So you can’t afford to go on vacation, and you need some at-home pampering to recharge. Of course hitting the spa is a luxurious option, but not all of us have the time or the money to spend on self-indulgence. So, how about making lavish self-care a daily occurrence this summer? You can weave it into your schedule and if you’re a work-at-home mom, even better!
In fact, as I type, I’m experiencing Guam Seaweed Mud ($69) on my thighs! The smell takes me back to European seaweed wraps, designed to eliminate orange-peel skin by stimulating circulation on your thighs. Perfect for showing off the results in summer shorts! After the 45 minutes of the mud treatment are up, I will rinse in the shower and apply Pyur Mamá Belly Butter ($22.95) on both my legs and my belly. Designed to be safe for expectant mothers, any woman can benefit from its deeply emollient features. As an added bonus, you can also use it to soften heels, knees and elbows.
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TURNING YOUR SHOWER INTO A SPA EXPERIENCE
Never forget to wash your face, morning and night, whether or not you’ve worn makeup during the day. Two of my favorite cleansers are Sensé Gentle Daily Cleanser ($17.94) and Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser ($6.99). Sensé has a silky texture and a clean scent and feel, but if you can’t splurge, Aveeno is always a good pick.
To boost your energy during your morning shower, try L’Occitane Jasmin Bergamote soap ($8) or for a full-spa experience Spaliday Bergamot Lime Gift Set ($120). Light the scented candle in the bathroom, to feel the full experience of this lavish shower set. You can moisturize your hair with Repechage Hair Spa Seaweed Mask ($55) for ten minutes while you shower. Or, for a deeper treatment, leave it on overnight to wake up to a hydrated mane.
After towel drying your hair use a serum such as Ava Hair Anti-Frizz Serum ($24.95), made with organic argan oil, to nourish your locks and tame flyaways. Then spritz on a summery scent like Francesca´s Tuilerie´s Perfume developed by Tru Fragrance ($28), a musky yet citrusy scent for day or night
Skip foundation and protect your complexion with Pürminerals CC Cream SPF 40 Broad Spectrum ($38). You can use it instead of or in addition to a moisturizer, as either way, this product will have your skin glowing all day long. It stays put even in the most hot and humid weather.
Your eyes will also need some protection from harmful summer rays. I enjoy
Optifirm Eye Contour by Repechage ($59) which eliminates puffiness and helps reduce dark circles. When you hit the street, use wide shades. I´m loving Converse Backstage Pedal Sunglasses ($58) in pink and orange. They’re fun to wear and are all about summer!
A brighter smile will contrast with your skin glow. If you’re not a fan of whitening strips or just don’t have the patience for them, try Arm and Hammer Whitening Booster ($9.71). Just mix a bit of it with your regular toothpaste, and in less than a week, you’ll notice the difference. Bobbi Brown sailor sheer lipgloss ($24) will help you show off your smile even further, while nourishing your pout.
A summer look and feel isn’t complete without a pop of color on your nails. Try A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins by Clinique ($16). The bright tones don´t disappoint and they are good to share with your little ones too. Mommy and me mani pedis, anyone?
SUMMER TOTE BAG MUSTS
Chilly Jilly Wrap ($35) is something I wish I’d thought of designing! It´s a crease-free wrap that comes in a variety of colors and doubles as a beach cover. Great for walking into freezing air conditioning from the hot outdoors, to wear as a scarf, or to hit the pool.
Don’t let a headache, an upset stomach or an allergy mess up your day. With UrgentRX Relief to Go ($16 for 12-count), you can always be prepared. The small sachets even fit in an evening clutch.
And as scents evaporate really fast in the summer heat, don´t leave behind your Travalo Refillable Perfume Rollerball ($24.90), so you can hit up your pulse points when you need a pick-me-up.
TO PAMPER YOUR FEET
Walking in style and comfort while getting your feet´s acupressure points massaged? It´s possible! Try Therafit Carly Brown Sandal ($69). You can even adjust the level of shock absorption in the heel with a very simple mechanism. From the backyard to the beach, they can also take you around the city or to the park with the kids. I love them when I’m standing up for long periods of time when doing house chores.
UNWINDING AT NIGHT
My go-to splurge for summer nights is Pyur Mujer Facial Masque ($16), which is a powder mask to which you can add any liquid of your choice: water, milk, yogurt … to make it into the mask that you enjoy. When mixed with cold yogurt, it´s refreshing and soothing! Follow it with a luxurious night cream such as L’Occitane Crème Prècieuse ($70) which helps repair your skin cells while you indulge in some well-earned beauty sleep! And presto, you´ve enjoyed a spa-day on the go.
