What do they always say at the top of the year? “New Year, New Me!” Well, I don’t know about that y’all! I genuinely love myself (and you should feel the same way when you look in the mirror) so I’m not looking to reinvent the wheel, but I am always looking for ways to better myself and grow as a person. The New Year is a great opportunity for re-evaluating our goals and intentions to make sure that we are on the right path for a happy heart, and a healthy mind and body.

In my humble experience, resolutions are best kept when they are earnest and achievable. As I eagerly anticipated leaping into 2021, I knew in my heart what one of my goals for the new year would be - allowing myself time (free of guilt) for self-care.

2020 was a whirlwind year full of stress and uncertainty that took a toll on everybody emotionally and mentally. With that being said, I want to share with you some of the (new to me) beauty products that I have recently discovered. I think we all need to take some time to care for ourselves in this new year! If you agree, I think you’ll love this curated list I’ve put together!

Skincare

BalmLab: My first line of skincare essentials that I want to share are from BalmLab. I love that their products are intentional in their ingredients and results. Their products all feature plant-powered actives, and they ensure that every ingredient is there for a reason. Their 3-Step System is absolutely perfect for curating a strong skincare routine. Their Gentle Foam Cleanser eliminates pore-clogging oils, dirt and make-up, and does not leave the skin feeling stripped. Their Power Elixir provides a gentle, yet effective liquid exfoliator to target uneven skin tone and texture. It is probably my favorite product in their 3-Step System, because it exfoliates without containing harsh granules! Lastly, the Serum Hydrator is the perfect balance between hydration and lightness. It does not leave a greasy film on the skin, but it provides a strong dose of hydration all at the same time. 

Pellesana: Next up in my skincare lineup is Pellesana! This luxury skincare line provides all-natural products that showcase a bimodal delivery. In short, their products go beyond just the first layer of skin and provide so many more necessary nutrients to the deeper layers of our skin. The Bimodal Treatment Serum is absolutely perfect for targeting the epidermis of the skin and reaching those deeper levels to encourage cell turnover. The Bimodal Hydration Créme provides a lightweight, yet nourishing moisture that lasts all day! I prefer to use this in the morning since it is a lighter moisturizer. Lastly, the Intense Moisturizer is the perfect night-cream to provide maximum hydration to your skin. 

Sleep & Glow: What good is skincare without the perfect pillow? Oftentimes, pillows go forgotten, but having a pillow that does not absorb or rub off your skincare is so incredibly important! The Sleep & Glow Omnia Pillow is my absolute favorite! The 3D contoured anatomic shape is genius and allows for maximum neck and head comfort. Their custom-fitting silk pillowcases are incredibly soft and help prevent hair breakage and skincare absorption. The fabric is super soft, and admittedly I have struggled to get out of bed with how comfy it is! 

Glow Up Beauty: One of my favorite quick-fixes in my skincare routine is the wing shape eye mask patches from Glow Up Beauty. They are paraben and sulfate-free and are made with the premium natural ingredients green tea, watermelon, and orange. They’re easy to use and leave your under eye area smoother, brighter and more hydrated. I love taking these with me when I travel and they are so easy to just pop in your makeup bag. They are very easy to apply and all it takes is 10 - 15 minutes to get a revitalizing effect.

Glow Oasis: A skincare set that is super popular for on-the-go is the Glow Oasis Glow to Go travel kit! It includes a Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm to melt away any previous makeup and a Cloud Cleanse whipped foam cleanser to ensure maximum cleanliness. They additionally include a Powder Porefect, which is an enzyme powder to eliminate pores, and a Milkdew moisturizing toner! My absolute favorite products from the set are the Glowshot hydrating serum and the Glowburst intense hydration cream. Together, this set is a recipe for glowing and gorgeous skin! Glow Oasis uses kimchi as one of their main recipes, which is incredibly rich in antioxidants, making their products all vegan and cruelty-free!

The Essentiel By Adele: My final skincare pick is one of my absolute favorite ways to partake in self-care. The Essentiel By Adele Essentiel Moisture lotion is so luxurious. It glides onto the skin seamlessly and provides hydration without leaving a greasy film on my skin. This moisturizer can be used on any part of the body and is specifically crafted for dry skin. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Coffee Berry, and Raspberry Leaf, the ingredients are powerful just as they are luxurious! 

Haircare

Hai Beauty Concepts: Haircare is one of my favorite forms of self-care! I love trying out new products learning what works best for me since I have color-treated hair. Since I’ve been the one styling my own hair these past nine months, I’ve found the Hai Beauty Concepts Air Lux Pro Blow Dryer to be absolutely incredible! It uses Ceramic Technology and an ionic structure to reduce hair damage, leaving my hair frizz-free, sleeker, and shinier. The best part is that it dries hair quite fast, and I don’t have to spend a lot of time with my round brush drying and styling it! 

Overall, self-care does not have to be ridiculously expensive. It can be simply sitting by the fire and reading a good book, eating healthy, getting 10,000 steps in and getting a good night’s sleep, or it can be an entire afternoon of skincare. I love exploring different forms of self-care and listening to what makes my mind, body, and soul happy. I always try to practice little forms of self-care each day, and these products help me do just that! As we move into this New Year, I encourage you all to find small forms of self-care that you can implement into your daily routine. It provides such a sense of calm and clarity! 

What are your favorite forms of self-care? 

xx Barbara