Treat Yourself
We all have days, or even weeks, that we need a pick-me-up! Grabbing your favorite Starbucks drink may work for some. However, times of ultimate stress call for the proper "Treat. Yo. Self." day. If you're a college student studying for those dreaded midterm exams or an outright workaholic, here's how you can treat yourself to a spa day within the comfort of your own home:
1. Have a Spa Day
Make yourself a cup of tea and feel the worries go away with your favorite face mask. Going along with the fall vibes, Pumpkin Enzyme mask by Banish Acne Scars is one of my favorites! It helps to even your skin tone, pull out impurities, and heal acne. Stress acne is a thing, so keeping something like this on hand is extremely beneficial! You can put it on whenever you're starting to feel overwhelmed. This intensive mask smells like pumpkin pie and is so intensive. Of course, any mask will do. Brush one on after a hot shower to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and like the queen you are!
2. Cuticle Care
There's nothing like investing time into yourself! It can be something as simple as treating yourself to night out with friends at your favorite restaurant or visiting the nail shop (that sees you so much the workers are practically family). Whatever you do, don't skip the nails on your pamper days! You don't have to leave your space for a new mani-pedi. Set aside time to give yourself an at-home manicure to take your mind off the grind and trying to keep it together! It's really true what they say, "if you look good, you feel good."
Berries and browns are always popular during this time of year, but neutrals are stunning in the fall! Playing Koi by Essie gives you the best of both worlds. It's a rich neutral color that resembles the gorgeous fall leaves. Every time I rock this one, I feel like I'm ready to hit up a pumpkin patch! Checkmate by Revlon is another gem to try. It's hands-down the PERFECT nude, no matter your skin tone. Finding the right nude is task that is often avoided by brown-skin goddesses. Try this one out on your next mani Monday, so you can finally release that search party.
3. Chocolate Cravings
I'm sure we all know about stress eating a little too well. Treat yourself with cocoa goodness for those hectic weeks. Bark Thins and candied trail mix are great options to settle your chocolate cravings. Feeding everyone's obsession with making use of every part of a pumpkin, these pumpkin seed dark chocolate bites lets you indulge and keeps your hangry thoughts at bay. They're happiness packed into a smallest of bites!
4. Tempered Tunes
Music is the quickest and easiest way to calm rattled nerves, so turn on your favorite artist and let the rest take care of itself. Although good music is relative, don't be afraid to embrace "new" artists. New in the sense of music that you wouldn't typically listen to. Venturing out into other musical realms makes you more open to new perspectives and solutions. Solange Knowles digitally released her album, A Seat At The Table, late last month. It is music for the mind, body, and soul! The album speaks of racial injustices and raises questions about cultural norms. I've had this album on repeat, specifically "Cranes in the Sky" and "Weary"! It's comforting to know that someone can relate to all of your struggles and voice speak on them beautifully.
Another artist worth looking into is Australian musician, Matt Corby. His album, Telluric, is one unlike his previous studio release. The track list includes melodies full of rhythm, passion, and poems alluding to inner conflict. "Why Dream" and "Monday" have become my go-to songs in moments of doubt and unbelievable tension. If you decide to give this album a listen, you'll be undoubtedly surprised! The artist's style can be described as "blue-eyed soul," and it will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.