Welcome to WELL-BEAUTY
Caring for ourselves is crucial in times of stress and these simple beauty rituals can really help
The popularity of salts and scrubs has surged since we started self-isolating a few months back. But perhaps our situation has only revealed something we’ve been missing all along!
“Often we buy beauty gifts for others yet we actually need them ourselves,” says Kellie Collis, founder of Australian plant-based beauty brand Salt by Hendrix.
With more time on our hands than ever before, taking care of ourselves has come to the forefront and we’re paying closer attention to what our body and mind really need.
“When you do things that are rushed, you don’t think about how your skin feels,” says Kellie. “But when you’re setting aside time to yourself, you notice the dry patches and the sensitive spots, and you’re able to appreciate those moments more.”
For all its pros, self-care isn’t a cure-all. “There’s also mental health, which is really, really serious for some people and we would never want to minimise that. But at the same time it’s nice to think we can lighten someone’s day,” says Kellie.
Here’s how you can create your own self-care haven at home...
How to create a healing bath
“People sometimes can’t pinpoint why going to a beauty salon’s so great. I think it’s the sensory experience. It smells great, and there’s soft music,” says Kellie. “Often when you have a bath at home you forget about those things, but they can add so much.”
Create ambience Arrange scented candles for soft lighting and a lovely scent all at once. Play relaxing music from a portable speaker or wear noisecancelling ear buds and listen to a podcast or meditation app in peace.
Gather treats Bring a book or magazine to read and a cool drink in case you get et too warm. Cucumber and nd mint is popular in spas because ecause it also cleanses the palate. alate. Roll up a small towel to rest your head on, unless you have a special bath pillow.
Mask up You could put a sheet mask next to the bath and lay it over your face once you hop in, or slather a traditional face mask on beforehand. Make sure it’s not a mud mask that tightens too much. A hydrating mask will be more relaxing.
Add tonics Bath oils are ideal when your skin feels dry and scaly, salt soaks are soothing and sensory with their petals, herbs, etc. And of course, bubbles are always fun!
Buff up If you do have dry skin, soak for at least 10 minutes to soften your skin (and relax!) before beginning to scrub. You can use a microfibre mitt on its own for a light polish, or slather on a body scrub for deeper exfoliation.
Towel off Nothing says spa like a fluffy towel, robe and slippers. Remember to dab dry, so any oils used stay on and continue to hydrate your skin.
Lock in Your skin absorbs some moisture from the bath, but once you hop out, you need to seal it in with moisturiser or it will soon evaporate, leaving you dry.
Sip away Resist the urge to jump straight back into the fray – you wouldn’t at a spa. Instead, retire to a quiet room with your cucumber and mint water to ease yourself back into the world.