All Things University: Self-Care

 

As the nights start to get darker and the weather turns colder self-care becomes a crucial part of my weekly routine. I try and schedule in specific activities to make myself feel like me again. In today's post, I want to showcase some of my favourite ways to pamper myself, and I'm so lucky to be working with a couple of UK based small businesses to promote their wonderful products and services. Quick disclaimer, this post includes gifted and sponsored material, but as always I will only promote services I am truly passionate about. 

1) Face Mask and Flowers 

One of my favourite things to do of an evening is to put a movie on and enjoy a luxurious face mask from the comfort of my bed. After seeing a Facebook post on Galswhograduate about PerlCosmetics I instantly knew I wanted to get involved. Perl Cosmetics is a newfound skincare brand founded by Isobel Perl that prides itself on giving you the post-facial glow.  

"Isobel has always been makeup and skincare obsessed. She has been formulating cosmetics and skincare products to trial on friends and family for years. She also has a degree in Biology and so understands the mechanisms of the skin and how formulating works. From her passion and education, PERLcosmetics was dreamt up in 2019. However, it remained a dream as she knew launching a new brand would be a full-time job.

Then came 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the world. Isobel found herself unemployed in a very uncertain climate for job seekers. Rather than seeing this as a setback, she saw this as an opportunity, being given the time to pursue her passion and commit to launching PERLcosmetics." - Perl Cosmetics  

As you can see from the photo, the box comes beautifully packaged and fully sustainable. The box includes; PerlCosmetics Powder Clay, Illuminating oil and mask applicator. Retailed at the price of £24.50 this makes for the perfect Christmas or birthday gift for the pamper obsessed princess in your life. 

Isobel has also just started a new sustainability initiative where if you return your package for recycling you will receive 10% off your next order. 

6-steps to glowing skin

1. Cleanse

Wash your face with warm water using a gentle cleanser or soap, giving your skin a clean start to allow for better penetration.

2. Mix
Using the spoon provided, add one scoop of clay to one scoop of water, then add up to 10 drops of illuminating oil and mix well.

3. Apply
Apply the mask with your fingertips, or a brush, covering all skin except around the eyes and mouth.

4. Wait 
Wait for the mask to begin drying. Make sure not to leave it on for longer than 15 minutes.

5. Rinse 
Once the mask begins to start drying but still feels sticky, rinse off with warm water using a gentle face cloth.

6. Moisturise 
Finish up by applying a light layer of your favourite moisturiser.

2) Luscious locks

It comes as no surprise that I love getting my hair done, I'm constantly adding new hair inspiration photos to my board on Pinterest. Since moving back to Surrey I've been searching for the perfect salon to help me with the pampering process. As part of manifesting positivity and productivity in my life, (as well as COVID safety precautions) I've taken a step back from going out and socialising as much, in a bid to put myself first and turn 2020 into the year I became the best version of me. And I have to say, Ashleigh Martin's Hair Salon in Windlesham has helped me massively, even after just one visit! 

"At Ashleigh Martin's Hair Salon, we understand that going to a new salon can be a daunting experience so we welcome new clients with a free, no-obligation, hair consultation. All our existing customers will know that we have always offered a special kind of personal, unrushed service. The Salon has been designed so that we can ensure you a relaxed and stress-free time To make sure that we keep a high standard of service, please feel free to come in and book appointments to avoid disappointment, where you will be offered refreshments." 

Only a short distance away from Egham, Ashleigh offers a discount to both students and teachers, so you really can't resist the excuse to have a pamper day, can you? 

I went into the salon for one of their signature blow-drys and was greeted by the wonderful Maria. This was the best blowdry I've ever had, my hair was left feeling revitalised and silky. Maria was knowledgable and informative as I went in completely open to however she thought it would be best to style it. I've booked in again for a couple of weeks time and I already can't wait, the salon is full of delightful personalities and high-class products. Bring on 30th October when I'm due to be visiting again! 

On the left, you can see me enjoying my blowdry three days later with my hair still feeling as gorgeous as ever. 

To go alongside my new fresh hair, I love to use scrunchies as a stylish accessory and a less damaging way to tie my hair up. The lovely Leila, founder of Stashies who I actually go to university with put out that she wanted to work with a selection of bloggers. So of course I jumped at the chance to support a friend's small business. As you will see from the photos, the scrunchies are of high quality and handmade by Leila. The brilliant concept behind the Stashie is that it has a small zip compartment perfect for storing things like lipstick, money or even a house key. 

"I launched Stashies by Leila in April; lockdown gave me the time to come up with a solution to the lack of pockets in women’s clothing. Stashies are the perfect handmade storage solution for keys, cash, lighters, lipgloss and other similar-sized objects. Your day to day items can be perfectly discrete and secure whether you prefer scrunchies on your wrist or in your hair. They’re the ideal accessory for every woman, whether you’re a runner, festival goer, clubber or just someone who doesn’t want to carry a bag! At £8 each or 3 for £20 your storage problems would be solved and you’d be supporting a small, London based business."

Since returning to university, self-care has become a huge part of my routine and thanks to wonderful businesses such as PerlCosmetics, Ashleigh Martin's Hair and Stashies. It's given me something to look forward to each week. Now more than ever it's important to support our nations small businesses and give them the custom to survive through these difficult times, and help them to come out stronger the other side.