When your job is testing out different ways to take care of yourself, the concept of "self-care" can become a challenge. As a beauty editor, the lines between work and personal time become blurred, and it can be difficult to unwind. I have always used beauty rituals to alleviate my stress [1], but on days when my anxiety disorder is out of control, I need to take a step back and find a balance.
Fortunately, I've found a combination of products and rituals that work for me, which include not only beauty but also aromatherapy [2], music, and my favorite TV shows. Ahead, I'll take you through how I calm down on even my most panic-ridden days.
Bath & Body Works Vanilla Patchouli 3-Wick Candle
When I'm stressed, the first thing I do is light the Bath & Body Works Vanilla Patchouli 3-Wick Candle [4] ($15). The sweet and spicy smell instantly makes me feel calm and puts me in the right state of mind to unwind.
Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay Bath Oil
While my candle is burning, I plug the tub, turn on the faucet, and pour some Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay Bath Oil [5] ($68) into the hot water. Not only does it smell incredible, but it's also moisturizing, which means I can soak for as long as I want without drying out my skin.
Lalicious Extraordinary Whipped Sugar Scrub
There's something cathartic about scrubbing away my dead skin in the tub, even if I can't scrub away my problems. The Lalicious Extraordinary Whipped Sugar Scrub [6] ($35) lets me take out my stress without actually harming my skin.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Water Mousse
After I'm done becoming a prune in the tub, I hop out and towel off. For reasons I will never understand, I always feel better about myself with a little bit of a tan, so I apply self-tanner as my next step. The St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Water Mousse [7] ($42) has become my go-to because it goes on clear, which means it won't stain my sheets. It also doesn't have that off-putting tanner smell and instead smells like hibiscus.
iHome Reflect Mirror in White
When I've managed to crawl out of my bathroom, I head to my room to plug my phone into the iHome Reflect Mirror in White [8] ($80) to charge and play music through Bluetooth. When my phone's charging on my vanity, that means I can't obsessively check Instagram, and the soothing tunes of John Mayer [9] are enough to distract me from wanting to.
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Next, I slather on a face mask, hoping that my stress-induced acne might fade away. I love the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask [10] ($26), which contains white clay to absorb excess oil.
Felix & Ambrosia Unicorn Flavor Drops
While my mask is drying, I wander into my kitchen to fill a glass of water and squeeze in some of the Felix & Ambrosia Unicorn Rainbow Flavor Drops [11] ($13). The CBD liquid makes my water taste like Froot Loops and mellows out my mood significantly.
Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure & Coloring Book For Adults
Another thing that always gets my mind off my worries is using an adult coloring book like the Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure & Coloring Book For Adults [12] ($13). While my hair is wrapped in a towel, I often get wrapped up filling in the intricate illustrations within the pages. Soon, I have completely forgotten anything bothering me.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color
During multihour marathons of Friends with my roommate, I like to paint my toes a cheery color like the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Evening Kiss [13] ($20). It feels good to be able to glance down and see a bright color for the next week.