SHOW YOU SELF CARE

IT STARTED off so well. We mastered work video calls, exercising from home was a novelty, I got reacquainted with the bottom of my washing basket and, when the sun was shining, for a minute there I was lulled into thinking this stay at home malarkey was going to be a breeze.

Kids were enjoying the garden and wine o’clock started as soon as I closed my laptop.

Fast forward a week, and reality has hit hard. Video calls have turned into an ongoing facial inspection, exercising in my living room has lost its appeal and to add insult to injury, it’s cold.

So what now? In the years BC (before corona) the phrase “wellness” was so over-used it became almost meaningless.

Eyebrow tints were talked about in the same breath as meditation, making it all feel a bit shallow. But right now there is nothing we need more than self-care, so while we may not be able to get to the beauticians, social media is full of ideas on easy home pampering.

Face masks, bubble baths and salt scrubs are the new going out, making pyjamas and robes the new musthave accessories. I’m a big fan of a spa robe, white, preferably hooded and I prefer waffle to towelling.

No one does a waffle robe like The White Company but when it comes to dressing gowns I am partial to a print.

La Redoute has the nicest voile kimono bathrobes for £36. For the most luxuriouslooking PJs, that could easily pass for a co-ord, head to Zara Home. com.

The satin dotty shirt and matching trousers are perfect for swishing around in and cost less than £50.

If money is no object, La Perla does a silk version for £288. If, like me you can only sleep in cotton, head to Cath Kidston. Her British Birds print is very sweet and they are lightweight for spring.

If you’re super fancypants and nightdresses are your post-pamper vetements of choice, then head to Arket for its 90s inspired slip dresses. The silk eye mask is entirely optional.

Cotton micro waffle robe £60, thewhite company.com