What the Heck is a “Beauty Day?”
Before I had kiddos, I used to do a little at-home spa day with the bubble bath, face masks, and the works! Of course, after having two kiddos only two years apart, I completely forgot about the ritual I had for myself until I realized how important it was to continue doing it and make a comeback with it. Still, I found that my original routine was too hard to cram in before the kids woke up or after bedtime. That said, I decided to break up everything I used to do and make a whole day of it! I try to do this routine about once a week. I know that may sound intense for some. A whole day for beauty, but breaking it up during the entire day is easier for me, and it makes you feel loved, special, and beautiful all day, hence the name “Beauty Day.” Think about it: if an everything shower and spa day had a baby- that is what this day is!
Why is it important?
I hear someone saying, "Wow, how self-absorbed, and what’s the obsession with a day committed to vanity?" It isn’t about sitting in front of your mirror all day being conceited; it isn’t about anyone else or feeling the need for external validation for your tending to your beauty. It’s about taking pride in your care for yourself. With every fiber of my being, I believe that if you feel confident in your skin and make an effort to feel and look good, that is very powerful and helps you show up in unstoppable ways in your life. No one feels like conquering the world, catching up with the girls over drinks, going on a date, or being at the head of the boardroom when they don’t think they look their best. I also want to add an extra note for mamas: showing your kids what it looks like to pamper yourself and that you deserve it is an excellent example for your littles! I do most of my routine before and after the kids go to sleep, so it doesn’t affect the kids at all; the only effect they feel is a mama who feels beautiful and proud she took care of herself and can share that positive energy with them! If you have small children who aren’t sleeping through the night, use this routine as inspiration and add little pieces here and there. Still, it’s impossible during those first couple of months to get anything in for you, so maybe all you do is take a bubble bath and put on face lotion for your Beauty Day; well, that’s an incredible mama!
Ready to know how a Beauty Day works?
Here’s how I do it!
Morning
Set the Ambiance-
Light a candle and keep it quiet this morning. Be present in every action rather than rushing. Get up before your household and a little earlier if you must get out the door for work, too!
The Morning Ritual-
Dry brush before your shower and hop on in. Put in a hair mask and scrub your body with a sugar scrub. Next, shave and use a pumice stone for your feet. After you shower, moisturize your skin and do your skin care. If you have a face roller, put on some serum and roll away! If you are at home today, put on a pretty lounge set. If you are leaving for work, pair a chic outfit with your favorite makeup and hair look!
Afternoon
Set the Ambiance-
Turn on calming music on your home speakers or earbuds at work.
The Afternoon Ritual-
If you have ever had the privilege of an all-day spa day, you know they bring you out to an area with calming music to eat lunch before your subsequent treatment. The same goes for our Beauty Day; we eat a spa-like lunch! If at home, use a fancy plate, or if away at work, grab a bento box and fill it with finger sandwiches, an assortment of cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, veggies, and hummus with a side of green juice or herbal tea. If you are like me, this is when you let Norah Jones fill the walls of your home or play quietly in your earbuds at work.
Evening
Set the Ambiance-
Gather a diffuser or candles to bring into the bathroom, grab your bath tray, dim the lights, set out your best pajamas or bathrobe, and arrange your bathroom with whatever you have on hand to create a spa-like feel. It’s fun to get creative here. Sometimes, I even bring in rose petals from the front yard.
The Evening Ritual-
After you have settled all your daily responsibilities, it's time for the next part of our beauty routine.
Step 1: Exfoliate and cleanse your face. Then steam your face with a face steamer or over a pot of boiling water( be careful) for 5 minutes, and then apply a sheet face mask.
Step 2: Start your bubble bath and add any goodies you desire on a bath tray, like dark chocolate and a nice glass of rosé or sparkling water with a lemon. In the tub, you can also care for your beautiful mind by reading a book, journaling, or watching a comfort show if you can access a laptop. Once you are done with the bath, find your most luxurious lotion to put on.
Step 3: Nourish yourself with something light. Think charcuterie board style or perhaps a Loaded Veggie Sandwich.
Step 4: Give yourself a mani-pedi and finish it with cuticle cream. Meanwhile, you can put on some whitening strips if you have them. Two birds with one stone!
Step 5: Apply an overnight lip mask and remember to get your beauty sleep—it’s not a myth!
