The Beauty of Beauty Rituals

by BR Tabatha

What's been getting me through this never-ending lockdown? Not chocolate (though that's helped). Not Netflix (if anything watching Squid Game followed by Midnight Mass only upped my urgh). Not baking enough banana bread that I might well be turning into banana bread. But beauty rituals.

After an initial bout of malaise, when I couldn't be bothered brushing my hair, let alone putting on makeup, passed, I found myself finding comfort in little daily shows of love to myself, and it got me thinking that if these acts of self-care were helping me, perhaps they could help others.

So what beauty rituals can we incorporate into our life? Read on...

Body

We only get one body, we may as well do our best to treat it well. In terms of beauty rituals, that can look like spending some time exfoliating away the dead skin cells, before massaging in a moisturiser or oil. Alternatively, or on top of, you can take some time out of your day to go for a gentle walk, smash out a work out, or do a little yoga. Massage is another wonderful beauty ritual that will make the body sigh with happiness. If seeing someone isn't a possibility right now, rope a loved one in to knead your neck and shoulders! No loved one available or willing? YouTube is awash with tutorials on how to do self massage.

Face

At-home facials are the most obvious beauty ritual we can undertake. Cleanse, mask up for twenty minutes while you read a book, listen to a podcast or do some tidying for the soul, then follow it up with a toner, serum and moisturiser.

A little lymphatic massage (again, YouTube has tutorials), is a great way to see puffiness drain away, or simply procure a roller and let the coolness of the jade or rose quartz, or whatever crystal's been whammed on it, soothe you as you roll your face in order to create a less puffy version of yourself first thing in the morning.

Hair

Those of us still in Level 3 will know all about having bad hair days. Mine is a hot mess. I don't recall the last time it was this long. But as tempting as it's been to shove it in a messy bun or ponytail, to not wash it, to ignore it, a little treatment can go a long way to making it look better and you feel bettter. (And that applies whether we're in Level One Million, or no level at all.)

Take the time to add a hair mask into your routine in order to hydrate, smooth and create shine. And if you've been rocking the same mop for weeks, why not try something new? Curl your hair, straighten it, create waves. Get your primp and preen on, then swan about feeling fab!

Nails

Take a moment each week to pamper your nails! Clip them, buff them, polish them with whatever colour makes you smile! And since summer is upon on and sandal season is all but here, do the same with your toes! Manicures and pedicures for the win!

Bath

There's nothing quite like a long bath to help relax a tired body or overwhelmed mind, and there are so many ways we can turn a basic bath into a beauty ritual:

Light candles or burn your favourite oil, then dim or turn off the lights. Add a handful of bath salts, a bath bomb, or a few drops of a scented oil. Romance yourself by scattering rose petals into the water. Then lie back and listen to your favourite music, take in a podcast, or read a good book or mag.

Shower

No bath? Even the shower can be the perfect place to create a beauty ritual. A shower fizzer will fill the air with an aromatic scent. A body oil massaged in after cleansing will not only hydrate your skin but leave the air, and you, beautifully perfumed.

Speaking of perfume...

Perfume

This is the simplest, easiest beauty ritual that can elevate your mood in seconds. Simply choose a favourite fragrance, spritz yourself, breathe in, then go about your day. Or in my case, go back to the couch and watch some more YouTube in between writing articles and refreshing Insta.

So, my lovelies, what are your beauty rituals? How do you treat yourself when you're in need of a lift? Sharing is caring so get chatting below!