I am a fan of skincare, and skincare is a form of self-care for me as it has helped me form a routine. I even have a list of 10 must-have skincare products. Getting my puppy Sloane in 2022 helped more than anything else.
Nowadays, using the term “self-care” without someone rolling their eyes is impossible. Taking care of oneself is always important, but often, people equate self-care with overindulgence. Self-care is finding the balance between one’s needs and wants that’s different for everyone.
It’s doing the little things that are good for you and make you happy, so I compiled a list of the little things in life that bring me joy, and they aren’t all skincare products.
I got a subscription to the Sweat app a few years ago because I wouldn’t say I like going to the gym but wanted to work out. I used it once in a while, but in February 2022, I finally decided to commit myself to my first program, “Redefine Fitness: Strength and Mindfulness with Kelsey,” because it looked less intimidating and an easy way to get into strength training and I am so glad I did. I felt more confident after completing that, and since then, I have done a few PWR programs by Kelsey Wells because I am stronger and love how the workouts can be substituted to be low-impact and done at home. Based on your preference, you can choose almost any kind of workout to do at home or the gym.
I have struggled with sleeping since I was very young, and I have tried a lot of sleep aids. It wasn’t till I tried this Asutra lotion that I learned how magnesium can help you relax and sleep better. It has melatonin, a popular sleep aid that helps you sleep better, and lemongrass essential oil that is very soothing.
I wait all year for Bath & Body Works to release their signature holiday collection, and I always stock up on Vanilla Bean Noel Body Cream because it is probably my favorite smell in the world. It has the sweetest smell and reminds me of my childhood. The combination of fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel, sugar cookies, whipped cream, and snow-kissed musk is the ultimate blend.
Face oil is the last step of my nighttime skincare routine, and I have been doing that for years. I love the Glomance Face Oil because it makes me feel like I am sealing the goodness of all the products I apply before that and ensuring my skin. This oil blends 18 oils like grape seed, jojoba, watermelon, and more. It makes my skin glow without feeling too greasy.
K-Pop has made colored contacts very popular, and thankfully, Solotica makes colored contacts that don’t make you look possessed. My favorite is Aquarella Castanha Brown, a very natural-looking brown-hazel contact lenses that beautifully brighten dark brown eyes. These contacts elevate my whole look, and you can use the code ANJANA for 10% off your order at checkout.
Most people know I love skincare products, and I am also very drawn to certain smells, and eucalyptus is one of them. When I discovered this Iota Body Wash, I was mesmerized as I hadn’t seen so much detail put into something like this before, and it didn’t disappoint. It has the calming smell of eucalyptus with lemongrass and is blended with magnesium to improve skin’s overall appearance. It’s like a spa in the shower.
I have always loved rich balms because they work for everything. I love this Balmonds balm as it's great for slugging, works great as a lip balm, and is perfect for dry hands, elbows, knees, or feet- basically, it's great for the whole body. I have used a few already and gifted it to friends, and it's great for those with sensitive skin and even babies.
I started eye cream before I noticed crow’s feet. Though I have developed fine lines around my eyes over the years, I think using this DDG eye serum has really helped because it has retinol (LINK TO SKINCARE ARTICLE), bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid that work together to fade fine lines as well as firm and hydrate the delicate area. I use it at night on my entire eye area before bed.
This is my favorite cream to travel with because I wouldn’t say I like carrying too many products when I’m flying, but I also don’t want to compromise with skincare. This multi-purpose cream is a luxury as it hydrates, refreshes, and smooths my skin in one step, and I feel so well taken care of. Plus, it has triple the benefits of antiaging, lifting, and firming.
I wanted to end the list with another one of my favorite discoveries this year that also has to do with sleep, and I wish I had bought this sooner as it transformed the quality of my sleep. I am addicted to my phone and use it for my alarm, which makes me play with it a lot, so getting this sunrise alarm clock made me leave my phone in another room when I sleep. I love how it gives you 30 minutes to slowly wake up as the light gradually gets brighter, as if you’re waking up with the sun. Plus, it has a 10,30 and 60-minute night light option that slowly dims to help you sleep.