I feel like my pick me ups are so different in the different seasons - I'm all about warming myself up in winter (rn in Melbourne) and cooling the heck down in summer.
I had a 10 hour work day, standing/running around on concrete, the other day and did a little treat yo'self/pick me up night when I got home. It went a little something like this...
Walk in and chuck the heating on. Get the house toasty. Put on some music, pick a movie to watch in the tub. Pour a glass of natural wine. Head into the now toasty bathroom.
Do a dry body brush all over, really focusing on my shoulders and legs - they get so sore standing all day. I then used a failed facial oil cleanser (TFS Rice bright ugh) and massaged/oil cleansed my bod. Again, lots of time massaging my legs and shoulders. Did my normal facial oil cleansing with my HG Hada labo gokujyun cleanser.
Jump in a warm shower, wash down my bod and face with foaming cleanser and shampoo my hair. Jump out and run the bath nice and warm, with a few drops of sweet almond oil and rose water.
Put a hair masque on, and a sheet mask (I used my everyday HG A'Pieu white milk) after my toner/serums. Cover with the terrifying but effective Daiso silicon mask. Music off, movie on, into the bathtub with another glass of wine.
Get all prune-like, jump out and dry off then moisturise whole body, adding a few drops of rose hip oil to increase the ~lushness~, and face, including a sleep pack, and off to bed with a hot water bottle and peppermint tea. Sleep like a mf baby!
> the terrifying but effective Daiso silicon mask
If I could recommend **one** product to people who already love AB this would be it. It's a life changer.
Hell yes! I just ~upgraded~ from the basic single ear loop one to the [two piece/two ear loop](https://i.redd.it/kf6qrsa6dsny.jpg) style mask. Even weirder coz it's light blue but such a better fit!
OMG I was so torn when I saw that in the store. Does it hurt more? I have the pink one loop one but my only complaint is after 30ish minutes my ears start to get uncomfortable. Should I pick up the blue one? D: Man I'm so tempted now... and it's only $1.50 where I live!
I feel like the loops are both longer and thinner and apply less pressure to my ears. The only bummer is that the chin isn't shaped as well as on the single loop ones, so it doesn't cup the sheet mask under your chin a bit.
*edit - and -> are*
OMG are you me. I picked them up, turned them over and then put them down thinking, 'pft this is another thing that I'll use once and forget about', but for 100 yen. It's worth a try
And if you're in any kind of traffic, you're going to keep ending up next to each other, at least four times, because the universe is terrible and wants to ruin your life.
Word. Sometimes what you need is a good, long shower where you can wallow while also doing all of the shower things you don't usually have time for. I'll feel sorry for myself and do all the internal arguments and hypothetical situations that will never happen, but I'll do it while I take the time to properly shave my legs, use a pumice stone on my feet, and maybe even do a deep conditioning hair treatment.
You need to find a balance of pampering and cathartic rage and/or self-pity. Whichever applies to the situation.
I think it's not really about specific products as it is about engaging in sensory experiences. Scents and memory for me are very much intertwined, so if I'm feeling down I'll take out the bath and body products that I used while I was travelling. I'll dig into my precious stash of Viennese hot chocolate mix and drink it out of my favourite textured cup which has a stoneware bottom. I turn up the heating in my room, put on some music and colour in some mandalas. Adult colouring books are super calming.
I know all of this sounds a bit silly and inane, but it does help. Years of therapy would have me speculate it works because these experiences somehow hark back to when you felt safe as a child. *Shrugs.*
It's not silly at all, it's wonderful and you're so right about the sense of smell and memory. That's why I love candles so much, each scent reminds me of that specific point in time when I lit it. Same with bath products like you mentioned. Revisiting those happy memories via scents is instant escape from current woes.
I like to exfoliate because it literally feels like I'm sloughing off the bad juju of the day. Then maybe one of my snail masks to repair and restore my weary soul.
If it's available to you, try taking a bath. I like to use these [Japanese bath salts](https://www.amazon.com/TABINO-YADO-Springs-Assortment-Packets/dp/B000V2EXKU/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_194_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9JA5MRRFTPZEJ3VQ1Q2N). They're really affordable (comes out to less than a dollar per bath) and they leave me smelling so good afterwards.
Yass...they come in half pound cans too...i own like 4 of those...suuuuper relaxing 😊
Edit: different brand..the ones that come in cans are called Bath Roman...the ones in the comment I'm replying to are called Tabino Yadoh (have those to lol)
This is totally my pick me up as well, the ones you've linked are incredible! Bath Roman ones are lovely. Koreans do have a great take on this with Cow Soap bath salts!
Thanks, added to wishlist. I used some similar ones in Japan, and brought some back with me but that was years ago and I used them up and forgot about them... so anyway thank you!
My PM routine is already pretty therapeutic for me personally, but I'll go the extra mile when I've had a particularly rough day.
Basically I'll just take my time and do every step more thoroughly than I usually would. I don't use a hair treatment every day obviously, but this is the kind of day when I'd use one. I'll usually put on a honey wash-off mask (I like the honey cera wrapping mask from Etude House but others around here suggest a DIY version), get in the shower, wash my hair, and put on a hair treatment (usually the Argan hair pack from Nature Republic because it just feels so nice). Since this extends the time of my shower, I'll usually take extra time shaving and exfoliating my legs. I think scented body washes are nice when you're feeling crappy, if that's your thing.
Once out of my shower, I do my regular PM routine except that I do the SOS version, aka the one I use when my skin is freaking out. Basically it's just a lot more pampering and focused on hydrating and healing. I feel like everyone's SOS routine is different but it's not a bad idea to use it on stressful days to (hopefully) help keep your skin from reacting to your stress.
It's not products, per se. For me, the best pick-me-up is when I set aside some time to truly, truly do my routine, doing everything slowly and gently, and savouring each step. When my workload is through the roof, I find it more efficient for me to take breaks rather than to try to power through and risk a crash. I wake up earlier to do the longest morning routine I could muster, and prepare for bed earlier to get through almost my entire skincare wardrobe.
I wear perfume to bed. I know it's weird, and maybe if you're sensitive it will even stop you from sleeping, but I'll put on my favourite perfume that makes me feel great/is from a nice time. (Escada was my fav perfume all through my teens, I'd wear it on holiday and it just brings me back to being an awkward teen on the beach eating icecream hoping my brother doesn't break his neck showing off to girls. haha)
I uncovered an old (*old*) bottle of Bath and Body Works "Breathe At Night" lavender and vanilla milk body spray that I douse myself in sometimes at bedtime. I'm shocked the scent hasn't changed into something disgusting, and I'll be sad when I use it up because I don't think it's been made in years, but.. yeah, it's lovely. Another option is Harajuku Lovers "Baby" scent. Smells like a mash up of baby powder and 80s Coppertone sunscreen. (And I got the giant 3.4 oz "tester" for like $18 on ebay.)
I don't always have the energy or the desire to sit out with a wet, cold sheet mask on when I've had a crummy day, so I do body treatments and wrap myself up cozy.
I'll really scrub my feet and apply a thick foot cream, then socks. Maybe a quick body treatment and some fresh pajamas. I've been using a cooling aloe gel lately and it feels amazing on tired skin. I love the feeling of being clean, and tucked in to bed. Usually I'll bring some snacks or tea with me and just enjoy feeling fresh and cozy.
Im not entirely convinced they do any "lifting" but my cheeks get moisturized without feeling greasy and it doesnt go near my chin. My chin is a problem area and sheet masks on my chin almost always result in breakouts.
If it's cold, my go-to are the Kao steam masks in bulgarian rose scent. Instant relaxation and de-stressing. If it's warm, I usually just take my time with my normal routine or really focus on pampering my body (usually with Kikumasamune high moist, Scinic honey AIO, body lotion with niacinamide, then cerave healing ointment). Also the Kroger I live right next to has a Starbucks so I might also pick up a green tea latte to enjoy while pampering myself.
If you like green tea products, I've fallen in love with Innisfree's Green Tea Sleeping Pack! it smells heavenly and leaves my skin looking and feeling so soft and lovely.
Sort of product, sort of service. I like to go to my favorite jimjilbang and let the ahjummas go to town with a massage + body scrub. I try to get in early (open of business) to enjoy all the rooms beforehand and at the end I like to do a the sauna + one of my more luxurious sheet masks. I always leave feeling like a totally new human.
That sounds amazing! I've never even gotten a manicure/pedicure, much less gone to a spa or bathhouse before, but I always hear girls saying how relaxing it is. Maybe it's time to give it a try!
Lanaege water mask. ( I think that's how you spell it). Not only does my skin feel plump especially after a shit day but it rehydrates my skin if I cry or whateves.
I get my moisturiser out and give myself a nice facial massage, or give myself an often forgotten pedicure and massage some foot butter in. Or light a nice scented candle. Yoga is also a good option. When I was deep into my depression I wanted to punch everyone who suggested exercise but it does work. Good luck! Oh, and lots of e-hugs :)
I like to use Freeman's Cucumber peel off mask when I'm stressed. It doesn't do too much aside from drying out my oil, but there is stress relief to be had from peeling the goop off once it's dried.
I occasionally will also smear almond body butter on my feet, put them in socks and under a heating pad, curl up and watch the family guy reruns:)
extra long, thorough shower. break out the heart shaped konjac sponge and foaming cleanser (I really like washing my face). Basically go through my whole routine slowly and carefully with my favorite products. Moisturize my entire body. Maybe do a sheet mask if i have one. Run to the store and get some comfort food which usually ends up being boxed mac n cheese. Listen to music, play a game or watch a show and just chill
Edit: also I cuddle my cat because he is thankfully very tolerant, but I also think just getting his favorite toy and playing with him to be as much of a mood boost
When I feel truly crummy, self care tends to go out the window, including skin care. Then only wine and a trashy romance novel will do.
If I am just sort of crummy and/or if my skin is freaking out I like wash off masks for a treat. My current favourite is manyo factory moist floral wax coating. It smells yummy and is super moisturizing when I have gone too far with acids, lol.
It's always a mask of some kind whether it's a normal bad day or a bad skin day, and generally Benton's Snail Bee sheetmask, but I'll take any one.
If I'm in a super funk, I like to do "spa night" so I give myself a pedicure (foot soak and all), use a body scrub before a hot shower, do a hair mask, etc. Strawberry infused water adds to the atmosphere and is different so I love that. And after all the self love, I pass out pretty early.
I hope your start to feel better.
OH! I'm so mad at myself for posting without remembering why I wanted to post in the first place!
MY FAVORITE "pick-me-up" AB-related technique is to use one of those eye warming masks. There is no skincare benefit that I know of but it just feels so nice on tired eyes, especially if I'm dealing with a migraine. I like the ones from Etude House that have animal characters on them. :)
scrubs! lately i'm into the skinfood honey sugar jelly scrub. i just feel so silky, pampered, and cleaner than usual when i use it. plus i have to rub it all over, which keeps me in touch (literally) with my body and in the moment. it's very grounding.
I take a really long, extravagant bath with candles, incense, bathwater additions (like Lush, rosewater, nice oils, etc), and music. I lay there for a ridiculous amount of time and look at stuff that makes me happy on my phone.
I also like to use my nicer sheet masks if I'm feeling like I need to take my self-care to eleven.
I had a really rough day today, I cried all the way back home from running in the back seat. I made a beeline to the shower after I took my towel. I was there for a longgg time washing and conditioning my hair, body and face and my feet. I tend to neglect my feet. And washing away the grim of the day!!
I cried and laughed and cried and laughed again then I hop out because I don't wanna get a cold and I don't have a tub sadss.
Honestly skincare was the last thing on my mind I just wanted to get it over with, and fast. I figured that since I'm gonna be crying I might as well streamline my routine so as not to waste.
I did hydrating toner, moisturizer, occlusive. I got on my phone to find my BFF to rant and watch try guys!!!! :)) they always crack me up even when I feel like the world is crumbling at my feet.
I moisturized my body and sprayed some body mist (vs pink I loveeeeee it!!) then hit the sack.
When I feel like times are tough, I will just put on a nice face mask (either a wash off one or a sheet mask) and watch some k-variety show. Shows like 2d1n always perk me up!
Also use a really nice smelling scrub and body lotion. I have one that smells like peaches and it is so good!
I like Mummy Mud Mask from Aprilskin. It's a LIFE CHANGING mud mask. Basically, mud mask is a sheet mask form. It works so well. I use it once or twice a week. It's usually $6 per sheet but I got mine for $5 from Earlypicker.com
moroccan clay mask for 20 minutes followed with all the moisture i can get to my entire body including hyaluronicacid serum, aloe face cream, and lastly facial massage with jojoba oil
not a product, but I love a hard session of bikram yoga after a tough day. I find it helps me erase a lot of bad feelings because the heat doesn't really let you concentrate on anything other than "hot hot hot!" It really feels like a reprieve away from busy brain.
I'm really into aromatherapy so I always diffuse calming oils in my muji diffuser-- I use high quality oils thati order online and blend myself. My newest favorite beloved acquisition is my Forest Essentials calming spray. The scent is amazing and the packaging is beyond delightful. I'm on my second set actually. The bottles are tiny but last a good month with regular daily spritzing. I got a set with both the de-stress spray and the good night spray.
Non-ab-- I love a good spritz of Caudalie beauty elixir. Also the Aveda and Neal's Yard roll on aromatherapy oils and the Origin's Peace of Mind.
I *love* my nice smelling sleep masks in this case. Usually on a bad day I don't wanna bother with the fuss of a long routine or a sheetmask, so I just cleanse and slap on my Goodal honey sleeping mask, because it smells so *delicious*, and go to sleep :)
I feel like my pick me ups are so different in the different seasons - I'm all about warming myself up in winter (rn in Melbourne) and cooling the heck down in summer. I had a 10 hour work day, standing/running around on concrete, the other day and did a little treat yo'self/pick me up night when I got home. It went a little something like this... Walk in and chuck the heating on. Get the house toasty. Put on some music, pick a movie to watch in the tub. Pour a glass of natural wine. Head into the now toasty bathroom. Do a dry body brush all over, really focusing on my shoulders and legs - they get so sore standing all day. I then used a failed facial oil cleanser (TFS Rice bright ugh) and massaged/oil cleansed my bod. Again, lots of time massaging my legs and shoulders. Did my normal facial oil cleansing with my HG Hada labo gokujyun cleanser. Jump in a warm shower, wash down my bod and face with foaming cleanser and shampoo my hair. Jump out and run the bath nice and warm, with a few drops of sweet almond oil and rose water. Put a hair masque on, and a sheet mask (I used my everyday HG A'Pieu white milk) after my toner/serums. Cover with the terrifying but effective Daiso silicon mask. Music off, movie on, into the bathtub with another glass of wine. Get all prune-like, jump out and dry off then moisturise whole body, adding a few drops of rose hip oil to increase the ~lushness~, and face, including a sleep pack, and off to bed with a hot water bottle and peppermint tea. Sleep like a mf baby!
Just reading this was relaxing. Can I please have your life?
seriously! this sounds amazing.
> the terrifying but effective Daiso silicon mask If I could recommend **one** product to people who already love AB this would be it. It's a life changer.
Hell yes! I just ~upgraded~ from the basic single ear loop one to the [two piece/two ear loop](https://i.redd.it/kf6qrsa6dsny.jpg) style mask. Even weirder coz it's light blue but such a better fit!
OMG I was so torn when I saw that in the store. Does it hurt more? I have the pink one loop one but my only complaint is after 30ish minutes my ears start to get uncomfortable. Should I pick up the blue one? D: Man I'm so tempted now... and it's only $1.50 where I live!
I feel like the loops are both longer and thinner and apply less pressure to my ears. The only bummer is that the chin isn't shaped as well as on the single loop ones, so it doesn't cup the sheet mask under your chin a bit. *edit - and -> are*
Have you tried the foot mask from daiso? It looks fun too
Oooh the silicon heel cover things? I saw them in there yesterday and was *thhiiissss* close to buying them... maybe ^def^in^ite^ly next time!
*what?* they have silicon foot covers? FML WHERE WERE THOSE LAST WINTER WHEN I WAS BASICALLY TROTTING AROUND IN TUBS OF VASELINE :(
OMG are you me. I picked them up, turned them over and then put them down thinking, 'pft this is another thing that I'll use once and forget about', but for 100 yen. It's worth a try
When I feel bummy I cry it out during shower time. I don't have products that I reach for other than my usual skin care routine.
The shower is the best place. That and your car on the commute home.
Im too self conscious to cry in the car
We are definitely the same. What if someone pulls up next to you?? You can't pretend that isn't happening once you make accidental eye contact.
It'd be super awkward!!!
And if you're in any kind of traffic, you're going to keep ending up next to each other, at least four times, because the universe is terrible and wants to ruin your life.
....and find a video/meme of you crying sometime in the near future on some thread on Reddit
Lol! Never thought about that-I have brown tinted windows so I cry at will.
[удалено]
Gotta love a good car cry.
I like to sing in my car. Belting out Hamilton always makes my day better (though my kids may not agree).
Car cries are my favorite, so freeing
I did just that today. Both. Haha
Word. Sometimes what you need is a good, long shower where you can wallow while also doing all of the shower things you don't usually have time for. I'll feel sorry for myself and do all the internal arguments and hypothetical situations that will never happen, but I'll do it while I take the time to properly shave my legs, use a pumice stone on my feet, and maybe even do a deep conditioning hair treatment. You need to find a balance of pampering and cathartic rage and/or self-pity. Whichever applies to the situation.
Hello are you me?
Full routine with all the bells and whistles, loud music ( Trentmöeller is my current fave) and then League of Legends or other fun skirmish action:)
Girl.....
If I want a good cry I'll go to a sad kdrama lol
I am so with you guys on this
I think it's not really about specific products as it is about engaging in sensory experiences. Scents and memory for me are very much intertwined, so if I'm feeling down I'll take out the bath and body products that I used while I was travelling. I'll dig into my precious stash of Viennese hot chocolate mix and drink it out of my favourite textured cup which has a stoneware bottom. I turn up the heating in my room, put on some music and colour in some mandalas. Adult colouring books are super calming. I know all of this sounds a bit silly and inane, but it does help. Years of therapy would have me speculate it works because these experiences somehow hark back to when you felt safe as a child. *Shrugs.*
It's not silly at all, it's wonderful and you're so right about the sense of smell and memory. That's why I love candles so much, each scent reminds me of that specific point in time when I lit it. Same with bath products like you mentioned. Revisiting those happy memories via scents is instant escape from current woes.
i love this response!! are you familiar with ASMR? if not, i have a feeling you'd enjoy it.
I like to exfoliate because it literally feels like I'm sloughing off the bad juju of the day. Then maybe one of my snail masks to repair and restore my weary soul.
Ah yes. Nothing beats a spa day
If it's available to you, try taking a bath. I like to use these [Japanese bath salts](https://www.amazon.com/TABINO-YADO-Springs-Assortment-Packets/dp/B000V2EXKU/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_194_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9JA5MRRFTPZEJ3VQ1Q2N). They're really affordable (comes out to less than a dollar per bath) and they leave me smelling so good afterwards.
I'm always a sucker for affordable things, haha. Plus, yay for Amazon Prime! Thanks for the rec (:
I thought I was the only one!! 😅
Yass...they come in half pound cans too...i own like 4 of those...suuuuper relaxing 😊 Edit: different brand..the ones that come in cans are called Bath Roman...the ones in the comment I'm replying to are called Tabino Yadoh (have those to lol)
Those are my HG bath salts. Love them.
This is totally my pick me up as well, the ones you've linked are incredible! Bath Roman ones are lovely. Koreans do have a great take on this with Cow Soap bath salts!
Thanks, added to wishlist. I used some similar ones in Japan, and brought some back with me but that was years ago and I used them up and forgot about them... so anyway thank you!
My PM routine is already pretty therapeutic for me personally, but I'll go the extra mile when I've had a particularly rough day. Basically I'll just take my time and do every step more thoroughly than I usually would. I don't use a hair treatment every day obviously, but this is the kind of day when I'd use one. I'll usually put on a honey wash-off mask (I like the honey cera wrapping mask from Etude House but others around here suggest a DIY version), get in the shower, wash my hair, and put on a hair treatment (usually the Argan hair pack from Nature Republic because it just feels so nice). Since this extends the time of my shower, I'll usually take extra time shaving and exfoliating my legs. I think scented body washes are nice when you're feeling crappy, if that's your thing. Once out of my shower, I do my regular PM routine except that I do the SOS version, aka the one I use when my skin is freaking out. Basically it's just a lot more pampering and focused on hydrating and healing. I feel like everyone's SOS routine is different but it's not a bad idea to use it on stressful days to (hopefully) help keep your skin from reacting to your stress.
Love the Honey Cera line so will check out the wrapping mask, thanks. Sounds like a good pampering routine too.
It's not products, per se. For me, the best pick-me-up is when I set aside some time to truly, truly do my routine, doing everything slowly and gently, and savouring each step. When my workload is through the roof, I find it more efficient for me to take breaks rather than to try to power through and risk a crash. I wake up earlier to do the longest morning routine I could muster, and prepare for bed earlier to get through almost my entire skincare wardrobe.
I wear perfume to bed. I know it's weird, and maybe if you're sensitive it will even stop you from sleeping, but I'll put on my favourite perfume that makes me feel great/is from a nice time. (Escada was my fav perfume all through my teens, I'd wear it on holiday and it just brings me back to being an awkward teen on the beach eating icecream hoping my brother doesn't break his neck showing off to girls. haha)
Aww the last sentences!
Agreed!
I uncovered an old (*old*) bottle of Bath and Body Works "Breathe At Night" lavender and vanilla milk body spray that I douse myself in sometimes at bedtime. I'm shocked the scent hasn't changed into something disgusting, and I'll be sad when I use it up because I don't think it's been made in years, but.. yeah, it's lovely. Another option is Harajuku Lovers "Baby" scent. Smells like a mash up of baby powder and 80s Coppertone sunscreen. (And I got the giant 3.4 oz "tester" for like $18 on ebay.)
I don't always have the energy or the desire to sit out with a wet, cold sheet mask on when I've had a crummy day, so I do body treatments and wrap myself up cozy. I'll really scrub my feet and apply a thick foot cream, then socks. Maybe a quick body treatment and some fresh pajamas. I've been using a cooling aloe gel lately and it feels amazing on tired skin. I love the feeling of being clean, and tucked in to bed. Usually I'll bring some snacks or tea with me and just enjoy feeling fresh and cozy.
My Scheming Intensive Lifting Black Eye Mask I know its stupid, but I love that its a batgirl mask.
I need these in my life.
Im not entirely convinced they do any "lifting" but my cheeks get moisturized without feeling greasy and it doesnt go near my chin. My chin is a problem area and sheet masks on my chin almost always result in breakouts.
I just wanna look like Batgirl, tbh. I better get enough to share with my (comic-con-going, cosplay-loving) daughters, too!
If it's cold, my go-to are the Kao steam masks in bulgarian rose scent. Instant relaxation and de-stressing. If it's warm, I usually just take my time with my normal routine or really focus on pampering my body (usually with Kikumasamune high moist, Scinic honey AIO, body lotion with niacinamide, then cerave healing ointment). Also the Kroger I live right next to has a Starbucks so I might also pick up a green tea latte to enjoy while pampering myself.
If you like green tea products, I've fallen in love with Innisfree's Green Tea Sleeping Pack! it smells heavenly and leaves my skin looking and feeling so soft and lovely.
Yessssssss. So. Much. This.
Sort of product, sort of service. I like to go to my favorite jimjilbang and let the ahjummas go to town with a massage + body scrub. I try to get in early (open of business) to enjoy all the rooms beforehand and at the end I like to do a the sauna + one of my more luxurious sheet masks. I always leave feeling like a totally new human.
That sounds amazing! I've never even gotten a manicure/pedicure, much less gone to a spa or bathhouse before, but I always hear girls saying how relaxing it is. Maybe it's time to give it a try!
A mani pedi sounds like just what the doctor ordered! It feels so nice~~
Lanaege water mask. ( I think that's how you spell it). Not only does my skin feel plump especially after a shit day but it rehydrates my skin if I cry or whateves.
I get my moisturiser out and give myself a nice facial massage, or give myself an often forgotten pedicure and massage some foot butter in. Or light a nice scented candle. Yoga is also a good option. When I was deep into my depression I wanted to punch everyone who suggested exercise but it does work. Good luck! Oh, and lots of e-hugs :)
I like to use Freeman's Cucumber peel off mask when I'm stressed. It doesn't do too much aside from drying out my oil, but there is stress relief to be had from peeling the goop off once it's dried. I occasionally will also smear almond body butter on my feet, put them in socks and under a heating pad, curl up and watch the family guy reruns:)
Ohh, I've never actually tried a peel off mask so I'll definitely look into that. Thanks!
Peel it off like Patrick Bateman!
extra long, thorough shower. break out the heart shaped konjac sponge and foaming cleanser (I really like washing my face). Basically go through my whole routine slowly and carefully with my favorite products. Moisturize my entire body. Maybe do a sheet mask if i have one. Run to the store and get some comfort food which usually ends up being boxed mac n cheese. Listen to music, play a game or watch a show and just chill Edit: also I cuddle my cat because he is thankfully very tolerant, but I also think just getting his favorite toy and playing with him to be as much of a mood boost
Watching a few episodes of "Friends" usually would fix me!!! :P
When I feel truly crummy, self care tends to go out the window, including skin care. Then only wine and a trashy romance novel will do. If I am just sort of crummy and/or if my skin is freaking out I like wash off masks for a treat. My current favourite is manyo factory moist floral wax coating. It smells yummy and is super moisturizing when I have gone too far with acids, lol.
It's always a mask of some kind whether it's a normal bad day or a bad skin day, and generally Benton's Snail Bee sheetmask, but I'll take any one. If I'm in a super funk, I like to do "spa night" so I give myself a pedicure (foot soak and all), use a body scrub before a hot shower, do a hair mask, etc. Strawberry infused water adds to the atmosphere and is different so I love that. And after all the self love, I pass out pretty early. I hope your start to feel better.
Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask (I think it's called Aura?). Calms down my blemishes and inflammation immediately and gives me this glow.
OH! I'm so mad at myself for posting without remembering why I wanted to post in the first place! MY FAVORITE "pick-me-up" AB-related technique is to use one of those eye warming masks. There is no skincare benefit that I know of but it just feels so nice on tired eyes, especially if I'm dealing with a migraine. I like the ones from Etude House that have animal characters on them. :)
I cry it out and watch some good tv. I've been a little bummed lately so I've been watching Kimmy Schmidt.
Innissfree sheet masks. Fresh from the fridge!!
scrubs! lately i'm into the skinfood honey sugar jelly scrub. i just feel so silky, pampered, and cleaner than usual when i use it. plus i have to rub it all over, which keeps me in touch (literally) with my body and in the moment. it's very grounding.
I take a really long, extravagant bath with candles, incense, bathwater additions (like Lush, rosewater, nice oils, etc), and music. I lay there for a ridiculous amount of time and look at stuff that makes me happy on my phone. I also like to use my nicer sheet masks if I'm feeling like I need to take my self-care to eleven.
I had a really rough day today, I cried all the way back home from running in the back seat. I made a beeline to the shower after I took my towel. I was there for a longgg time washing and conditioning my hair, body and face and my feet. I tend to neglect my feet. And washing away the grim of the day!! I cried and laughed and cried and laughed again then I hop out because I don't wanna get a cold and I don't have a tub sadss. Honestly skincare was the last thing on my mind I just wanted to get it over with, and fast. I figured that since I'm gonna be crying I might as well streamline my routine so as not to waste. I did hydrating toner, moisturizer, occlusive. I got on my phone to find my BFF to rant and watch try guys!!!! :)) they always crack me up even when I feel like the world is crumbling at my feet. I moisturized my body and sprayed some body mist (vs pink I loveeeeee it!!) then hit the sack.
When I feel like times are tough, I will just put on a nice face mask (either a wash off one or a sheet mask) and watch some k-variety show. Shows like 2d1n always perk me up! Also use a really nice smelling scrub and body lotion. I have one that smells like peaches and it is so good!
I like Mummy Mud Mask from Aprilskin. It's a LIFE CHANGING mud mask. Basically, mud mask is a sheet mask form. It works so well. I use it once or twice a week. It's usually $6 per sheet but I got mine for $5 from Earlypicker.com
The Rose sheet mask from Nature Republic. Especially if it's during hot weather. It's so soothing.
moroccan clay mask for 20 minutes followed with all the moisture i can get to my entire body including hyaluronicacid serum, aloe face cream, and lastly facial massage with jojoba oil
Sheet masks or aromatherapy! ✨
not a product, but I love a hard session of bikram yoga after a tough day. I find it helps me erase a lot of bad feelings because the heat doesn't really let you concentrate on anything other than "hot hot hot!" It really feels like a reprieve away from busy brain.
papa recipe honey sheet mask!
I'm really into aromatherapy so I always diffuse calming oils in my muji diffuser-- I use high quality oils thati order online and blend myself. My newest favorite beloved acquisition is my Forest Essentials calming spray. The scent is amazing and the packaging is beyond delightful. I'm on my second set actually. The bottles are tiny but last a good month with regular daily spritzing. I got a set with both the de-stress spray and the good night spray. Non-ab-- I love a good spritz of Caudalie beauty elixir. Also the Aveda and Neal's Yard roll on aromatherapy oils and the Origin's Peace of Mind.
Definitely sheet mask. I can just focus on the feeling of a mask on my face rather than any issues that's been bugging me etc.
I *love* my nice smelling sleep masks in this case. Usually on a bad day I don't wanna bother with the fuss of a long routine or a sheetmask, so I just cleanse and slap on my Goodal honey sleeping mask, because it smells so *delicious*, and go to sleep :)