By Shawn Stuldivant, Editor in Chief
Hello Bronze beauties! Self-care has been a popular buzz word for the past year, and for good reason. We often need to be reminded of the importance of reducing stress to help improve our health, both mentally and physically. Although taking care of oneself looks different for everyone, we can probably all agree that taking time to unplug from the stresses of the day is often necessary.
To celebrate #NationalRelaxationDay (Sunday August 15th), I’m sharing some AHHHHHMAZING products that will help you feel soothed, restored, and relaxed.
For the Face:
MELÉ Skincare – Created by Esi Eggleston-Bracey and Sarah Irby, beauty industry pioneers and leaders at Unilever and Co-created with dermatologists of color and is formulated specifically for melanin rich skin.
How I use:Â
As part of my daily facial cleansing regimen, I’ve been using their 3-step system consisting of the Gentle Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Plump It Up Nourishing Cream, and the Even Tone Post Cleanse Tonic. The cleansing gel does exactly what it says. It gently cleanses and instantly hydrates my skin while removing dirt and impurities. I love the lightweight feel of the cool gel in the palm of my hands, and the light fresh, clean scent is very pleasant to the senses. The gel instantly lathers once you add a little water, and my face feels so clean and hydrated afterwards. My next step is to pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton ball and gently rub it all over my T-zone areas and neck. I love it because it’s mild and doesn’t contain any alcohol which tends to dry up my skin. My third and final step is to take a dime sized amount of nourishing cream and apply it all over my face and neck. I love how it glides on easily and feels very smooth and non-greasy. I can see an instant glow on my face afterwards.
Self-Care benefits:
Using these three products together every day makes me feel like I’m giving myself a daily facial. And the fact that they keep it clean by avoiding parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sulfates, and alcohol is a plus for the safety and care of my skin.
For the Lips:
Luxe Beauty “Beeswax-Free” Lip Balms – Luxe beauty was inspired by Jane May Graves when her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer. As a result of not finding natural, healthy, and effective products that met her health standards and needs, she created a unique skincare line of products made with All Natural, Organic, Plant-based ingredients.
How I use:
This lip balm is amazing! For some reason my lips have been really dry recently, which causes me to start biting them. But once I applied the lip balm my lips immediately softened. They come in amazing scents that last all day!
Self-Care benefits:
When my lips are moisturized and happy, I am happy! I look forward to using these in the winter as well, to keep my lips nice and moisturized.
For the Body:
Dove Soothing Space Kit – Since self-care looks different for everyone, Dove tailored a custom experience for me! I started out by taking their self-care quiz and based on my responses they packaged a kit for me featuring customized tips from Dove Dermatologist Dr. Alicia Barba based on my skin concerns along with a few self-care essentials including Dove Nourishing Secrets Antiperspirants and Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash
How I use:
Dove’s body products never disappoint! The creamy formula of the Sensitive Skin Body Wash was very gentle on my skin, leaving it soft and silky. You only need a small amount on your washcloth or sponge because it lathers up nicely once you add water. My after-shower regimen included alternating between Dove’s Nourishing Secrets Soothing Ritual Dry Spray and Stick Antiperspirants which both kept me dry and soothed all day. The lavender and jasmine scent is very attractive and calming.
Self-Care benefits:
I tend to be a workaholic, but Dove’s Soothing Space Kit essentials helped me to indulge in a moment of relaxation. I even sipped a little tea and listened to my favorite playlist 😊
Ann & Ashley – This black female-led, sustainable skincare brand was created to provide natural skincare solutions with visible results and lasting effects on all skin types.
How I use:
These are the type of products that I normally love using for special “me time” occasions. Their Turmeric & Neem Body Polish and Coffee Sea Salt Body Polish are part of their Sun + Sea Collection and they both smell amazing in the shower. I recently had a mild breakout on both arms, so I massaged the Coffee Sea Salt Body Polish onto the irritated areas where the breakout occurred. The rough salty texture helped to alleviate the slight itchiness. The next day I noticed the rash had gone away! I loved the smoothness of my skin after using the scrubs. Following my shower, I moisturized my skin with their Coconut & Rose Restoring Body Butter. It has a creamy texture and goes on very smooth and light, without leaving a greasy residue. It felt particularly calming in the areas on my arm where the mild breakout had occurred. And the scent of coconut and rose is very pleasing.
Self-Care benefits:
These products are like a spa in a bottle! And the fact that they are sourced from the cleanest, purest ingredients assures that I am using the right products to take good care of my skin.
For the Home:
Farm to Home 400TC Organic Cotton Sheet Set – Part of the new bed & bath collection by Marci Zaroff, founder/CEO of ECOfashion Corp, this 100% organic cotton sheet set is a best seller on QVC. Set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
How I use:
These sheets feel AHHHMAAZING! Cool and comfortable with a sateen finish that makes them feel silky to the touch. Size alert! These sheets are perfect if you have a deep pocket mattress up to 16 ½ in. I have a Casper queen mattress that is only 11 inches thick, so the fitted sheet is a bit oversized, so I just pulled the ends of the fitted sheet over both the mattress and the foundation (box spring) and it worked out perfectly.
Self-Care benefits:
These sheets were so comfy that it took me a little longer getting out to bed, feeling like the ultimate place of relaxation – my very own self-care sanctuary.
Baloo Living – The only Eco-Friendly, Luxury Weighted Blanket made with lead-free glass micro-beads and soft premium cotton that’s cool and breathable for year-round use. Their weighted comforter molds to your body like a gentle hug, doesn’t trap heat and stays cool for year-round use in all climates.
How I use:
I’ve never used a weighted comforter or blanket before, so this was my first time trying one. Prior to this one, I was using a heavy down-like comforter which got kicked off during the night every time I started to feel hot underneath it. Baloo’s weighted comforter is so much different. Although it is heavy (15lbs.), the weight is evenly distributed and while underneath it clung to my body like a comforting hug. And it felt cool, not hot and heavy. Apparently, the hubs loved it too because I kept feeling it slide away from me and onto him during the night.
Self-Care benefits:
Anything that feels as luxurious as this comforter has got to be good for your body and mind. A huge plus is that Baloo products are clean and safe, made with soft, premium cotton.
For additional products that will help you to relax and restore, check out our Ultimate Self Care Guide.
