It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with twinkling lights, countless gingerbread lattes, a chill in the air, and cozy evenings in front of the TV. If only it were that simple: Christmas, while wonderful, can also bring a lot of stress and chaos. That’s why I’ve put together some simple ways to help you de-stress once you’ve completed your holiday list and can wear a paper crown with a sign of calm!
Take a Bath
Now I’m not referring to just any old bathtub, but the Procoal Moisture Locking Bathtub! The Skin Defense Balm can be used in a way that you’ve never used it before. That’s because the balm is enriched with a variety of natural oils and ingredients designed to help dry skin and even relieve eczema flare-ups.
It’s pretty self-explanatory, you just need to lubricate your skin after a bath to keep it moisturized and comfortable all day long. But we have another trick for this product, and that’s using it in the bathroom. Here’s the recipe for the Procoal Moisture Castle Bath!
Add a teaspoon of balm under warm water
Stir the water well and you will see a layer of flakes of oil on the surface of the water
After bathing, some flakes of oil will stick to your body
Work these flakes in circular motions until they melt into the skin
Wash and relax as usual
When you stand up, you may notice that there are remaining flakes sticking to your body. Apply it to your skin as before, no need to rinse
Pat your skin dry
Emerge from the shower like a radiant goddess
All kidding aside, you will find that by melting the balm flakes into your skin, it locks moisture into your skin, leaving your skin super soft and glowing! It is best to pat your skin dry with a soft towel to avoid rubbing off the moisturizing balm layer. Dryness or discomfort will no longer be an issue for the rest of the day.
You can also add Epsom salts and a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to add a luxurious touch to the ultimate pampering bath!
Don’t forget your feet!
We all become obsessed with the appearance of our feet once the temperatures start to rise, but there’s no better time than now to take a minute to look after our tired toes – think of all the miles you’ve logged over the last few years and all the shopping that would take days!
Okay, it’s time to get your feet up, but first, with a peel-off foot mask. Allow the powerful exfoliating mixture to slough off dead skin cells for 60 to 90 minutes (just enough time to watch a lot of Home Alone!). You’ll notice your feet start to peel after a week of using the mask. You can, of course, speed up the process by soaking your feet in warm water. Be careful not to pick at your feet, as this could further damage the skin, and don’t apply the mask after a celebratory pedicure!
After two weeks, you’ll have a brand new pair of feet! Admittedly, they don’t look too great during the peeling phase – but that’s what Christmas stockings are for!
Stay hydrated
Wind, rain, central heating – if your skin wasn’t dry before, it will be at this time of year. I’ve already talked about the benefits of drinking enough water, but there’s only so much you can do to help combat such skin-damaging conditions, especially after a few too many drinks at Christmas parties!
Then the Marine Hydrating Mask is for you. Suitable for all skin types, this energizing blend of active ingredients nourishes and rebalances your complexion without leaving your face feeling taut and perfect.
Dehydrated skin can make you think you’re seeing the first signs of aging, when in reality it’s just thirsty and you need to give your skin some moisture to rejuvenate it. Using a mask is the easiest way to hydrate, rejuvenate and plump your skin.
For extra hydration, you can pop the mask in the fridge and apply it in the morning. Not only will this smooth out wrinkles caused by dryness, it will also remove puffiness around the eyes, creating the perfect base for your Christmas makeup.
If you find that redness and blemishes are more of a concern for you, replace the sheet mask with Instaclear Control. This cleansing mask is proven to soothe impurity-prone skin and provide it with nourishment and a balanced water-oil balance.
Start scrubbing!
The best accessory to a sparkly sequined party dress is an all-over golden tan! Personally, I don’t want to advocate using a sunbed to get a sun-kissed tan, and you may not be able to catch a flight to somewhere sunny, but you’re better off with a bottle. But there’s always the risk of streaks, and that’s when a charcoal face scrub becomes your tanning friend!
The day before you plan to tan, apply the scrub to notoriously hard-to-tan areas like your knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles! Self-tan tends to settle in these areas and turn a different color to the rest of your skin, especially if you haven’t taken the time to prep your skin beforehand. By exfoliating the skin in these areas, you remove all the debris and dead skin cells. Remember to moisturize the area after exfoliating to ensure an even home tan. After all, nothing boosts your mood more than a good tan during the colder months!
I know some of these tips may seem a little tedious to some, but it’s truly amazing how much time you can spend taking care of yourself through self-care. Feeling tired and stressed never makes you look tired and stressed. Relaxing and pampering yourself can lift your mood and hit the reset button. With this lighthearted, optimistic attitude, you’ll be surprised how much more you’ll enjoy your family time, even if someone is cheating at Monopoly!