6 ideas to pamper yourself without spending a lot.

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Self-Care Essentials to Treat Yourself to This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love — be it with others or yourself. Whether you have big plans for the date or not, we suggest taking time for self-care. For us, that means relaxing with a face mask, giving ourselves an at-home manior indulging in salon-like hair treatment. To give you some ideas on how to have an epic self-care moment with beauty products, keep reading for our top picks. 

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Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

This is like a grown-up version of the DIY face masks we used to concoct during sleepovers when we were kids. It contains avocado fruit extract and oil, plus primrose oil to replenish and seal in moisture. The 15-minute treatment leaves skin feeling supple and soft. It’s perfect as a pre-makeup treatment or to unwind with at the end of the day.

Essie Gel Couture

Take your at-home mani game to the next level with Gel Couture. The polishes have the longevity (the formulas last up to 14 days without chipping), pigmentation and shine of a gel manicure, but can be applied in the comfort of your own home without UV lamps. For Valentine’s Day, we’ll be reaching for Rock the Runway, a striking, scarlet red. 

Garnier Fructis Plumping Treat 3-in-1 Hair Mask

Transform dry, damaged and flat hair with this nourishing mask that’s formulated to plump and nourish strands with 97% natural ingredients like watermelon extract. Leave it on for one minute before rinsing for a quick masking sesh or apply it on damp hair as a leave-in volumizing treatment.

Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier

Help turn your space into a spa-like environment with this cute portable humidifier. Using a humidifier can help prevent and minimize skin and hair dehydration and help you achieve a post-facial-like glow. 

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub

For smooth, kissable lips, a lip scrub is a must. This sweet sugar scrub helps eliminate flakes and dryness. Just massage it onto lips, gently wipe the product off and seal the deal with a nourishing balm or lippie

I’m Treating Myself To The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Date Night

I used to be one of those people who would wince at the thought of being single for Valentine’s Day. However, after years of doing exactly that, I now see Feb. 14 as an opportunity to shower myself with love, as opposed to wallowing in disappointment that I’m not getting it from someone else. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to be wined and dined for the holiday and doing what lovers do. But, unless a significant other drop magically out of the sky, I’ll be sailing through this Valentine’s Day alone. And I’m not bummed about it.

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Considering the year we’ve all had, I’ve made the conscious decision to be my romantic partner this year. I’ve scheduled a spa day for myself, complete with a fresh Pedi, my favorite facial, and deep tissue massage. I’m taking myself to one of my favorite restaurants (socially distanced and outdoors, of course), have booked myself a hotel room for the night, and have arranged a masterfully curated self-care kit that I’ll be indulging in throughout the evening.

Now, to some that may seem extra, but to me, there’s no such thing as extra when it comes to self-love. And, to be frank, I deserve it. That’s why I spent quite a bit of time nailing down the details of my Valentine’s Day self-care kit this year. It includes carefully selected products that I can indulge in for my hotel stay and beyond. Each item is practical yet luxurious and reminds me that, with or without a companion, I deserve all the love and all the gifts. Check out what made the cut, ahead.

Buttah Skin Charcoal Detox Mask, $24

There will never come a day when I’m not completely obsessed with a great detoxifying mask. This one, with charcoal, argan oil, and shea butter is one of my favorites. At the beginning of the evening, I’ll let this sit on my skin for 10 minutes and enjoy a glowing complexion for the rest of the night.

Forvr Mood Sweet Spot Candle, $35

Is it really a romantic night in without a candle burning? My pick this year is an aromatic blend of orange, jasmine, and musk, that’s equal parts sweet and masculine.

Before BedHeadz Stardust Pretty in Pink, $29.99

Usually, when it comes to the silk scarves that protect my hair at night, I don’t get too picky with my choices. However, this isn’t any ordinary night. I’ll be protecting these edges with this decadent, 100%-silk scarf. 2021 is all about Living, Loving, and Flourishing!

Margot Elena This Moment Bubble Bath, $56

This year, I’ve resolved to bask more in the moment and appreciate the little things. This bubble bath is a reminder of that promise to myself. With the tranquil aroma of lily and sun blossoms, my hour-long bath session is guaranteed to leave me feeling relaxed and appreciative.

McBride Sisters Be Mine Pair, $59

One of my most recent obsessions has been the McBride Sisters wine. The Black-owned, sister-led company out of Monterey, California, makes some of the most incredible wine I’ve ever tasted. Luckily, they’ve put two of my favorite offerings, the rosé and merlot, together in a box set that I’ll surely be indulging in this year.

Savage Fenty Puff Daisy Xtra VIP Box, $59.95

Savage Fenty Savage Not Sorry Lace Bodysuit, NEW VIP OFFER – 50% Off $29.98

I firmly believe that lingerie isn’t about another person. It should be about making the wearer feel sexy.

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Valentine might be different this year because of Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop loving ourselves and doing things that make us feel sexy. All because we are quarantine ( well we all should be – THAT MEANS YOU TOO CELEBRITIES) doesn’t mean enjoying our life has to stop. It just means to get more creative and smart with it.

How are you spending your Valentine’s Day?

HAPPY PEOPLE Do These 10 Things Differently

It’s more than normal to have some “happier” days than others, especially given everything going on in 2020. To help create big positive energy in everyday life, we’re taking a look at the habits genuinely happy people typically have in common. With the help of these practices and our simple self-care hacks, here’s to the power of self-soothing tips to get us through hectic times and land on the happier side. Learn the 10 things that happy people do differently below.

1. Happy people practice gratitude.

Having an attitude of gratitude is one of the most popular habits among the happy because it works. When you’re constantly noticing all the blessings and awesomeness in your life, it is physically impossible to be unhappy. Seeing the world through thankful eyes skews your perception toward positivity. 

What you can do today:

Keep a gratitude journal. I did this when I changed my life, and it seriously made all the difference.

2. Happy people put themselves first.

Happy people always put themselves first, so that they can take care of others second. I am talking about self-care. Putting your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health first is a must. Being balanced and feeling good about yourself and your life helps. Because when you’re happy, you have so much more to give.

What you can do today:

Do something nice for yourself today. Take care of your own needs.

3. Happy people give.

The fact of the matter is, giving makes us happy. As much as we think (and are taught) that obtaining more is the solution, it’s not. Studies have also shown that people who volunteer have shown better mental health, well-being, and even longevity. You can give your time, your love, and your presence, even if you can’t give money.

What you can do today:

Find a cause that you care about and learn how to get involved or support it.

4. Happy people stay inspired and have fun.

Happy people make it a point to have fun on a regular basis and do things that help them grow and learn. To them, having fun is not a lost ar—it’s part of the daily happiness upkeep. It’s important to experience and see new things, since it helps us stay inspired and excited.

What you can do today:

Do something thrilling today. Try a new activity, have a picnic, go on a day trip somewhere cool, or visit the zoo (animals always inspire).

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5. Happy people stay present.

Happy people do their best to stay present as much of the time as possible. Think about it: if you’re living in the future, you’re probably anxious, and if you’re living in the past, you’re probably depressed. Which leaves the present as the one and only moment any of us really need to pay any attention to. That’s why happy people practice mindfulness, the art of staying present.

What you can do today:

Take a meditation or yoga class.

6. Happy people develop healthy coping strategies. 

Happy people encounter stressful life adversities, but they have developed successful coping strategies. Learning how to seek lessons after a challenging event gives people a renewed appreciation for life, the ability to recognize new paths for themselves, enhanced personal strength, and improved relationships with others. Happy people become skilled at seeing the good that might come from challenging times.

What you can do today:

Try reframing.

7. Happy people focus on health. 

Happy people take care of their mind and body and manage their stress. Focusing on health, though, doesn’t just mean exercising. Happy people actually act like happy people. They smile, are engaged, and bring an optimal level of energy and enthusiasm to what they do.

What you can do today:

Take a walk, run, bike ride, or read a book.

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8. Happy people cultivate emotional awareness.

There is a growing body of science suggesting that emotionally aware people are happier, healthier, and recover more quickly from traumatic events because they understand what they are feeling. 

What you can do today:

Journal your highs and lows every day.

9. Happy people don’t dwell on problems. 

Where you focus your attention determines your emotional state. By fixating on your problems, you create and prolong negative emotions and stress, which hinder performance. Focus on actions to better yourself and your circumstances. 

What you can do today:

Reframe any situation with a positive ending.

10. Happy people finish what they start.  

Coming up with a great idea means absolutely nothing if you don’t execute on that idea. The most successful and happy people bring their ideas to fruition. 

What you can do today:

Create a step-by-step plan for your goals.

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BEAUTYLEEBAR EDIT:

INTELLIGENT CHANGE

The Five-Minute Journal

US $24.95

PRODUCT DETAILS

We repeat: five-minute! Journaling can be a hard habit to keep, but this one—which leads the entrant to start and end each day with gratitude—is a joy to use and honors its promise. It’s a direct route to an uptick in happiness, optimism, and improved relationships, and the easiest way to finally keep that New Year’s resolution.

  • 268 pages