Put your best skin forward this month of love

You either love it or you hate it; February aka The Month of Love is a tricky one. When you’re loved up, you’re really loved up, but when you’re not, it’s hard not to get yourself into a slump, feel glum and, Netflix and chill by yourself doesn’t have quite that romantic ring to it. Yes, it’s well known that being in love is good for us, what with all those high levels of dopamine, endorphins and general feel good hormones, but what about loving ourselves?

Renowned international author and healer, Louise Hay, stated that there’s only one thing that heals every problem: “Knowing how to love yourself. When people start to love themselves more each day, it’s amazing how their lives get better. They feel better. They get the jobs they want. They have the money they need. Their relationships either improve, or the negative ones dissolve and new ones begin.” It seems obvious then that we should focus our energy on falling in love with ourselves, not only this month, but all year round.

Kutlwano Tshetlhane from Clere, agrees. “Why not take some time out to pamper yourself this month? Surround yourself with delicious food, rich chocolate, a comforting hot drink, and give your skin the attention it deserves with a luxurious moisturiser like Clere’s Pampering Powder Fresh hand & body lotion and body crème. Because when you look good, you feel good.”

Tshetlhane provides the following steps you can take towards the new, self-loving you:

Get a manicure or pedicure or both!

How often do you really treat yourself to a full manicure and pedicure? If it’s not that often, call the salon and book right now. It’s amazing how good a fresh lick of nail polish can make you feel.

New hair, new you

Block out some time in your diary for a treat at the hairdresser. There’s really nothing better than having someone else wash your hair, give you a head massage, and style a fresh, new ‘do.’

Take a nap

Work and stress are a recipe for constant exhaustion. Sleep is precious, and just feels that extra bit special when it’s during the day. Wear an eye mask, turn off your phone, and enjoy your much-needed shut eye.

Soak in the bath

When you’re feeling stressed and just want to disappear from everyday life for a bit, why not spend 20 minutes soaking in a warm bath? The warm water will help soothe tense muscles, reduce headaches, and promote tranquillity in your body. Add some essential oils for the added benefit of aromatherapy, the scents of both vanilla and jasmine can help calm nerves, revitalise body and mind and provide comfort. Listen to your favourite music, light some candles, and you’ve got your own at-home spa experience.

Moisturise

The best time to moisturise is after your bath or shower and before bed. Clere’s Pampering Powder Fresh hand & body lotion and crème’s NutriMoist formulation is infused with fresh rose, jasmine and warm vanilla notes. It’s enriched with glycerine gel and Vitamins E & A to keep your skin moisturised for 48 hours.

Eat your favourite meal

Do you have a certain restaurant you absolutely love or a meal you think about all the time? Go get it, or order it in. Pampering yourself doesn’t end with beauty, it involves spoiling yourself and indulging in general too. Forget about the calories and savour the moment.

Do absolutely nothing, guilt free

Sometimes you just need to do nothing. Sit on the couch and watch hours of mindless reality TV shows, read a book, magazine or anything you don’t get to do enough of. No judgements. Forget your to-do list or what you should be doing and just relax. Enjoy! (13 February 2019)