my trusty body brush. There are so many benefits to this I really should do it more: it apparently increases circulation, exfoliates, reduces cellulite and helps the body to remove toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system among other things. I like to apply a hair mask around an hour before getting into the bath and always cover my hair with cling film when I'm deep conditioning as it really helps it to soak into the hair- even if it does look a bit crazy!
In The Bath
I have annoyingly sensitive skin but the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser works really well for me, it doesn’t foam up so doesnt strip your skin or leave it dry and keeps the skin feeling comfortable. After rinsing out my hair mask, I wash with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner that add hydration, I usually go with Dove ones which are so cheap from hughstreet shops but work amazingly well. Then comes my favourite bit: a shower gel that smells amazing. I’ll happily spend ten minutes in a shop sniffing every Christmas scent before picking one. It’s such a small thing but it makes the whole bath feel like an indulgence rather than just getting clean- you can't go wrong with the Treaclemoon ones from Boots.
On a pamper night, once I'm out of the bath I always do a face mask or sheet to give my skin a moisture boost. After I've washed off the mask I'll be going for what I consider the 'moisturising dream team'- Clarins Blue Orchid facial oil followed with Origins Drink Up Intensive. Anything with hyaluronic acid or nourishing oils works, but this combo makes my skin noticeably softer by morning. If my lips are dry, I’ll do a quick sugar scrub and balm, and I sometimes add cooling under-eye patches while everything else sinks in.
I do usually neglect my hands and feet out of sheer laziness until I'm having a full pamper evening. I haven't decided on exactly which products I'll be going for, so will probably do a lucky dip in the bodycare drawer and see what I pull out. Finally I'll finish off with a manicure and pedicure using my shellac polishes as they last for ages without chipping so will get me through the next couple of weeks.
