Staying in This Valentine’s? We’ve Got Your Self-Care Routine Sorted
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Longing for a little TLC lately? You and me both, bestie.
The holidays are behind us, the kids have (finally) gone back to school, and we’re still paying the price for having a little *too* much fun over the silly season.
In other words, it’s high time for a little you-time.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Not to brag, but I’m proficient in self-care.
As a beauty editor with no children, no mortgage, or any major responsibilities (though I do take my role as Cat Mum pretty seriously), I've got ample time to focus on... well, me.
My ideal itinerary for an evening of self-care?
A slow skincare routine and freshly-washed sheets, paired with a dirty Dominoes order and back-to-back episodes of The Real Housewives – because life is all about balance.
Now, over to you.
Pop the bubbly, cue up your favourite playlist and slip into something comfortable.
Allow me to take the wheel.
Next stop: relaxation station.
P.S. If you'd prefer to watch me run through these products in more detail, I've included the accompanying YouTube video below for you.
Calming Candles.
First things first, let’s set the mood.
A delicious candle is numero uno on our self-care checklist.
The flicker of the flame, the gentle crackle, the aroma of your favourite fragrance fillling the room. Mmmm, I already feel more relaxed just thinking about candles.
If you’re in the mood for something sensual, you can’t go wrong with Lumira Glass Candle - Cuban Tobacco Large
The AB staffer-approved scent seamlessly blends tobacco, patchouli and cardamom to turn your space into a sublime sanctuary. Stunning.
If florals are more your vibe, the Glasshouse Fragrances SYDNEY SUNDAYS 380g Soy Candle offers a lighter, brighter alternative.
With its blend of neroli, jasmine, and pink pepper, it captures the essence of coastal living, infusing your home with a subtle seaside scent.
Bathing Essentials.
With our candles lit, it’s time to indulge in a soothing soak.
Bath salts, oils, bombs, bubbles–treat yourself to whatever tickles your fancy.
(Don’t worry if you aren’t the bathing type, I’ve got your shower essentials covered below too.)
Feeling sore from a big workout? Try SALT BY HENDRIX Soak Infusion - Rose + Lavender Flower
This vegan bath treatment hydrates and soothes tired muscles.
Seeking silky-smooth skin? Try LBDO Essensual Sync Bath Salts.
These handmade salts soften the skin, relax the mind, and rejuvenate the soul.
In need of a lil’ detox? Try Hunter Lab Pinot Grape Skin Bath Salts 450g.
This indulgent treatment cleanses and promotes youthful, healthy skin with its antioxidant-rich formula.
Shower Treats.
For those who prefer to unwind under the pressure of a steaming-hot shower, I’ve assembled some feel-good essentials.
First, the cult classic: L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil 250ml.
No need to elaborate (we already talk ad nauseam about its skin-softening abilities), it’s simply that good.
For a bougie body wash, Molton Brown has you covered.
The Molton Brown Oudh Accord & Gold Body Wash 300ml takes luxury to new levels with its infusion of 23.5-carat gold flakes.
I also recently discovered the Molton Brown Pink Pepper Body Wash 300ml and its smouldering blend of spice, citrus and floral.
Alternatively, if you’re after something with a bit more grit, may I suggest the Sand&Sky Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand 180g
Besides its cute little shovel that’ll take you back to your sandcastle-building days, it helps to detoxify your body, minimise pores and draw out impurities for smoother, softer skin.
Skincare Saviours.
If you’re like me there’s a strong chance you’ve been in the bath/shower so long you’re beginning to prune. Whoops.
Enter, sheet masks.
Soaked in a super dose of serum, sheet masks are like a big ol’ drink for the skin.
Typically made with active skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol/vitamin A, there’s a sheet mask fit for every purpose–from soothing sensitivity to recovering post-procedure skin.
Here are a few I’d recommend:
- BEAUTY OF JOSEON Centella Asiatica Calming Mask: reduces redness and repairs compromised skin.
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask 25g: hydrates dry skin and soothes sensitivity.
- Hada Labo Anti-Aging Sheet Mask in sachet: plumps, smooths, and adds glow with hyaluronic acid, retinol, and collagen.
Watch me apply these sheet masks and others in real-time via our TikTok below.
@adorebeauty A sheet mask a day keeps dry skin at bay ✨ What sheet mask is your favourite? 💖 Products featured: @Hada Labo Australia Moisturising Facial Sheet Mask @COSRX Official Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask @La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask @COSMEDIX ♬ original sound - vibey music 🎶 🕺 🪩
We can’t overlook your eyes, too.
De-puff, brighten and smooth tired eyes to leave them looking fresh and hydrated with the Wishful Eye Lift & Contour Double Peptide Hydrogel Masks
Want to take things a step further? Grab your gua sha.
Beyond a relaxing ritual, the traditional healing technique offers a host of holistic benefits including:
- Promotes healthy blood flow.
- Relieves tension and muscle tenderness.
- Promotes lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness.
- Helps soften fine lines and stimulate collagen production.
Pair gua sha with a face oil of your choice.
My go-to is the Ole Henriksen Strength Hydrabarrier Nourishing Face Oil 30ml
Haircare Heroes.
With our skin sorted, it’s time to turn our attention to our tresses.
Assuming it’s freshly washed (if not, time to jump back in the shower my friend), we’re going to give our locks some love with a nourishing hair oil.
Like sheet masks, no two hair oils are made the same.
Some are rich enough to work softness into thick, coarse hair. Others are better suited to finer locks that require a gentler hand.
But the one thing they all have in common? Their ability to enhance your hair’s shine, strength and softness for that sought-after salon-fresh feeling.
Here are a few I’d recommend:
- For thick hair - MOROCCANOIL Original Oil Treatment 100ml: the original hair oil beloved for its healing properties that restore hydration and softness. Also available in a light edition.
- For thin hair - Davines OI Liquid Luster 300ml: a rinse-out water-like treatment that enhances shine, radiance and smoothness, and minimises frizz.
- For damaged hair - K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil: a frizz-fighting, heat-protecting, shine-enhancing oil that repairs and strengthens from the inside out.
- For all hair types - Kerastase Elixir Ultime hair oil 75ml: a cult hair oil made with a blend of natural and luxurious oils to add shine, reduce frizz and make hair more manageable.
Sexual Wellness.
Last stop on the self-care express? P town.
Beyond the obvious benefits of sexual wellness products (hello, endorphins), masturbation and orgasms have been shown to help reduce stress, boost self-esteem, relieve menstrual cramps and muscle tension and help you sleep better.
Hence why it’s our final step–because a good night’s sleep = a happier you.
There are so many sexual wellness products I could recommend, but for the sake of time I’ve narrowed it down to two:
- Lovehoney Mon Ami Pleasure Air Rose: a beginner-friendly, rose-shaped vibrator that stimulates the clitoris through waves of undulating air that gently suck and massage.
- Womanizer Liberty 2 Purple: a discreet, palm-sized vibrator with six pleasure settings for heightened clitoral stimulation.
Here are some others for your (reading) pleasure.
Final Thoughts.
Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's necessary.
Embrace these moments of indulgence, whether it's with a soothing bath, a skincare ritual, or simply taking time for yourself.
By prioritising your wellbeing, you're nurturing the most important relationship you'll ever have – the one with yourself.
Visual learner? Watch me run through these self-care essentials in person via the video below.
Want more wellness? We've got a few Beauty IQs up our sleeve. Check these out:
