Pampering Essentials For All Genders
In an effort to relax and recharge, some of our favorite personal products
Weekends (and days off in general) can be great for getting one’s life organized, meeting up with friends or heading out on adventures—but they’re also important times to lay low and rest. Sometimes a total recharge and refresh, by way of peaceful pampering, is the only option. With that in mind, we have selected some of our favorite products for the ultimate at-home reprieve. From robes to hair masks, skincare and more, these items can make you feel enlivened and potentially prepare you for a busy week. Feel free to combine with a book, Netflix or your favorite podcast for the ultimate results.
Charcoal Face Mask
A good face mask does more than cleanse. It also hydrates, eliminates toxins and maybe even energizes skin. That’s what we’ve found the White Charcoal Detox Mask ($45) capable of delivering. For all its deep cleansing capabilities, the inclusion of glycerin rounds out the experience with nourishment.
Sasawashi Slippers
Room shoes are Japanese home essentials and a tradition growing more common in the Western world. Crafted from Sasawashi fabric, these Osaka-made slippers ($67) from Rikumo absorb moisture (and odors) and won’t pill. Best of all, of course, they are comfortable to slip into after a long day.
Bush-Dyed Robe
Carefully bush-dyed by Anindilyakwa women living in the remote Groote Eylandt Archipelago—an island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, about 391 miles from Darwin—each North Home Robe ($250 AUD) is unique. The process is one full of rich history and creativity—using native roots, leaves, bark and berries to color the 100% silk pieces. Best of all, the company channels all profits from sales directly back into the organization in order to continue relationships with indigenous art centers and communities, contributing to their financial gain.
Leave-In Nourishing Treatment
Haircare line Reverie (founded by Santa Clarita, CA-based hairstylist Garrett Markenson) makes one of our favorite products: a leave-in nourishing treatment ($42) called MILK. It’s of use whenever hair looks particularly frazzled and lifeless, transforming it into soft, effortless locks. Plus, the featherweight formula (a blend of 16 essential oils that imparts a fresh, natural scent) makes it nearly impossible to accidentally overdo. The bonus is that all Reverie products are also vegan, and cruelty-free.
Anti-Fatigue Body Cream
Many of us associate energy with adequate sleeping hours and what we put inside our bodies, but REN’s Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Body Cream ($38) helps fight fatigue from the outside. The magnesium PCA and plankton extract boosts the cell renewal cycle, while various essential oils (including rosemary leaf oil, sunflower seed oil and more) work to reinvigorate and wake up the senses. Of course, the lotion is ultimately hydrating too—thanks to Atlantic kelp extract—and leaves your skin feeling smooth and firm.
Face Halo Pads
Unlike alcohol-based wipes that remove make-up but clog the environment, Face Halo ($22) is a reusable pad that utilizes microfiber technology and water to make skin squeaky clean. The ultra-fine fibers are specially engineered to lift impurities while gently exfoliating the face. The dirty pad can be tossed into the washing machine up to 200 times before being thrown away—it’s better for you and the earth.
Gather Candle
Made in France, Ann Ringstrand’s range of perfumes and candles are packaged in an art-forward but simple way. We adore all three of the options, but for a grounding and warm fragrance “Gather” (€90) is our pick. The scent is earthy, spicy and enticing—and will gently permeate any space without overwhelming. The soy wax candle is 240 grams and will burn for 45 hours.
Icelandic Moonflower Aromatherapeutic Body Oil
With a high concentration of aromatherapy essential oils, Red Flower’s Icelandic Moonflower Aromatherapeutic Body Oil ($34) can be used in baths or applied during a massage. Within, moonflower oils meet sandalwood, clove bud, rose and more combine for a rich, nuanced fragrance. Made with certified organic ingredients, this bath oil steers clear of dyes, artificial preservatives, parabens and sulfates.
Phytoactive Cleansing Balm
Royal Fern’s Phytoactive Cleansing Balm (€75) is unlike any other we’ve used. The soft gel-like balm feels like a regular face cleanser in one’s hands, but once applied it doesn’t foam or become milky. Made with green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C from Acerola cherry, and jojoba oil, it’s nourishing and gentle—but cleans the skin without stripping it. Rich in antioxidants, this luxurious product is free of parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, detergents and synthetic colors.
Borders Colorblock Knit Throw
Available in four different (but equally cheery) colorways, Verloop’s “Borders” colorblock knitted throw ($98) is ideal for transitional weather. Complete with handmade pom-poms at the corners, the blanket has a playful edge, but it’s certainly at home in any house.
Images courtesy of respective brands, hero image also courtesy of North Home
