A post holiday pamper!

When I came back from holiday a fortnight ago, I was in serious need of a pamper - my hair was frizzy, my face was in need of a whole arsenal of products and the my whole body felt dehydrated (inside and out!). Couple that with then getting strep throat, followed by bronchitis, sinusitis and a lung infection (I don't do anything by halves!), I just felt like a mess and in serious need of some T.L.C.  I want to share some of the products with you that have helped me to tame the frizz and plump my skin - they're not exclusive to a post-holiday pamper but any time that you need a little pick me up and judging by the conversations I had with some ladies around the pool, we all need this from time to time!

Hair: I wanted to start with my hair because this is what bothered me most! I have dry hair that is prone to frizz and sun holidays seem to take that to another level! Think Monica from Friends in that Barbados episode and you get the picture! The first night that I got home, I left Olaplex in my hair overnight because this little miracle worker always tame the frizz and makes it look healthier. I've also been using Ouai Smooth Shampoo to fight the frizz and instead of using a regular conditioner, I've been using a hair mask to really replenish the moisture in my hair.  Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque is as beautiful as the name suggests! I apply it from roots to ends (not everyone likes to use a mask on their roots but because my hair was so frizzy, I chose to do it!) and then combed through with the brush provided with the mask. It smells utterly divine (if you like the scent of coconuts!) and although very nourishing, I don't find that it weighs my hair down at all. I leave it on for 10 minutes but I also like to leave hair masks for a few hours if I am going to be at home, before rinsing. Hair is left smooth and soft without a hint of frizz - the dream!

Body: Hair sorted, it's time to move on to the body! Although you may not want to, using a body scrub is necessary to maintain a tan but also to get rid of the dead skin cells and any areas of dry skin that have built up. This doesn't get rid of your tan, in fact it makes it look better as exfoliated skin glows! My product of choice is Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub, which doesn't strip the skin at all. It contains oils, which help to nourish the skin as it exfoliates and the oils also mean that a little goes a long way.  I take great pleasure in using this scrub from my arms to my feet and everywhere in between to ensure that my skin is silky soft and smooth and every product I use afterwards can penetrate the skin better.  On my body, I use Lancaster Tan Maximiser After Sun as I find that this really does prolong my tan and keeps my skin feeling hydrated while on my feet, Margaret Dabbs Foot Hygiene Cream is my go-to when my feet next some extra T.L.C. This is a solid balm that transforms to a soft cream when warmed in the hands and it instantly makes heels and soles feel soft and smooth.

Face:  Now, on to my favourite part of any pamper routine - my skincare! There are never any post-holiday blues with me because I am always so happy to be reunited with my full skincare collection! I never use strong acids or retinol on holiday as I don't want to risk any burning so they always feature heavily when I get home. I love to use an overnight product, which will ensure that I wake with brighter skin.  On my first night home, I used Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream because this product guarantees a good skin day in terms of texture and glow. I use this twice weekly so on other nights, I have been rotating between Omorovicza Midnight Radiance Mask and Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial.  The Omorovicza mask really helps in terms of texture and clarity but it also hydrates the skin and skin always looks radiant the morning after use. It's expensive but worth the price and I have repurchased several times since it launched two years ago.  Overnight Facial has a serum/oil texture that is a pleasure to massage into the skin. It soothes, brightens and hydrates the skin and I love how plump and glowing my skin is after using it. The ideal post-holiday/illness product! 

In terms of masks, to completely decongest my skin but also give it a lift, my favourite product, which I have been using for a few years, is Omorovicza Ultramoor Mud Mask. You will probably have heard me refer to this as Spanx for the skin because it really does lift and firm the skin but it also deeply cleanses and refines the pores.  Alternatively, for an instant quick fix, I love to use Kate Somerville Exfolikate. This combines a physical and chemical exfoliant and while it's powerful, it isn't abrasive. Fruit acids combine with lactic acid to remove dead skin cells while honey and vitamin E soothe and soften the skin. It works in only two minutes so I have loved using this while ill because I just didn't have the patience or energy to wait around for 20 minutes to complete my skincare routine.

Finally, to ensure that my skin stays hydrated, I find that layering products works best and is particularly beneficial after flying when skin gets drier.  I always use a face mist but not just a water mist, I want the product to actually hydrate my skin. I like to use a mist after using acids but also throughout the day and over the past couple of weeks when I have been ill, I have always kept one on my bedside table to hydrate throughout the day. Herbivore Rose Hibiscus combines rose water with organic coconut water and hibiscus flower extract to hydrate the skin but also gently exfoliate the skin via the malic and citric acids that the hibiscus flower contains. It's extremely gentle, smells beautiful and hydrates but the mist isn't the finest so I would be wary of applying over makeup to refresh throughout the day. Another great option, which I have been using for years is Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. This has the finest mist of any sprays that I have used so it's perfect to use over makeup or as part of your skincare routine. This is calming (ideal to use after acids) but also hydrating and has been by my side throughout the last few weeks. 

A hydrating serum also ensures that moisture is locked into the skin and one of the very best that I have used is Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster. This is a silky/watery textured serum that layers well with other products and really packs a punch in terms of hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid and rose water among other ingredients and skin is left instantly soothed, comfortable, hydrated, glowing and looking alive and radiant! If your skin is really showing signs of dehydration, this is the product for you!

Although I have been ill and feeling pretty rotten physically, I always mentally feel better post-pamper. It doesn't take a huge amount of time, effort or energy to give yourself some T.L.C. and it's always worth it when you see the results. Of course, not all of these products are necessary but I'm always a little extra when I return from holiday!

Is your skin, hair and body screaming for some love after holidays or are you one of the lucky ones who doesn't suffer in the heat?! I'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading! 

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated.  The following products were kindly sent to me: Coco .& Eve masque, OUAI scrub, Sarah Chapman booster and Herbivore Mist. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.