Best Skincare Products & FREE Self-Care Checklist

We discussed the importance of self-care and reclaiming our happiness on the first “LIVE in the Lounge” with Nancy Reagan, owner of Bella Reina Spa.

As Nancy was breaking down some tips on self-care practices we can do at home, the idea of a speed self-care checklist came to life!

Below are the components of a perfect speed self-care checklist!

MASKS

Masks come in many formulations, price ranges and more!

Face Masks

My skin has a tendency to get super dry, even with regular moisturizing. I believe it may be the hard water that Florida so kindly offers, but either way I needed to find a solution to the dryness, in addition to my favorite face creams.

Face masks can be found just about everywhere and in many forms. The first at-home face mask I ever did was from Aveda. It was a clay mask that was recommended to me by a facial specialist. I would apply it with a specific cloth and wow did it make my skin feel great!

Recently I was told, once again, that my skin needed more moisture. I drank the required amount of water daily, as well as moisturized morning and night but apparently that wasn’t working 100%. I asked about the sheet masks I’ve been getting in my subscription boxes, as well as at Target, Ulta, supermarkets, Five Below…you name it!

She explained that I needed to look for ones that touted “hydrating” and could indulge 2x a week if I’d like. You know where I went after that facial? Target!

I personally love face masks because I can apply, be it a paper mask or cream consistency, then fold laundry, read my book, or just cuddle with Stella.

I have been having a blast trying out different brands and formulations. Be sure to choose face masks that are best suited for your skin type and desired results. (I also love the brightening face masks, so I swap off every week or so between those and the hydrating varieties.)

Mask prices can range from $0.99 to over $100! Be sure to check the ingredients and definitely try different brands and formulations to find the best one for your skin type.

Hair Masks

Every once in a while, when I would get my hair colored or cut, I would treat myself to a hair treatment. Then I stumbled upon hair masks during one of my many trips to Target.

I love face masks, so why not try one for my hair, right? Be sure, when choosing the hair mask, to make sure that you have chosen one specific for your hair type. There are so many brands and formulas available so it can become a bit confusing but trial and error are your best friends!

I treat my hair every week (usually every Wednesday). As soon as I get in the shower, I wash my hair with a clarifying shampoo, rinse and then apply the hair mask. By the time I’ve washed myself from head to toe, shaved, and swiped my pumice stone over my heels, it is time to rinse out the hair mask.

Make sure you thoroughly wash the mask out; otherwise you may end up with weighed down or greasy looking locks. Hair masks prices range from as little as $3.00 for a single packet through $50.00 for a container.

Eye Masks

I’ve just started dabbling in eye masks, but as I surmised, they are a great quick treat like their face and skin counterparts.

The first time I tried an eye mask, it felt super slimy and took a few times to place it under my eyes properly.

Remember that the skin under your eyes is super delicate – I urge you to be extremely picky when it comes to picking the perfect eye mask.

Like its “cousins”, it does allow for multi-tasking. Apply the eye masks, taking into consideration when you need to remove them, and get some things done around the house!

You can do a hair mask and eye mask simultaneously! Pricing ranges from a little over $2.00 for one set to $20.00 and up for multiple sets. Once again, I recommend trying the one-pack to make sure it heeds the results you are looking for.

Lip Masks

I recently learn about lip masks. I’ve enjoyed using sugar scrubs to better exfoliate and smooth my lips, and then here comes the new lip masks!

There’s nothing easier than applying a lip mask, setting the timer, and reading your favorite magazines that have been collecting on the coffee table.

Next thing you know, you’re removing the masks and hopefully marveling at the smooth lips on your face!

EXFOLIATE

Exfoliating accelerates the rate at when dead skin cells shed. Customarily, dead cells shed every 30 days, with some hanging on a bit longer. When you exfoliate, you “help the process along”, leaving soft, smooth skin in their wake. There are so many exfoliants on the market these days that you are sure to find one you like. OR you can make your own at home!

Body exfoliators

Body exfoliators or scrubs are the most common on the market. Most scrubs contain some form of sugar – a natural exfoliant! I love body scrubs especially for my feet, elbows and knees.

Lip exfoliators

These are great for sloughing away dry skin and making your pucker super soft. It is super easy to make a lip scrub at home.

Scalp exfoliators

Even though we wash our hair, dead skin cells and residue from hair products may remain on our scalp. When you use a scalp exfoliator, you’re scrubbing away the cells that need a little push to shed, as well as super cleaning the products away.

DIY Beach time exfoliator

Here’s a little tip when it comes to scalps and the beach. It may sound weird but it works amazingly. Sand like sugar, if applied to the skin is a form of exfoliator. Before you leave the beach for the day, take a small amount of sand and rub it on your scalp. Really get in there! Rinse (really well) at the shower when you wash the sand off your feet. FREE natural exfoliant!

TIME IT TAKES: Exfoliating should take no more time than it does to wash your face. Read the product’s directions as to the frequency of exfoliating.

NOTE: Remember that although you are exfoliating, you don’t need to scrub harshly. If you have sensitive skin you may want to skip exfoliation all together.

Below are a few of each of the exfoliator types that I enjoy using!

DRY BRUSHING

When Nancy first starting talking about dry brushing a few of the participants asked what it actually is. Dry brushing is defined as literally brushing your skin with a somewhat coarse – and dry – brush to remove any dead skin cells. Dry brushing also helps blood flow.

The key is that both your body and the brush are DRY. When asked when is the best time of day to dry brush, hands down in the morning. Why? Dry brushing has also been linked to stimulating sensory nerves which is very invigorating!

TIME IT TAKES: It takes less that 3 minutes to dry brush, but if you have more time – enjoy it!

NOTE: Be careful if you have sensitive skin. Start softly and see how your skin reacts.

JADE ROLLER & GUA SHA STONES

Jade Rollers

Did you know that jade rollers are far from being a new face tool? They date back as far as seventh century China!

What does the jade roller do?

By rolling the jade or other rock substance over a section of your face, you are restricting blood flow (via the coolness of the rock) while pushing/guiding fluid (lymph) to the lymph nodes for drainage. The end result is a less puffy and more glowing face. You can also use the jade roller to assist in applying your product.