With the holidays approaching, it’s usually my cue to talk holiday stress, which given 2020, now seems like I’ve been practicing all year for. And what has helped? Aside from a good playlist and glass of wine, it’s been a beautiful assortment of candles, CBD and self care. Lots of self care!
I think if this year has taught me one thing, it’s that bath time is always a good idea—so is taking a time-out to breathe and prioritize taking care of my minds and body. In the spirit of self care and decompression, here are a few of the exceptional products that line my vanity, medicine cabinet and bath tub. And if you haven’t RSVP’d for NewBeauty Live on November 12—admission is FREE!—here is a sneak peek at some of the brands we’ll be showcasing and giving away!
Create Your Space
I’ll be the first to admit I miss going to the spa. The dim lights, the smell of relaxation in the air. Insert Sunday Forever Air Detox ($12–$24), a natural room mist scented with a blend of mint Palo Santo, clear sage oils and citrus that creates a tranquil ambiance with just a few pumps. Add in the brand’s 11:11 Candle ($48) for some extra good vibes and luck (it smells like figs and wishes!), and the “Go Sage Yourself” lighter ($10), and give any coffee table or countertop a chic aesthetic.
On the topic of scents, Raw Spirit is a master in fragrance. Its assortment of sophisticated and beautiful scents now extends to Candles ($42), which for cult-followers like myself, is major news. Selecting a favorite is almost impossible, so I’ll just let you click through the assortment and ooh and aah for yourself.
CBD
It’s no wonder CBD continues to be one of the fastest growing categories in the beauty industry. From topical use in skin care to ingestibles, bath bombs and beyond, it has wonderful benefits for pain relief and inflammation, and can also help to reduce anxiety.
The all-star discovery for me during quarantine has been Kush Queen. Specifically, the Relieve CBD Bath Bomb 200mg ($20) and Alice + Olivia 200mg CBD Bath Bomb ($20) for a deeply relaxing experience. The brand’s Pride GummiesRX CBD Chews ($60), which I take before bed to relax and unwind, give me the greatest body high—you know, like the kind you get after an hour long massage and you’re tingling with joy all over.
Don’t Neglect Your Bawdy
Our favorite butt sheet mask brand, yes, the one and only BawdyBeauty recently launched a CBD Butt Balm ($40). As an avid biker with countless sports injuries, this is an amazing tool for recovery. And don’t be fooled by the focus on your posterior, I use it all over my body, especially my knee and legs to help recover after a workout.
Speaking of sore muscles, SORxSoap (2 for $20), is a supercharged soap that works as a soft-tissue tool to help improve muscle health. Made from all-natural ingredients and anti-inflammatory essential oils, this bar is designed to turn your showers into a daily recovery session. Simply work the soap with the contours of your body, let it lather and sit on muscles for 30 to 60 seconds and feel that menthol cooling. Focus extra time on sore areas.
Roll With Me
Jenny Patinkin’s collection of rose quartz gua shas and rollers has you covered head to toe. Great for muscle tension and to boost circulation and relieve stress, the Rose on Rose Body Roller ($125) also helps relax muscles. The Rose on Rose Derma Roller ($74) helps enhance the performance of your favorite skin-care products by boosting product absorption. She also offers an Uplifting Gua Sha Heart ($34), which is great for lymphatic drainage to reduce fluid retention. It’s also worth noting rose quartz emits vibrations of love, self-worth and compassion. I carry a rose quartz stone in my pocket and rub it when I’m in a tense situation to stay grounded and approach from a place of love and kindness.
Detox
One of the easiest ways to relax and wake your body up is with the PURE Sol Turmeric collection. We all know the benefits of a konjac sponge: it stimulates body flow and gently exfoliates and detoxifies to get skin glowing. The PURE Sol Turmeric Konjac Facial Sponge ($10) and body version, the Turmeric Konjac Body Sponge ($13) are made from 100-percent natural konjac combined with turmeric, which has natural antiseptic properties and keep skin naturally soothed and balanced. For the ultimate in-shower experience, Turmeric + Neem Salt Detox Body Scrub ($26) exfoliates, detoxifies, soothes and purifies skin, thanks to the mix of antioxidant-rich turmeric, Atlantic sea salt, and organic shea butter and oils.
Eye Do
Why does exhaustion always show up under our eyes? Whether it’s puffiness or dark circles giving you that dreaded, “you look tired” anti-compliment, Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Firming Mask ($60 for five) has you covered. This concentrated specialty mask infused with potent peptides deeply moisturizes and helps plump fine lines around your eyes to get you glowing in minutes.
Stay Protected
If you’re looking for an alternative to drying hand sanitizers, Raw Spirit offers a Moisturizing Antimicrobial Foam + Antimicrobial Lotion Hand Care Duo ($34), formulated with organic salt that protects against germs and bacteria and infused with extracts of geranium, ginseng, calendula and sage to soften and protect while killing most common germs.
For on the go, the Pretty Connected x Simple Satch Mulberry Silk Mask + Chain Set ($50) offers a stylish and safe way to never forget your mask at home or in the car—simply wear it! The Pretty Connected Nikki Mask Chain Necklace ($30) that’s been sported all over town by Sarah Jessica Parker is paired with the Simple Satch Mulberry Silk Mask which possesses silk’s inherent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and includes a filter pocket for added safety.
Because we’re all glued to our screens, which omit blue light and harmful rays that can mess with our sleep, lead to retina damage and affect the skin around our eyes, consider the FLOWER by Drew Blue Light Computer Glasses ($20), your new best friend. The line of non-prescription optical frames is designed to reduce eye fatigue, block UV rays and protect eyes from 40 percent of blue-light rays.
The Reading List
What’s more relaxing then curling up with a book? Two industry greats recently released titles worth adding to your reading list. First, The Pro-Aging Playbook ($20.50) by New York dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD is filled with tips to take care of your skin from the inside out. It’s easy to digest, filled with great advice on skin care, medical devices, treatments and frankly gets right to the point.
Second, Pretty Good Advice: For People Who Dream Big and Work Harder ($15) by Leslie Blodgett. There’s no question, Leslie Blodgett is a powerhouse. The creator of bareMinerals who sold the brand for $1.8 billion (let that sink in), writes anecdotal one- and two-page stories from her life and shares uplifting and candid advice. Don’t be fooled, this is not your typical book on business meant for the entrepreneur, but rather more candid advice on being a good person, letting unimportant things roll off your shoulders and great life and business advice for teens and adults alike.
Probiotics + Superfoods
TULA Skincare is known for its blend of probiotics and superfoods both in skin care and supplements. May we all feel Balanced, Berry & Bright ($28) this holiday season with their fourteen-day supply of beauty gummy vitamins advent calendar. Packed with prebiotics and probiotics to calm bloating, biotin and folic acid to support healthy skin, hair and nail growth, these gummies are vegan, free of gluten and soy and contain no preservatives or artificial colors and sweeteners.
To win all of the above products listed and learn more, don’t forget to RSVP and tune into our NewBeauty Live event on November 12 at 8 p.m. EST. See you there!
