10 Best Self-Care Picks to Get You Through the End of Year Slump
While you’ve been searching for the perfect gifts for your loved ones, don’t forget to gift yourself some much-needed self-care products. You only deserve it! This time of year can be exciting, yet equally stressful, so it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re giving yourself time to unwind and reset.
Sure, it’s often easier to put your needs on the sidelines while you tackle your gift-giving list and take part in festive season traditions, but it’s also ok to be a little bit selfish and invest in yourself. To help you get through the festive season madness, I’ve rounded up my favourite beauty and grooming finds that will help you recharge and feel like your best self.
Keep scrolling to treat-yo-elf to some of the best self-care gifts out there that you can use year-round.
Aromatic Apothecary Stress-less Roll-on Relief
Beat the stress of the festive season with the Aromatic Apothecary Stress Less range. My favourite is the Roll-on Relief. This unique dual-purpose roll-on takes the effort out of applying and massaging therapeutic essential oils onto affected areas. To use, simply apply the product to stressed and tired muscles, using the roller ball applicator. Be sure to apply pressure for about 20 seconds so the gel is dispensed. The roller ball application is ideal for self-massage and deep muscle penetration. The product contains essential oils of Ginger, Rosemary, Peppermint and Lavender in a gel base and has been my go-to to relieve neck tension, lower back ache and stiff muscles.
Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly
This curl-taming, detangling hairbrush has been specially created for 3C to 4C curly hair types. Created with curls in mind, the longer, firmer teeth of the Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly are kind to curls but tough on tangles and the short teeth help to reduce the level of frizz whilst keeping the curls defined. Designed for use on wet hair, Tangle Teezer says its innovative teeth technology can cut detangling time in half, making wash day so much easier! This brush is not designed to be used with heat, so be sure to keep it away from your styling tools.
Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+
Not just for babies, this broad-spectrum sunscreen is ideal for anyone with sensitive, sun-intolerant and atopy-prone skin. Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+ contains optimal chemical filters for protection against UVA and UVB as well as Avocado Perseose to help strengthen the skin barrier function and preserve cell strength. Plus, vitamin E antioxidant properties work to strengthen cell protection and preserve the skin’s natural defences. Dermatologically tested under pediatric supervision for optimum safety, this sun lotion is fragrance-free and very water and sand-resistant. It has a light and invisible texture leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturised with no sticky residue.
Avène Hydrance Boost Serum
A summer must-have, Avène Hydrance Boost Serum is a gentle water-gel serum that replenishes natural moisture levels providing long-lasting hydration and nourishment. This divine serum is great for dehydrated and sensitive skin as it helps to soothes tightness and discomfort, commonly experienced with dehydrated skin. It’s a refreshing, lightweight serum that includes Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of Hyaluronic Acid) to instantly hydrate and visibly plump the skin. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) brightens and deeply hydrates for a smoother, softer and healthier-looking complexion while Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes and fortifies the skin barrier.
Amanda-Jayne Cape Town ‘Beach Wedding’ scented candle
Nothing sets the mood for ‘me time’ quite like a beautiful scented candle. If you’re after the best, then you can’t go wrong with Amanda-Jayne Cape Town luxury 100% natural soy wax scented candles. This favourite from the Forever Summer collection embodies all those summer feels to get you in the mood for the holiday season. An uplifting blend of Lavender, Sage and Thyme, deepened by the elegant base notes of Vetiver, Amber, Cedarwood and Patchouli, this scent is a sensory masterpiece. This harmonious combination of 11 essential oils finishes with a tinge of spicy cinnamon and clove for an extraordinary scent.
Good Basics Sneaker Wipes
Having clean kicks contributes to your mental well-being too; if you look good, you feel good! This summer, say goodbye to scuffs and hello to on-the-go convenience with Good Basics Sneaker Wipes. These easy-to-use Sneaker Wipes contain a pro-bacterial cleaning solution to help break down dirt and stains right at the source while continuing to work for up to 48 hours after use. The 20 Wipe Multi-Pack offers a quick and effective way to ensure your sneakers look fresh at all times.
Fundamentals Skincare 0.5% Retinol Moisturiser
Love retinol? This new Fundamentals Skincare 0.5% Retinol evening moisturiser is affordable, silky and lightweight. With 0.5% retinol, 2% Niacinamide, 2% Aplha Arbutin, 1% Squalane, 1% Vitamin E, 2% Grapeseed Oil, and 2% Hyaluronic Acid this affordable night cream helps to target breakouts, uneven skin tone, and tackle the signs of premature ageing. Recommended for oily and combination skin, this moisturiser should be applied in the evenings only and followed up by applying sunscreen every morning. If you’re new to retinol be sure to start with a slow introduction of once or twice per week and increase application over time as the skin allows.
Elizabeth Arden Red Door
Timeless, elegant, and glamorous best describe the iconic Elizabeth Arden Red Door fragrance. The original scent has been revamped to embody the contemporary women but still carries the seductive signature floral notes, coupled with the opulence of sandalwood. This iconic fragrance has been constructed with each layer flowing seamlessly into the next, to create a formidable scent with great longevity. This amber floral fragrance opens with rich, floral top notes of freesia, Lily of the Valley, and wild violets. At the heart of the scent is an intoxicating blend of red rose, Moroccan orange flower, ylang-ylang and jasmine. The final accord of the fragrance is sensual and alluring with notes of earthy oak moss, rich sandalwood, and sweet honey.
Philips One by Sonicare
One up your brushing with the oh-so-slick Philips One battery toothbrush. Switch from manual to battery with micro-vibration technology that gently cleans and whitens your teeth for a bright and radiant smile. Equipped with a SmartTimer, QuadPace, and 90-day battery life, this affordable and effective toothbrush is set to impress. Philips One by Sonicare is available in a range of colours and replacement brush heads can be purchased separately as needed. This little device is the perfect addition to your daily self-care routine and makes brushing an absolute breeze.
Esse Bakuchiol Serum
Say hello to nature’s retinol. This new addition to the Esse range ensures that you can renew your skin without the sensitivity that goes along with retinol use. Bakuchiol is a natural retinol-like compound that boosts collagen synthesis to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while also helping to fade dark spots. The potent antioxidant helps to reduce inflammation and skin roughness while also addressing ageing by reducing wrinkle depth, hyperpigmentation and collagen and elastin degradation. The Esse Bakuchio Serum also contains Aloe vera leaf extract to help protect, hydrate, and calm the skin as well as Jojoba seed oil to help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, moisturise, and smooth the skin. To use, simply apply a thin layer over the face twice daily. Follow with a microbiome-friendly moisturiser.
