Hi everyone. Today’s post is all about what I do when I want to pamper myself, everything from head to toe. I can quite easily go for a ‘quick shower’ and come back downstairs three hours later so this could be a long one. Ideally I like to have a pamper night at least once a fortnight, ideally…
And today’s post is a collab with Ellie who is also doing her evening routine so head over there and check her post out too.
Prep
Light a candle, grab some wine and put Netflix on, we’re not moving for quite some time so make sure you’re comfortable.
In shower
Yes, a shower. I know most people would be talking about their Lush bath bombs at this point, but I can’t stand baths. I know, it’s sad. This is going to be a ‘full shower’ day: hair washed, body exfoliation, shaving (or not) and possibly a hair mask.
In winter I tend to opt for a hair removal cream rather than shaving. My skin is so sensitive I get a rash with every form of hair removal (shaving, waxing, creams all tried and tested, please leave alternative suggestions below). But I find the creams to be the gentlest and as my skin gets more sensitive in winter, I find myself reaching for products like this one from Nair more often.
My bath and body routine is usually very Soap & Glory heavy, the Smoothie Star range in particular. I tend to find if I’m using fragranced body products my skin is far less likely to react if I use warmer scents, like the vanilla and pistachio in this line, than it is if I use something more fresh or citrusy. I am however currently mixing things up a little with some stuff from The Body Shop as well.
Post Shower Body Care
You’re probably going to think I’m crazy, but I can use up to four different body creams at a time. First up, there’s standard body butter, from my trusty Smoothie Star collection. Then there’s more concentrated creams, as my skin gets so dry I tend to use heavier creams like this one from Palmer’s on my knees, ankles and any other very dry patches I may have.
I’m also prone to scarring so I use a more intensive healing cream anywhere I have an issue. My skin takes an extreme amount of time to heal and as I’m very fair skinned you can usually see the mark for a very long time even if it doesn’t scar. Cut myself shaving? That mark will be there at least 12 months, so I use whatever I can to speed the process up a little. And finally, a foot cream, also from Soap & Glory. My brand loyalty knows no bounds.
I keep all of my favourite body products in a drawer by bed so I have no excuse not to apply them if I forget before I go to bed.
Hair
I’m the first to admit I’m lazy with haircare, but I also have a slight phobia of hairdressers, so I do what I can to look after it still. This starts with not using any heat on it and only brushing it damp. I don’t like brushing my hair when it’s still wet when my hair follicles are still open from the heat of the shower. Instead I wait for it to dry slightly then brush it through after applying a hair oil. I prefer to brush damp hair rather than dry hair to avoid frizz as I have naturally wavy hair.
Makeup Removal
You may have noticed there was no mention if makeup removal pre-shower. I’m too lazy for that. Instead, I let my makeup run down my face and remove the mascara from my cheeks when I’m done. For this I’m using my Garnier Oil Infused Micellar Water, followed by a proper cleanser.
As we’re having a pamper night, I’m not just cleansing my face, I’m doing a full blown facial massage. I love doing this, I aim to do it around once a week although that doesn’t always happen. This is where Netflix comes in too, find a show, pick an episode and press play; the facial massage is going to last the full length of the episode.
I’d usually use my Emma Hardie cleansing balm to just cleanse my face. But, for facial massage I prefer the slightly thicker texture of the Boots Botanics cleansing balm.
As someone who doesn’t get much sleep I love the lymph drainage style of facial massage. There are many different varieties if you’d like o choose a different one for yourself. If you’ve never given yourself one before, Lisa Eldridge has a great video on it.
Skincare
After my facial massage I like to do a mask. Lately I’ve been loving sheet masks, so I’ll pick up one of those, then get back to Netflix. When I take the mask off, I like to gently pat in the excess product then leave it to absorb.
I’ll then go in with my skincare routine. The exact products I use varies depending on what my skin is looking like and which mask I’ve just used but here are a few of my favourites. My eye cream rarely changes, this one from Kiehl’s has been a staple in my collection for a few years now.
Next up is serums. Hi, my name is Sophie and I have a Sarah Chapman addiction. Why can’t I have a Botanics addiction instead? Regular readers will have seen the Intense Hydrating Booster a billion times now. The Recovery Booster is fairly new to my collection but it’s already a very committed relationship. It’s reached permanent collection status in a matter of weeks.
And that’s it! All that’s left to do is spray my pillows with something soothing and try to get a good night’s sleep.
Until next time,
Sophie
To see a full skincare routine click here. And to read Ellie’s post, click here.
This post contains affiliate links
There’s SO many products im overwhelmed hahah!! Looks like you have a thorougher pamper evening! How does the hair removal cream work and how long does it actually last like before the hair grows back? Loved collabing with you and your photos are so good x
Haha I wasn’t joking when I said I could disappear for three hours! You basically have to stand around with it on for about 5 minutes which feels like 5 hours. Then you have to leave it on for another few minutes n the shower then wash it off and you basically see it almost dissolving your hair and it washes away. It doesn’t last THAT long, about the same time as shaving. You too!! x
I love a good sheet mask when I’m trying to unwind! Great post!
I just watched that video on facial massage thanks for sharing! Never heard of this before but will definitely be adding it into my evening routine great post x
Really loved reading this post Sophie ☺️ I probs should up my evening routine game I’m also loving the Kiehl eye cream! It’s so creamy and thick. It lasts forever! x
Wow this is a thoroughly exercised pamper night! Can I come over for a girls night?
Haha any time! It’s taken a lot of practice!
This made me want to pamper so much more than I do now! I’m also not a big fan of baths, prefer showers. I like to use Soap and Glory product too, they’re great! This is a great post with so many products for a perfect pamper evening! x
It is soooo important to throw yourself a pamper night every now and then! How freaking cute is the soap and glory packaging – I have to try the body buttercream it looks heavenly + I love anything vanilla haha.
Loved your post babe xx
I also use Palmers Cocoa Butter also. Now i just need to come up with a guys version of what you’re doing. Thanks so much for the tips
I o love myself a pamper evening although I don’t do it enough. Candles and nextflix are always the best way to start! Painting my nails is always a must too! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk /
Hi, you can’t beat a bit of pampering especially in this horrid weather at the moment. I need to give the chia seed oil a try as I have very fine hair, I hoping that it could work wonders. Oh and the Palmers Coco Butter is on my list to try next.
Wow! This is what I call a proper pamper evening! I love the idea of a facial massage whilst watching Netflix, that’s my kinda multitasking! Thanks for sharing all these product ideas Sophie, so much beauty inspiration <3
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I love pamper evenings and always have a few smelliest set aside from my dailies. There’s so many lovely products here – I love the Palmers cocoa butter and generally anything Soap & Glory xx.
Rebecca | https://www.rebeccasreviews.com
I’m with you Sophie when I bought my house 1st thing to do was remove the bath for a big shower cubicle I much prefer it and I love all the Soap & Glory it’s definitely a favourite ❤️
Lisa
https://TVAddict2017.blog
Ahhh right there with you on the hair removal sensitivity! It’s a nightmare.. I try to use products that aren’t full of fragrance it seems to really flare up my skin. Coconut oil works well or Palmers Cocoa Butter.
Hayley | hayleyxmartin
I love reading people’s pamper night routines, they always make me feel so cozy! Also, I’m just like you in that I’ll use so many different body creams but if I’m lazy I’ll use 2 cause I need thicker creams for the drier parts of my body! Awesome post!
Ooo I’ve never done a facial massage before! Will defo be trying it out tonight as it’s my “me night” tonight! Lovley post!
Oh man this sounds like such a lovely evening although I’d HAVE to have a bath! I’m such a sucker for baths and find them unbelievably relaxing. I spot the vanilla chai body butter too which is gorgeous, I love how subtle and creamy the smell is! Kiehls is my absolute favourite for skincare too, such a fab choice!
Alice Xx
I detest baths too! Shower all the way for me! Great post, I love a pamper routine and I always forget to do it. It’s such a great way to unwind and distress. Great post lovely
YESSSS!! Pamper night goals!!! I really need to start having some more days where I can do this and really look after myself! It’s the best feeling ever ☺️ Xo
I hate baths too! I’d much rather have a shower over a bath any day! It does sound like such a relaxing evening you have with doing all of this – I’ve had a few soap and glory products and they are always so good! I can’t remember which one I had but it also smelt soo good too!
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
This was a brilliant post. Thank you for sharing.
I love pamper sessions and this just reminded me that I need one! lol I want to have a Sarah Chapman addiction too I’m serious about raising your stuff, these are all fab products & I def have to check out that vid in a bit. Lovely as always!
xx Lena |
I can’t remember the last time I had a proper pamper evening but this post has made me want to dedicate an evening solely to myself. I’m a typical Lush bath bomb lover but I moved house recently and the bath is so shallow, I only have showers too now. I’ve wanted to try the Kiehls eye treatment for so long & I’m a number one Palmers fan!
Aw this is a lovely post! Soap & Glory Breakfast Scrub is my all time fave!! x
That is a serious amount of pampering! I’m with you on showers, I get bored in baths #unpopularopinion Have you ever tried epilation? It’s gentler than waxing and lasts longer than creams. Love all your photos, and such a good tip to keep a box of bits by your bed. Great post! Xx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
I love the tip on hair care. I dislike combing my hair when it’s wet too but I didn’t know applying a bit of oil to damp hair would work better.
A pampering day is definitely needed! I love doing this… so relaxing and rejuvenating! Also love the products you added!
This sounds great I’d love to have a good pamper night that lasts a few hours! I’m the same when it comes to make up removal I’ll use a face scrub in the shower then remove my panda eyes when I get out haha! Also love a good hair removal cream when I’m feeling too lazy to shave! Some great products in here I’ll definitely be having a look for some of them!
Jess xx
It’s so nice to see products from someone that also has sensitive skin. I can be allergic to things that are specifically made for sensitive skin, face masks are something I just avoid completely. I will definitely be looking into these sheet masks, hopefully I have now found a product I can pamper myself with!
It’s awful! I can’t even get colour matched to a foundation in store because two thirds of the ones I try bring me out in a rash! If you have sensitive skin and want to try the innisfree masks I’d recommend either the oat or aloe options x
The Body Shop and Lush are both good places for shower products for sensitive skin. I personally love the tea tree products at The Body Shop for skincare. x
Looove that you did a shower focused pamper routine! I don’t have bath in my place so this was great to read ☺️ I’ll totally have to try out that cream too, shaving takes sooo long
Milli