DIY Pamper Evening

Trying to maintain a healthy work life balance can be difficult at the best of times, not to mention when you throw in trying to get to the gym, finding time to socialise with friends and family, making sure there is food in the fridge and the house is clean and that you have five freshly ironed outfits for the work week ahead. It can all be exhausting and overwhelming and sometimes we forget to take time out for ourselves. Thankfully, that’s where we come in!

We’ve devised a DIY pamper evening for those nights you need a little “me time”, a ritual to follow when you want to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, preened and of course, pampered.

First up, tie back your hair, remove all your makeup and run yourself an extra hot bath. Begin by settling your mind with a soothing bath soak like this one from Radox, available from Superdrug. The relaxing scents of eucalyptus and rosemary will help melt your troubles away while calming your busy mind. Lighting a candle will also help create a peaceful ambience, we love Yankee Candle’s Midnight Jasmine scented candle (£18.99).

Don’t get in the bath just yet! First, apply a detoxifying face mask like this one from L’Oreal (£5.29), found at Superdrug. The creamy texture of this charcoal mask detoxifies the skin's surface by cleansing deep into the pores, leaving you with clear, glowing skin, without drying it out – a great step if your skin is feeling congested.

While you’re soaking your stress away, it’s time to tackle your body. Make sure you’re armed with a body exfoliator to buff away dead skin cells – ideal for maintaining smooth, plumped skin. Or, if you’re feeling brave, try a thermal exfoliator like Sanctuary’s Hot Sugar Scrub (£12.00), available from Boots. Warming exfoliators gently open your pores for a deeper cleanse, leaving you with super refined, velvet soft skin…bliss!

Once you feel sufficiently relaxed, scrubbed, smoothed and de-fuzzed, it’s time to move on to the optional step of self tanning. Some love it, some hate it, some are too terrified to venture into the world of fake tan, but if you fancy warming up your skin with a healthy glow, a simple mousse tanner is a good place to start. Why not try Skinny Tan’s Mousse (£23.99) found at Superdug, the dark shade if you’re feeling extra brave. Ideal for first time tanners, this fast drying mousse promises a natural, streak free tan that lasts up to 14 days. A perfect pre summer pick me up!

Next it’s time to get into a comfortable pair of pyjamas, we’re loving this set from New Look (£17.99). Flick the kettle on and brew yourself a calming, sleep inducing tea, like this Night Time tea from Pukka, available from Holland and Barrett. With a delicious blend of oatflower, lavender and limeflower, this herbal infused tea has been designed to help soothe you into a place of restful sleep and bring you back fresh for the world – exactly what you need after a stressful work week.

While sipping on your tea, why not treat yourself to a mini manicure. For a classic, natural look, try New Look’s Truffle Brown Matte nail polish (£2.99), or if you prefer more of a bold look, try New Look’s Cherry Red gel nail polish (£3.99). Once your nails are dry and you’ve finished off your tea, it’s time for the final step in our routine.

Before you drift off to sleep, try spritzing your pillow with a sleep spray. This Works Deep Sleep is a blend of highest grade essential oils (lavender, camomile and vetivert) proven to help relax the mind and body, relieve tension and calm nerves, promoting a deep, restful sleep. This handy set from Boots (£15.99) is perfect if you travel often, allowing you to pack away your sleep essentials for a good night’s rest, wherever you are.

So, if you’re in need of a little pick me up, some relaxation or some retail therapy, why not pop into your local shopping centre where you’ll find more inspiration and ideas.

Cover image courtesy of Zenspa1