Beauty isn’t only transformative; it can also boost your mood. Think of getting ready for a night out — half the fun is in the bathing and the slathering on of deliciously-scented creams and oils.
Give yourself a face massage
A quick massage with your serum or facial oil after cleansing helps relieve tension and provides ten minutes of dedicated ‘me-time’. “I like to really work products into my skin, using my fingers to massage in an upwards motion to boost circulation, creating a natural glow,” says beauty and skin specialist NATHALIE ELENI. “It makes your skin look instantly alive.”
Nathalie also recommends paying close attention to areas that suffer from fine lines. “Use a gentle but uplifting movement around your eyes – it will help stimulate blood flow and give an instant skin-plumping boost.”
Spend time on your skin
“I don’t wear a lot of makeup so, for me, it’s all about my skin, and I feel my best when it looks hydrated and glowy,” says commercial editor Alison Lynch. “I always use products packed with hyaluronic acid — it sounds like it would strip the skin, but it actually does the opposite. It’s produced naturally by our skin cells to help them draw in moisture. But, as with all naturally-occurring, skin-boosting wonder ingredients, it starts to decline as we age, so I use products like Hada Labo Tokyo Anti Ageing Super Hydrator lotion to add hydration back in.
“The cult Japanese skincare range launched last year in the UK and the anti-ageing hydrator lotion uses four types of hyaluronic acid, plus collagen and retinol, to help moisturise dry and dehydrated skin. The lightweight, watery formula also means it’s easily absorbed. I’ll layer it on after cleansing and before my moisturiser, and I like to take my time. It’s that little moment of calm at the start and end of the day. If I have time, I’ll also do a 15 minute sheet mask, which feels really indulgent mid-week.”
Use a self-tan booster
You don’t have to be on vacation to wake up with a fresh-faced glow. Cosmetic doctor, Dr Emily MacGregor has this trick: “I prefer to wear as little foundation as possible, so when I want an instant confidence boost, I do an intense exfoliation treatment followed by a few drops of self-tan serum (I use Tan-Luxe). The next day, my skin looks smoother, glowing and golden – and without the sun damage!”
Upgrade your pillowcase
a mature woman wakes up and stretches in early morning light
Don’t neglect your sleep routine if you want to wake up with next-day epic hair. Beauty journalist Ateh Jewel recommends upgrading your pillowcase for silk, which is kinder to both your hair and skin. “When my coils are juicy and nourished that always makes me feel amazing. I love sleeping with a Slip pink turban and pillowcase to help lock in moisture for my hair and my skin. I’m also a huge fan of Shea Moisture’s silicone-free leave-in conditioner, which helps keep all the curls and coils in our house on-point and hydrated.”
Start with your eyes
“It’s all about the eyes for me if I want a quick confidence boost,” says makeup artist Shinobu Abe. “To start, I gently pat on Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Ageing Eye and Mouth Cream, which contains four different types of hyaluronic acid, collagen and retinol, to help reduce any fine lines and smooth the skin. Before I apply my mascara, I always use eyelash curlers to really open up my eyes. Next, focus your mascara application on the roots of your upper lashes for instant lift. You can also apply more to the corners of your eyes for an instant smoky look.” Hello, wide-awake eyes.
Create a fragrance wardrobe
“Scent can be like your secret superpower,” says beauty editor Lisa Haynes. “If something feels ‘off’ in the morning, it’s usually because I’ve forgotten my fragrance. Applying my favourite scent instantly makes me feel confident and puts me in the right headspace. I’ll spritz on my pulse points before that important Zoom meeting (even though the other person can’t smell it!) and even before my tennis lesson, just for that instant feel-good factor. My advice would be to curate a mini ‘wardrobe’ of fragrances that boost your mood in completely different ways.”