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It seems like there’s no end to this quarantine/stay-at-home period, but I can say I’ve really upped my game when it comes to creating a relaxing experience at home. With all the stress that comes with living through a pandemic, I’ve really learned the importance of finding comfort in the little things. Five months in, and I’ve really started “nesting.”
Beauty
This extra time at home has given me more time to do something I often neglect in my beauty routines: masking. I went months without using a face or hair mask before all this started, but now I set aside some time each week to make sure I treat myself to a relaxing masking ritual. I just got the Beneath Your Mask Illuminate Clarifying Face Mask last month, and it’s been the one I’ve been reaching for the most. It’s a powder mask that you turn into a paste by mixing with water, or whatever you want. I love these kinds of masks because although there’s a little more work involved, you can really customize it and it makes it feel even more like a special occasion. I like mixing mine with a little bit of the Fresh Deep Hydration Rose Facial Toner and a little dollop of the I’m From Honey Mask. I also recently got the Indie Lee Clearing Mask after hearing nothing but good things and having it on my wishlist for close to a year. I can’t wait to work this into my masking routine to keep blemishes at bay.
As for hair, my all-time favorite hair mask is probably the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Hair Mask - we go through the giant bottles of it a few times a year because my husband loves it, too. I also recently fell in love with the Virtue Restorative Hair Treatment Mask, so I’ve been working that into my routine. For me, spending most of my time at home also means I put off washing my hair longer than I should, so on those days where it feels like I have a lot of buildup to get rid of, I like a pre-shampoo mask - my favorite is the Amika Reset Scalp Cleansing Oil. I like that the thin nozzle tip makes it easy to apply directly to the scalp. It has a cooling sensation that feels really nice, too. I put it in dry hair, massage it in, and then shampoo as normal. It doesn’t leave my hair stripped, and it’s a nice extra step in my long Sunday self-care routine.
Fashion
I’ve always been pro-loungewear, really only wearing real clothes if I left the house and changing into sweatpants as soon as I returned home, but the pandemic has really solidified my stance. I’ve spent months searching for the comfiest outfits to wear while lounging at home. I’ve discovered Lou & Grey this summer, and I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of them or tried them sooner. They really do the basics well. I have a matching set of sweatpants and a sweatshirt, as well as some sweat-shorts and t-shirts, and they’re some of the softest and coziest I own. The only other clothes I wear on a regular basis are workout clothes while I’m doing my Zoom Cardio Kickboxing classes or following along to some TikTok Dance Workout video on YouTube. I’ve been searching for comfort in these, too, and my favorite set is from the new FLOAT line from Girlfriend. I like that they’re soft and lightweight, but they give just enough compression.
Speaking of compression, I’ve recently discovered the wonder of compression socks. I had only heard of these for the elderly mostly, but Comrad reached out to me and sent me a variety pack of theirs. They look cute, and they feel like I’m just constantly getting a calf/foot massage. They’re so comfy to just lounge around in!
On the accessories side, I’ve been spending lots of time staring at screens - pretty normal for me, but my screen time has definitely gone way up since the stay at home orders started. I’m on my phone, watching Netflix on TV, and playing Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch most days. LOOK OPTIC sent me a pair of their Blue Light Glasses to try - I had been skeptical of blue light glasses in the past when YouTubers recommended them, but I really do notice a difference when I’m wearing these around the house. I didn’t have any eye strain complaints before, but I’ve noticed my eyes do feel better and are less red and tired from wearing the glasses. And it seems like it’s easier for me to wind down at night when it’s time for bed, too.
Home
I’ve been big into cooking and baking for about a year and a half now, and now that we aren’t going out to restaurants I’ve been cooking so much more. I recently got my hands on the Our Place Always Pan, and it’s been a game-changer. Not only is it super pretty so it makes me even more excited to cook, but it’s a super versatile pan and very high quality. So far I’ve made pancakes, a pasta dish, ground beef and beans for tacos, and omelets in it, and I can really see myself using it to cook almost any meal. My favorite part is how well the non-stick surface works - everything I’ve made easily slides out of the pan, and it’s super easy to clean up afterwards. I’ve never actually been able to make an omelet before because it would always stick in places, but the ones I made this weekend came out perfect!
I haven’t used it much this summer, but come fall and winter I know I’ll be getting a lot of use out of my Cuisinart Dutch Oven for warm, comforting meals. I’ve also made quite the variety of meals in this, and I know it’s something I’ll have in my kitchen for years and years. I got mine during a sale and would highly recommend!
I think having candles lit around the house really completes the cozy atmosphere I’m going for, so I always have at least one burning. My favorites lately are from Boy Smells and Bijou Candles. Boy Smells Slow Burn, their collab with Kacey Musgraves, is my all-time favorite, and I’ve bought a backup to make sure I can fill my home with the scent for a long time. I also really love Bijou Candles Greta and Judy (not currently available) especially for the kitchen - they’re both warm, gourmand scents that aren’t too sweet or sickly. Someone that came by our house the other day walked in while Judy was burning and exclaimed that it smelled like I had just made French toast!
What are you using to help your comfort levels around the house?