sanity savers: products that deliver serenity now!
From collapsing in a heap on the couch, to striding past the gym on my way home to eat, remote fondle, and sleep, the past few weeks have been an exhibit of a frenzied life lived on autopilot. Evenings curled up with a book and a magazine have dovetailed into a need for quiet and a catatonic state. And although it’s inconceivable that I’d have the time (or resources) to book a spa day appointment, I’m trying to reserve the weekends for at-home indulgences and full-body scrubs. And realize this requires a temporary iPhone reprieve, or burial if you’re the dramatic sort.
My affection for lavender knows no bounds, so it’s no surprise that I’m enraptured by AHAVA’s Mineral Botanic Honeysuckle and Lavender Velvet Cream Wash ($21.50). The soothing shower wash harkens back to Santa Monica days by the beach, feeling the warm February sun on my pale skin. Paraben and SLS-free and targeted towards those with sensitive skin, AHAVA’s body wash is formulated with healthy Dead Sea minerals, sunflower oil, and organic plant extracts. Consider this a cuddle for your skin.
However, if you’re trying not to crack the proverbial piggy, St. Ives’ Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Polish ($8.29) is a worthy substitute. To be frank, St. Ives is the best drugstore brand in the market. For years, I’ve been an ardent and loyal fan of their exfoliants, shower gels and gentle sugar scrubs. Free of parabens and formulated with natural sugar crystals, oatmeal and shea butter extracts (sucrose and sunflower oil are the first two ingredients), this uber-gentle body polish delivers a delicious foam while reading your body of dead skin cells and impurities. Every beauty girl in the game has evangelized St. Ives, and you’d be insane not to snatch up one of their delectable, refreshing scrubs.
On evenings when washing your face has evolved into a Herculean task, Noxzema’s Clean Moisture Makeup Removal Cloths ($4.99) are the sharpest tool in your kit. I grew up using Noxzema simply for the fact that my mother used it, and from slathering on the cool cream on my sunburned skin to washing off the day’s play, Noxzema reminds me of childhood and I’m thrilled that the brand continues to offer affordable solutions for my skin care regimen. The pre-moistened Makeup Removal Cloths removal dirt, oil and makeup without stripping your skin of essential oils. Alcohol-free and gentle for sensitive skin, I love how my skin feels revitalized, clean, and moisturized after use.
Clearly, I’m a cliche, for I’m about to drop another bit of lavender into your life. Midday is typically my worst time. I’m vulnerable to making poor food choices, emails mount and punching stuffed animals seems like a worthy solution to all of one’s ills. So for a dose of serenity amidst the chaos, I recommend a spritz of Arcona’s Lavender Hydrasol ($40). While I don’t believe the “ageless” claims, spraying yourself with soothing lavender (I also spray lavender water in my sheets come evening) quells anxiety, albeit for a little while. A few quick spritzes and your skin is left dewey, moisturized and glowing.
Full Disclosure: Samples were provided for potential feature/review.
