Winter Pamper Essentials

It’s highly likely that you’re sick of the word ‘Hygge’ by now. It’s everywhere. But the concept is a good one and one that you’ve probably been partaking in without knowing for a long time. As soon as the clocks go back, the warmer coats come out of the back of your wardrobe and you start dreaming about stodgy, delicious meals (stew and dumplings anyone?). You are drawn to all things comforting. So I wanted to share all of my winter pamper essentials. I hope you enjoy these, don’t forget to leave a comment with your winter pamper favourites so I can check them out!

The easiest way to get cosy and put yourself in the mood for a winter pamper is a long bath. I have had a horrible cold that keeps fading in and out but never really going away so I tried this incredible Kneipp bath crystal sachet*. It’s eucalyptus scented and is designed with cold season in mind. I put on some YouTube videos and had a lovely long soak. By the time I got out of the bath my head felt so much clearer – I need to stock up on these so we always have some in the house!

Candles are another excellent way to feel warm and snuggly when the evenings are dark and cold – this one from The Body Shop is a current favourite and even my husband said ‘Oooh what smells so nice?’ when he got home from work so I’d say that two thumbs up! It’s the Hawaiian Kukui candle* from their incredible Spa Of The World range. If you’re a fan of candles, the new festive candles from the Body Shop are dreamy: Spiced Apple, Frosted Berries, and Vanilla Chai. GOOD LORD. BRING THEM ALL TO ME.

In the bathroom I have been using some products from Janjira to kick start my winter pamper routine: their Art of Siam range is unbelievably luxurious and perfect when you need a bit of a pick me up. The Thai Lime & Ginger Sugar Milky Body Scrub not only smells divine but really helps to slough away rough patches and leave skin silky smooth, even before I apply the gorgeous Thai Lime & Ginger Body Butter. This is a thick but not sticky or greasy moisturiser and the scent lingers on the skin so I’ve spent a lot of time sniffing myself recently…! I was a little bit worried that both of them would be aggravating to my sensitive skin as they’re so heavily fragranced but I had no problems.

If you read my blog regularly you be aware of my deep-rooted love for face masks. If I’m short on time and want a quick pamper then they are my go-to. Recently I’ve been using the Cattier Argile Rose Aloe Vera clay mask (which you may have seen in my French beauty haul video) – I heard about Cattier face masks from Caroline Hirons and made a beeline for them when I went to Paris. They are so cheap it’s almost criminal. I apply this to my nose and chin to help with congestion and oiliness. Sometimes clay masks can be a little harsh for my sensitive skin but the inclusion of aloe vera makes this very gentle, however it does contain peppermint oil so bear that in mind if it’s one of your triggers.

Another French pharmacy purchase that featured in the epic haul video was this mask from A-Derma, the Sensiphase AR Anti-Redness Mask: this was one of the products that wasn’t on my wishlist but I picked up in my manic last 10 minutes in City Pharma when I was looking for anything that said ‘sensitive’, ‘redness’, or ‘calming’! This is a lovely mask: really hydrating, soothing and gentle. I’ve linked to it on Amazon above as it’s not available in the UK, but I’d recommend getting in in France if you can as it’s much cheaper!

I’ve never been a huge fan of eye creams or gels but this may be the one that converts me. And I think it’s because The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalising Eye Cream-Gel can be used as an every day eye gel (meh) or as an eye mask… and the latter is something I can totally get on board with. I apply this under my eyes and leave it on until it’s totally sunk in (usually about 15 mins). It’s a cooling gel that really soothes and brightens and leaves your under-eye area looking and feeling lovely.

I am a matte lipstick addict and my lips are often very unhappy with me so when I heard about this Nügg Lip Mask* I was pretty excited. The concept is exactly what it sounds like: a face mask but for your lips! You leave it on for 20 minutes (which is harder than you’d think as it feels a bit tingly and odd, plus you can’t really talk during as it goes quite tacky), then wipe off the excess. If you put it on while watching TV or in the bath you probably wouldn’t notice it. Afterwards my lips feel very soft and look slightly plumped although nothing excessive. I’ve also been using a small amount of this as a base under more drying lip products which has worked a treat. If you have dry lips or, like me, wear a lot of matte lipsticks this would be a great addition to your beauty stash. It is a little pricey but I think this pot is going to last me ages.

I have no idea where these Tea India Chai tea bags* came from, they were in a little sample pack… but I am so happy that I tried them because I’m in love! I am a big fan of chai anyway, but these flavours are incredible. Coconut, Masala, Ginger, and Cardamom – YUM. These are so perfect for a winter pamper evening as they’re so warming and comforting. I am definitely going to pick up some of the larger packs!

I’ve spoken about the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray before as I think it’s GENIUS. I take it with me whenever I go away as I usually struggle to sleep in unfamiliar places. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a mist that contains essential oils (lavender, vetivert and wild camomile). Not only does it smell incredible but it really does help to calm, soothe and relax you. The new This Works Sleep Together* set is wonderful as it includes a full size Deep Sleep Pillow Spray as well as the new Deep Sleep Breathe In rollerball. The latter is such a welcome addition to my travel bag as I always felt bad using the mist on a plane as I don’t want to encroach on others with the smell, but with the rollerball you just apply it to your pulse points and can breathe it in. Perfect!

What are your must-haves for a winter pamper session? What instantly makes you feel comforted and relaxed? Let me know in the comments below!

Lex

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