So, my parents went on holiday for 17 days. I know, how inconsiderate of them. 17 days where I had consecutive custody of my children, without so much as a whisper of a day off. I realise that some mothers would be shocked at the concept of looking forward to a day (or two) without their offspring, but I am not one of them. My days off, where I get to act like an actual, functioning adult are usually the only things that keep me sane.
They came back yesterday. At the earliest opportunity I dropped the girls off for a sleepover with their Nana and Grandad. I know, I’m a horrible mother – sue me.
I headed back home, pronto, and did the only thing a sane women in my situation would do – I had a serious pamper session.
To begin with I treated myself to an incredibly unhealthy meal from the local chip shop and an alcoholic beverage or two. And then the pampering began in earnest…
STEP 1: The bubble bath
My ideal pamper evening always starts with a long, luxurious soak in a bubble bath. I run the water as hot as I can stand it, until the bath is practically overflowing. I prefer to use a Lush bath bomb, if I have one (look out for my Lush post coming soon) but sadly I’d run out. I used my Bayliss and Harding Relaxing lavender bath foam and settled down with a good book, for some blissful relaxation.
While in the bath, I also took this opportunity to wash my hair and shave my legs – but I thought I’d spare you that photo. You get the idea.
STEP 2: The face
When on a pamper session, I usually spend the most time on my face. My daily facial skincare routine is patchy at best, so I like to make a bit of extra effort when I get the time.
I start by giving my face a quick clean using the Garnier Micellar Cleansing water. Then it’s time to break out the big guns, using my two most expensive products. I really love Dermalogica, but it is pretty pricey. There is no way I could afford to buy the entire range of products, but I did pick my two favourites and treat myself.
First, I use the Dermalogica Pre-cleanse, followed by the Daily Microfoliant to make sure that my face is really clean and every trace of makeup is gone.
Afterwards, comes my favourite part – the face mask. I have a pretty good selection of face masks now, for everything ranging from dry skin to blemish control. This time I decided to go for the Quick Fix Mega Moisture mask, as I often struggle with dry, flaky skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and my face feels completely refreshed.
I finish off by using a toner (currently Champneys Gentle Conditioning Toner) and then apply a good layer of the Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Night gel to help keep my skin moisturised through the night. I also added a small amount of the Clinique Blemish gel to any problem areas. Last but not least, I gave my lips a bit of attention with the Lush Bubblegum lip scrub. It’s an exfoliant for your lips and it smells so yummy I have to remind myself not to eat it!
If I was feeling really thorough then I’d probably use a body lotion or maybe even a fake tanner, but this time round I decided to skip straight to my most enjoyable part of the pampering – my nails.
STEP 3 – Nails
I mentioned briefly in a previous post that I always feel better when I have a nice coat of paint on my nails. No matter what the rest of me looks like, my nails make me feel more together.
I start by giving my nails a quick trim and file and then apply a base coat of the Sally Hansen Double Duty Top and Base coat. Picking a colour varnish is always so hard – I have so many. As I’m off work this week I thought I’d go for something a bit bolder than I would normally choose. After much deliberation I eventually chose Barry M’s Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in “Sugar Apple”. Then it’s time for another coat of the Sally Hansen, just to give some protection and shine.
So, there you have it – I’m feeling all pampered and glamorous. And very, very relaxed. Ready for a week off with my precious cherubs.
What do you like to do to pamper yourself? Do you have any products you would recommend? Leave me a comment in the section below.
Stacey xx
