When you’re feeling out of sorts….

There are some beauty products that just fill me with pure, unadulterated joy. When I’m feeling anxious, low or tired I know I have tools at my fingertips to help lift, raise and brighten my spirits. Some may say this is superficial – I say its essential. Call it therapy, a coping strategy or just indulging in some self care – a solid beauty tool kit is one of the easiest ways to show yourself some self love.

Here are some of my go to, mood boosting products that never fail to bring a smile;

Olverum bath oil. A bath game changer. Quite literally. When you mind is at boiling point and your stress levels have fallen off a cliff, a hot bath with a capful or two of this liquid magic makes everything seem a bit more manageable. Pair with a candle and a locked bathroom door and I promise it will be the most restorative 30 minutes you’ve spent in the bath for a long time. Head to my instagram page A Brunette Edit to be in with a chance of winning a bottle of this bath magic!

Grass Roost Super glow miracle oil. (My current favourite but any facial oil will work). A blend of beautifully aromatic oils that can be used on face, body and hands. I find when my anxiety is high I stop looking after my hands in particular (you can usually tell the state of my mind by looking at my nails and cuticles….). Finding a blend of oils that you can rub into hands, rather than attack them, has been transformative this year. Massaging the oil in is calming in itself and the self care act of looking after my extremities grounds my mind and helps calm the whirring thoughts. It does mean that there are little bottles of oil dotted around the house, reassuringly at hand however for me when the moment strikes.

‘…..the self care act of looking after my extremities grounds my mind and helps calm the whirring thoughts.’

Hayou Method Clear Crystal Quartz. I’m new to the world of Gua Sha but a total convert nethertheless. While hands on beauty treatments are off limits, learning the basics of facial massage at home, to be deployed whenever required (remember to turn your zoom camera off first) is a wonderfully accessible way to boost skin and revive your mind. Just learning a few basic techniques has worked wonders for my tired, fatigued eyes and tension headaches. A word of warning, the relaxation that it brings is addictive – schedule a few minutes into your evening skincare routine and the benefits will be evident.

A fragrance reminiscent of a happy place or time. This will be so personal to you, but the science behind fragrance and memory is strong. Linking a smell to a time when you felt carefree, relaxed, jubilant, is one of the most powerful tools you can use to conjure up similar feelings. I have a couple of scents that do this for me and have them to hand if I know I have a tricky day ahead, or am feeling low in emotional energy. If you don’t have a scent that you associate in this way then conjure up childhood smells which are familiarly comforting (for me wood burning, citrusy seasonal scents always come to mind) and track down a fragrance which reminds you of this.

‘Linking a smell to a time when you felt carefree, relaxed, jubilant, is one of the most powerful tools you can use to conjure up similar feelings.’

And if all else fails….I break out the power of a red lip. Uplifting, bold, energetic. At times when I’m just not feeling it, sometimes only red will cut it. Mindset over matter, sometime you just need to manifest some positive energy. Team with your favourite scent and some killer mascara and the world will seem that little bit more manageable.