Treat Yo' Self

Happy Monday, y'all! Homecoming at Centre College has just ended and after a long weekend of running around with friends and late nights I am in need of some major "me time" and pampering. Now I try to do little things constantly throughout the week to keep my body and mind happy. Much needed nights of Pawn Stars, face masks, and cuddling with my kitten keep my anxiety in check. I made a goal while I was in Germany to do a little something for myself every single day. Unfortunately, I struggle (as I am sure we all do) to keep up with that goal. Sometimes the day will get away from me before I realize that I didn't do something for myself. It doesn't have to be anything crazy like a shopping spree. It can be an extra 5 minutes in a hot shower or a quick cup of hot chocolate. Why do I try to do something for myself every day? Well, because I deserve it. We all deserve a little bit of self-love. With my love of me time I have become a bit of a connoisseur of treat yo' self products.

So if you struggle with anxiety like I do or just want to have a night to yourself, keep reading for some of the market's top treat yo' self goodies:

FACE

Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Sweet Tea & Lemon Peel-Away Clay Mask ($4.29)

I LOVE peel-away masks. There's something fun and satisfying about peeling off a rubbery mask and finding my skin happy and clean. I honestly think I love it so much because it reminds me of peeling Elmer's glue off my hands. This mask promises the best of both a clay mask and a peel-away by absorbing oil while also refining and toning your skin. For the price, I believe that it decently delivers. After using my face does feel brighter and more awake. Tip: while the tube says to leave on for 5-10 minutes I typically will leave it on for 20-25 for maximum benefits. *CURRENTLY BOGO 50% OFF*

Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Sparkling Pear Pore Cleansing Mask ($4.29)

This whipped clay mask is super gentle and ultra light. Unlike a lot of clay masks this one does not dry my face out too much or make it uncomfortably tight. Therefore it's perfect for those of you, like me, who have skin that's both oily and sensitive. It promises to remove impurities while also exfoliating and clearing pores to leave smoother, fresher skin. This mask certainly delivers when it comes to leaving my skin happy and fresh. However, my pores don't seem to be smaller or as unclogged as many masks do. For the price it is still definitely worth it! And it smells divine! Tip: Just like the Sweet Tea mask, I tend to leave it on for 20-25 minutes instead of the recommended 5-10. *CURRENTLY BOGO 50% OFF*

Giovanni D:tox System Purifying Facial Mask ($5.99 at TJ Maxx, $9.95 online)

A few weeks ago my poor sensitive skin had a traumatic experience with a charcoal paper face mask. My skin burned and turned tomato red (which is funny because it was a tomato face mask by Yes To) and thanks to the charcoal my poor skin was left angry and hurting. However, I was still curious about the benefits of activated charcoal masks. After perusing the skin care section at my local TJ Maxx, I discovered this mask. It contains activated charcoal, volcanic ash, and super antioxidants acai and goji berry. The part that sold me (besides the chance to try charcoal again) was the fact that it was hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, clinically tested, and non-comedogenic (it won't clog your pores). The clay mask promises to extract and absorb pollutants, detoxify, fight free radicals, and all while being pleasant and cooling. I love the way this mask feels on my skin. It goes on smooth and not as messy as most clay masks. It also delivers on all its promises and didn't leave my skin tight, red, or on fire. Quite the opposite actually! If you are looking for a gentle mask to try out I would definitely recommend this one.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($11-15 for 1lb)

Now THIS is a face mask. It prides itself on being the "world's most powerful facial" which can be a little scary for those of us with sensitive skin. I want my masks to work but I didn't know how my skin would feel about it. After a few days of wearing makeup, I was on the hunt for a mask that would clean out my pores and let my skin breathe again. Unlike every other mask I have used, this one comes in powder form. I recommend that you mix it with apple cider vinegar, which also has facial benefits. This morning I mixed 3 tsp of the powder with 3 tsp of vinegar until it created a paste. Then, using an ELF foundation brush I painted my entire face (avoiding mouth, eyes, and eyebrows). The packaging recommends that you leave on for 5-10 min for sensitive skin and 15-20 for normal. I checked on my face every 5 minutes and ended up leaving it on for about 15. Warning this mask might make your skin feel like its throbbing or pulsing but it isn't painful whatsoever. This is definitely the best mask I have ever used. Even after one use my pores looked smaller and cleaner. If you want any of these masks definitely buy this one. The packaging says that it makes 10-15 masks but I can imagine it making many, many more.

Tip: I DEFINITELY recommend that you use a brush with this mask because it makes the experience less messy. Also, your skin might be a little dry after using. Make sure to treat it afterwards with your favorite moisturizer.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb ($22-$38)

Speaking of favorite moisturizer this is a new find and a new love. The best part of makeup subscription services like Ipsy, Sephora Play, or Boxycharm is that you discover tons of new products that you might have never tried or picked up on your own. In my latest Sephora Play box I was gifted a mini bottle of this aqua bomb moisturizer from Belif. Since I have oily skin I have a hard time finding a moisturizer that doesn't leave my skin feeling even oilier. Until now that is! This gel creme moisturizer smells AMAZING and leaves skin refreshed and hydrated while also minimizing pores and texture. I'm sorry, what?! A moisturizer made for my skin type that promises hydration AND smaller pores? Sold. Like most moisturizers a little goes a long way. I applied it over two hours ago and my skin still feels plump, happy, and hydrated. Even better? My pores do look smaller! Hallelujah! (Insert cute praise emoji) While the price point is steep it is definitely worth it and I will be repurchasing when my little bottle runs out!

HAIR

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask ($71)

Remember when I talked about makeup subscriptions and how they were wonderful for getting to try products you would never buy or try on your own? Well this is definitely one that I would NEVER have bought on my own. $71?! Are you kidding? If I am going to pay more than $20 on hair care it better be made out of gold. Well I guess this rare prickly pear seed oil is better than gold because it's supposed to completely revitalize, restructure (?), strengthen, and protect your luscious locks. Let's just say my hair looks like I belong in a Pantene commercial. However, because of the price I can't quite recommend it. You can find products (see next) that work just as well and are a thousand times cheaper and smell even better.

Project Beauty Hairgurt Smoothing Yogurt Hair Masque ($11-$24)

This hair masque makes my inner kid SO happy. Why? It smells exactly like the strawberry banana Trix yogurt. It contains yogurt powder, prebiotics, quinoa, a botanical oil blend, and bio-keratin, all to help tame unruly, frizzy, and dry hair. But does your hair need to be those three things for this masque to work or help? Not at all! If you want your hair to be soft, shiny, nourished then this is for you. I use it about twice a month and my hair will be perfect for four to five days even with washes. Plus that price (and smell) is so much better than $71!

BODY

Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel ($13-$16)

After a year of unhappy feet as a housekeeper in Germany I needed a bit of a miracle. While I could pay $30 to $50 for a professional pedicure I figured there had to be something cheaper and better out there. After some online research I discovered this crazy foot peel. The pictures of peeling feet, while being hella gross, completely sold me. After soaking my feet and watching Netflix I put my feet in the funny little plastic booties and waited. Unfortunately for my impatient soul, the results weren't immediate. Reviews online said to soak your feet in warm water daily for maximum results, so I did. About four to five days later I started noticing some slight peeling which quickly turned into major peeling which turned into my skin coming off in huge sheets (sorry TMI.) My poor friends received some horrifying snapchats for days. After about a week of peeling all my calluses and dry skin was gone. Even 3 months later my feet look eerily clean and soft. If you need a miracle like I did, I would definitely try this. TIP: Maybe don't do this during sandal season. You won't want your skin sloughing off everywhere you walk. I would try it when it's a little colder so you can keep your peeling soles hidden in socks and boots.

Lush Pumice Power ($4.50)

When I first got home from Germany my mom and I decided we needed a little girls night. I've always loved Lush and have been fascinated by their bath bombs and henna hair dye. So when we were at the mall we picked up their new foot care goodies. Pumice Power is a scrub/soap bar that breaks down and removes that layer of awful, dry skin on your feet. While this lasts for multiple uses, I noticed immediate results after just one. While I ended up still needing the Baby Foot treatment, this is a easier and prettier alternative for those of you who might be a little scared of your feet totally peeling off.

Lush Foot Soak And Fancy Free ($6.95)

I purchased this product along with the Pumice Power just based on the smell alone. Made with French lavender oil and jasmine, this foot soak totally softened the skin on my once unhappy feet. I recommend using it before the Pumice Power for best results. This provided the relaxing experience of a spa day or pedicure at a tenth of the price. One full bar is also technically two uses which was perfect for the spa night with my momma.

Tip: While it can certainly be used in the shower I would use it with hot water in a foot-sized tub or foot bath.

True Blue Spa Look Ma, New Hands ($12.00)

My mom bought this to keep in our kitchen years and years ago. I've been luckily blessed with soft hands (that some of my friends call puppy hands) but housekeeping chemicals and years of ceramics could sometimes dry out my hands. Thankfully this super softening hand lotion always came to the rescue. It contains paraffin, olive, avocado, and apricot oils to keep your paws crazy soft and happy. It also doesn't leave your hands feeling oily and gross like a lot of hand lotions. If I could only use one hand creme for the rest of my life this would definitely be it.

SIPS

Elmwood Inn Indian Chai Tea ($9.75+)

I spent many a day with my grandpa at Elmwood Inn in Perryville, Kentucky when I was growing up. Some of my fondest memories are there. I would show up for tea in my pretty white gloves and ruffly socks and drink tea (with loads of brown sugar cubes) from a teapot shaped like a cat. I spent so much time there that I even named their cat. His name was Charlie after the little boy from my favorite movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. But while my taste in tea has changed ( I rarely put sugar, honey, or milk in my tea) my love for Elmwood Inn has stayed the same. Even now as I write this at the Hub Coffee Shop I'm drinking the Indian Chai tea. This is the coziest tea I have ever had. Funny enough though I only just discovered this yesterday! One of my friends and sorority sisters, Rachel, introduced me to this divine black tea while we were catching up during Homecoming. Ingredients like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, black and white pepper, clove, and nutmeg make for the perfect cozy fall tea. It also has just the right amount of caffeine for this jittery girl!

Elmwood Inn Strawberry Kiwi Tea ($9.75+)

This is my all time favorite. It even took me 10+ years to try anything else! When I was little, the precious cat teapot always was full of strawberry kiwi tea. While this is certainly one of the tastiest, it also has to be the prettiest I have ever seen. This sweet, red tea has rosehip, kiwi, strawberry, and apple pieces along with hibiscus petals and other natural flavors. Because it's caffeine free it also makes for the perfect night time pampering tea.

Elmwood Inn Yoga Blend Tea ($11.95+)

This is the ideal spa day tea. I mean, just look at the name! My dad got me this for my birthday while I was living in Germany and it quickly became one of my favorites. While Strawberry Kiwi might be the prettiest when brewed, this has to be the prettiest loose tea. Ingredients include tulsi (holy basil), chrysanthemum blossoms, saffron, marigold petals, green cardamom, peppermint, hibiscus, and much much more. When brewing the chrysanthemum blossoms seem to bloom and are absolutely beautiful. Never have I tried a more soothing tea.

NOMS

Halo Top Ice Cream

To say I have a sweet tooth is a bit of an understatement. Unfortunatly, all my favorite sugary goodies are also high in calories. Ultimately I'll always go for my Ben and Jerry's Half Baked (cookie dough AND brownies?!) but when I want my sugar without all the ugly stuff I go for Halo Top Ice Cream. I'm glad someone created a healthy ice cream that actually looks and tastes like the real deal. Advertised as a low calorie (60 per serving!), high protein, and low sugar alternative to your typical pint, Halo Top managed to do be able to make me not feel as bad for eating sweets. Flavors include lemon cake, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, birthday cake, cookies and cream, s'mores, and many more! This ice cream is the perfect way to truly treat yo' self.

So that's my list! Have any suggestions? Leave below in the comments! I'd love to hear from you. One last thing, if you need the perfect playlist to go with your tea and face masks you should check out Spotify's Autumn Acoustic. I've been listening to it all day and it's magical.

XOXO, Ellie