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Skincare for self-care

MANDI MAKES

Natural Living Made Simple

MANDI MAKES

Favourite Self-Care products

It can be really overwhelming to be told "Add some self-care into your routine!" What do you do? What does that look like? I don't have time to ADD something else into my life! As someone who began the self-care journey whilst still a full-time teacher, I promise you, it doesn't have to mean adding more to your life. It can be as easy as just re-framing your approach or purpose behind something you already do.


This blog post is dedicated to sharing some of my favourite self-care things that I use on a regular basis. From things that take no extra time to some indulgent self-care time.



Self-care products


 

1. Gua Sha


When this beauty tool first came out, I thought it was another gimmick. However, after succumbing to the trend and getting myself one, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it! It is such a simple and easy addition to your skincare regime that truly feels like a luxury. I have discovered that I hold tension in my jaw; this tool has been amazing in helping to relieve that. I use it for around 2 minutes after applying my serum at night, once or twice a week. Such an easy self-care moment.


Shop my pick here:

Gua Sha












 

2. Candles


Whether it be a candle whilst having a bath, cooking dinner, reading a book, getting ready for bed, or doing some work, triggering the smell sense can be so therapeutic. Certain smells can really help to promote relaxation or boost your mood and energy levels. Ultimately, I just love it when my house smells nice. It adds to the feeling that my house is a home. A candle is such a simple thing but can be a great part of your self-care routine. I always look for soy wax or coconut wax as well as a natural cotton wick and non-toxic fragrances.


Shop my pick here:


Byron Bay Candle














 

3. Luxurious body wash


We all wash our bodies, some more than others, but it is still a necessary part of our routine throughout the week. So, why not make it more relaxing and special with a luxurious body wash that enlivens the senses and nourishes the skin? No extra time is required! I received this body wash as a Christmas gift last year from my sister-in-law and it really feels like a spa experience. It smells so fresh and the ingredients are heavenly.


Shop my pick here:

Natural body wash














 

4. DIY Face Masks


Face masks are a great way to implement some self-care. I often put on a face mask and then go about some sort of household chore, whether it be putting on a load of laundry, doing the dishes, ironing or somethings just relaxing with a cup of herbal tea and a book for 10 minutes. This one can take a little more time, especially if you are taking the DIY route, but can still be a quick and easy self-care moment. Of course, there are many options out there for buying face masks and by all means go that way if you prefer! However, if you are a bit of a "DIYer" there are some super simple options you can make at home using ingredients straight from your pantry and/or fridge.

Baking Soda & Honey

Draw out toxins, exfoliate, moisturise and heal blemishes with this gorgeous face mask.


Simply the following ingredients together in a small bowl to form a thick paste:

2 teaspoons of baking soda

1 teaspoon raw honey

1 tsp olive oil

Brightening Yoghurt & Turmeric

¼ cup plain Greek yoghurt

1 tbsp raw honey or aloe vera gel

½ tsp ground turmeric


Calming Coconut & Avocado

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon coconut oil

¼ ripe avocado

2 drops of lavender oil (optional)


DIY Face Mask










 

5. Body Polish


You really can't go past a good exfoliation to truly feel pampered. It can be super simple to make your own basic oil-based exfoliator at home (recipe below) or if you want an added bit of luxury, try our nourishing shea butter and cocoa butter enriched body polish with Australian Pink Lake Salt. Or, make your own super quick and easy scrub using whatever sugar/salt and oils you have on hand. It's really that simple!

Body polish

Basic scrub:

1/2 cup brown sugar (or any other type of sugar or salt)

1/2 cup oil of your choice, such as coconut, jojoba, olive, almond, or grapeseed

Essential oils (optional)


Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. That's it!




 

6. Ice Roller


The perfect morning pick-me-up after a late night or lack of sleep! Ice rollers are amazing for helping you feel more awake as well as helping to de-puff the skin. It also helps to stimulate circulation as well as the lymphatic system. Ice rolling can help to get rid of toxins and reduce muscle tension. We all need a little bit of that!


Shop my pick here:

Ice roller











 

7. Massage Pillow


My parents-in-law gifted me a massage pillow for my birthday many years ago. It has been the gift that keeps on giving! I have used this so many times and absolutely love it. It's a massage whenever and wherever you need it, it doesn't get more convenient or cheaper than one of these beauties. Yes, this one requires some time commitment. But, it can be as little as 5 minutes to reduce some shoulder or neck tension! One of the best self-care investments :)


Shop my pick here:


Massage pillow













 

8. Bath Pillow


This is another example of a gift I have received that just keeps giving! My parents gifted me a bath pillow a number of years ago, and just like the massage pillow, it has been used so many times. Yes, a bath is one of those self-care moments that needs some time. Set aside 30 minutes in your week if you can to take the time to soak away your stress. A bath pillow helps to make this an extra relaxing and luxurious experience.


Shop my pick here:

Bath pillow
















 

9. Essential Oil Diffuser


I first started using a diffuser at least 10 years ago. Firstly, as a more natural alternative to candles (until more natural ones became available), and then as a way to deal with colds and other ailments. Not only can essential oils in a diffuser provide a great aroma for your home, but some are particularly great for aiding in relaxation or boosting your energy and mood. I particularly love combining spearmint and citrus oils. However, if you have pets at home, it is important to avoid certain oils with can negatively affect them. Take a look here for more information on using essential oils around pets.


Shop my pick here:


Essential Oil Diffuser















 

10. Bath Tub Tray


Taking a bath is one of my favourite self-care moments and I can spend a long time in one if given the time! Along with my bath pillow, a bathtub tray is a must for a truly relaxing bath experience. I usually always have a book and a drink of some kind with me, so a tray is super handy to have to rest these things on.


Shop my pick here:


Bathtub tray













 

11. Dry Brush


When you just want a quick pick-me-up, a dry brush is an amazing tool to have. I love that it not only provides a quick and easy exfoliation, but it helps to get circulation pumping and is great for the lymphatic system. I love the dry brushes that also have the large soft massage "bristles". They are best used before a shower, as they are loosening dead skin, which you really want to wash away :)


Shop my pick here:


Dry brush














 

12. Mulberry Silk Pillowcase


I have curly and very dry hair, which can be rather a nuisance to tame sometimes. I use a mulberry silk pillowcase to help reduce frizz and as a bonus, it makes going to bed seem a little more fancy! Mulberry silk also allows your skin to breathe more and regulates temperature. As an extra bonus, for someone who has a slight allergy towards dust and dust mites, mulberry silk is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mould and fungus. No time is required to add this item as a self-care product. They feel so luxurious!


Shop my pick here:


Mulberry silk pillowcase













 

13. Foam Roller


Sometimes I would have to question my use of a foam roller as self-care because it can be rather intense after a workout! But, it is amazing at targeting so many muscle groups to work out tension. In as little as 2 minutes you can get relief for sore and fatigued muscles, or just use it purely for relaxing purposes and as part of a stretching routine to loosen up the body. Unlike the massage pillow, which is great for the back, shoulders and neck, a foam roller is great for targeting the legs, abs and arms.


Shop my pick here:


Foam foller













 

14. Bath Salts


We're back to baths! Maybe I should have just written blog posts all about the benefits of taking a bath and how to make it as indulgent as you can ;P It really would be amiss if I didn't include Bath Salts in my list of self-care product recommendations. What's a bath without salts? I'm sure you're aware of the benefits of Epsom salts and other salts in a bath, so I won't go into that. But, there is also something about the aesthetics of dried botanicals and a delicious fragrance that really helps the stresses of the day or week melt away. You can easily make your own by adding a cup of Epsom salts and/or other salts such as Dead Sea Salt or Himalayan pink salt as well as essential oils of your choice. Or, shop our range of gorgeous bath salts below.


Shop my pick here:


Bath salts













 

15. Self-tanner


There's something about looking tan that just makes me feel good! Whilst I love some sunbathing, I am always aware of protecting my skin from too much sun, especially peak UV times of the day, and when it comes to winter there just isn't any hope of maintaining a tan. There are so many on the market, but Eco Tan is my all-time favourite brand when it comes to natural, streak-free and great colour tans. I have been using their products for years. The face tan water is my favourite product to use throughout winter, then as it warms up outside, I get into the Invisible Tan lotion. This lotion is two-in-one, a moisturiser and a buildable tan. It goes on so easily and you can build the streak-free colour up over a few days. It’s fantastic!


Shop my pick here:


Tanning lotion














 

I hope you have found these product recommendations helpful as you look for ways to implement self-care into your everyday. Let me know if you have some products you love for self-care! * I may receive a commission on sales made on products through Amazon.com.au

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Hi, I'm Mandi. A former primary teacher, Lifestyle Medicine graduate and current Diploma in Natural Skincare student with a passion for natural living.

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