The value of Pampering

I am a firm believer that dedicating time to pampering ourselves is a way to secure happiness. Yet with busy lifestyles, finding the time often proves a challenging task. We find ourselves taking short cuts, making our beauty regimes less thorough and as a result, we often fall into dark gloomy traits that prove more problematic than helpful. I have vowed to myself to start afresh this year. Yes, I am following the theme of a new me, new start attitude, jumping on the New Year’s resolution band wagon. It is important to focus on ourselves, to nourish our skin, to indulge in the simple things and to regularly find time to enjoy moments of relaxation. I’m talking candle lit baths, incense, good books, fragrant scented bath products, body lotions, moisturisers and most importantly, having a chance to take a step back from the constant flux of the world.

Ever find yourself coming back late at night and you reach out for the makeup wipes avoiding water contact and cleansing procedures? For someone who has on and off problematic skin, I have concluded that more attention needs to be focused on my skincare efforts. I have always religiously used Clearasil Clean & Clear Facial Wash which you can buy in any drug store; it is an inexpensive product amounting to only £4.99. I tend to use it every morning and evening just before I go to bed. My skin is overly sensitive and I have never had any issues with this product so I would fully recommend it. Up until now, I have been utterly useless with facial cleansers. I would make attempts of incorporating them into my skincare routine and then half a week later, I would neglect the products and forget they existed. Shame on me, I know. However, we are 22 days into January and this has changed all thanks to the fact, I have now been reunited with my beloved and well trusted TeaTree oil Cleansing & Toning Lotion. I simply cannot understand how I managed to live without this product. In the past I used to buy the Body Shop version, however, I have now switched to the slightly cheaper version bought from my local drugstore. I apply it after washing my face and then do the same just before I go to bed giving it time to clean my pores and work its magic. It has kept my skin clear, feeling fresh and revitalised. Top marks to TeaTree oil.

Next, I want to talk about body lotions and my favourite discoveries at affordable prices. My biggest discovery was the diverse range of absolutely divine fragrances of products available in the Marks & Spencer beauty range. The body lotions, shower gels and body scrubs are my ultimate favourite and they are oh, so cheap. Over the years I have accumulated masses of them, in all the different scents which makes decision time every evening a tricky challenge. My personal favourite is the strawberry smelling body lotion, oh, also the lemon one, the coconut butter one etc, etc... I guess I simply take pride in smelling like a delicious fruit bowl. The scents are from the heavens and who doesn’t want to smell good enough to eat? If I fancy a change for the M&S range, after testing a vast array of different lotions ranging from Marc Jacobs to Soap & Glory, the winner for me will always be Ted Baker products. I absolutely love them and they are a true essential for me. So if you have not already tried the range, please buy them and then thank me later.

Smothering ourselves in wonderfully scented products and taking pride in how we treat our skin is key for making us feel fantastic every day of the week. At cheap prices we have no excuses at all. 2015 has far brought out a far more girly side to me. I am now devoted to giving myself regular manicures and am now a face pack fanatic, who'd have thought? So far, these slight changes as well as incorporating a more relaxed yet focused outlook on life have really made a difference for me. To give yourself time out to relax is important for our mind-set. Nowadays, life can sometimes feel overwhelming with the bombardment of constant deadlines and lots of commitments. Often we reach a point where we feel that we are close to losing our own identity. That is why finding the balance around our busy schedules is important. 

Light some candles. Run a deep bath. Put your favourite record on. Watch a movie. Read your favourite book. Pamper yourself and rejoice in 'me time' every so often.