Look good = feel good!
Self-care is an element we often overlook in our busy lives, but nothing feels better than putting your best self out in the world.
I said this last week when my daughter and I left the nail salon with our spring break manis… “Why does it make me feel so good to have my nails done?!”
These little moments give us confidence, make us feel like our best selves and provide calm in the crazy.
So let’s break it down for all you studio owners, moms, dancers and anyone who needs a moment. Here are five easy self-care moments we can incorporate every day.
#1. AM/PM routine
I’ve been reading about the importance of starting the day with intention. Screens down, set an intention for the day. Start the day calm instead of pulling into the school lot on two wheels.
Here are a few tips to get out the door feeling calm and collected – imagine how that can change your whole day, week, even year when you do it right.
- Use your phone to keep you on track…of course we have our morning alarm. But, set an alarm to remind yourself to stop Wordle, get in the shower and not be rushed.
- Do what you can the night before. Pack lunches, get water bottles ready, have clothes laid out and backpacks ready!
- Jot it down. I try to start each morning with a gratefulness journal – at least 5 lines can change your whole outlook on the day. Add in a daily intention and boom! Here’s a great article to read more about starting your day on the right foot.
- And after you’ve taught class, attended a dance class, fed your children, done homework and solved all the world’s problems, don’t forget about YOU.
Take a few moments to wash the day away and take care of your skin, our biggest organ. I love our oil cleanser to get all the makeup, even the long-wear formulas, off your face. And I love having simple steps – so our 3-step skincare routine is my favorite way to end the day.
#2. Lymphatic massage and gua sha
I love my morning lymphatic massage and never skip it! It takes just a few minutes – less actually – and is such a calming moment to start the day.
Here’s what you need:
- Body oil
- I like this classic Palmer’s oil from Amazon or any drugstore…or spend a little more for jojoba oil. Jojoba oil most closely resembles your own body’s oil – so it’s a fabulous choice!
- Lymphatic drainage massager and gua sha tools
- Just grab this one on Amazon, too – or spend a little more for this one. Watch a YouTube video or Instagram reel on how to properly use it, and make this a part of your day.
The benefits: A daily lymphatic massage promotes relaxation, reduces swelling (I especially love this after a long flight or heavy, salty meal), moves lymph, boosts your immune system, along with so many more benefits.
#3. Take 5 for the LOVER® 5 steps
I’m preaching to the choir with this tip, but nothing feels better than putting your best face forward when you leave the house. It changes my attitude and demeanor instantly. I stand taller, feel put together, and have a confidence to take on whatever the day brings. Makeup for me is not so much about aesthetics, but more how it makes me feel! And I see this transformation in my studio when I teach women how easy it is to put on a full face in just 5 steps!
You don’t need a full set of lashes and a smokey eye. Just take 5 minutes and use our 5-step makeup routine to simplify your morning, touchs-ups and travel. Walk out the door feeling your best! Couple that with a great intention for the day, and you’re unstoppable.
My favorite fast, out-the-door look is a bolder, brighter lip and a shimmery eye with mascara. Don’t forget a little blush or cream blush, and you’re set. Easy!
Have a few more minutes? Play around with your makeup and have fun – it’s supposed to be fun! And yes, moms, you can wear shimmer over 40! Check out this fabulous Instagram account showing just that! Now, go grab that shimmer and one of our 5-step palettes, and you’re ready for your next dance competition or big meeting!
#4. Samples and eye patches
Nothing says self-care better than a set of eye patches. Do they really work to refine those fine lines? Maybe?! But the simple act of taking a few moments to unwind and be still is worth more than a few wrinkles. These moments may even help prevent more wrinkles from appearing on your gorgeous face!
It’s competition season! While juggling it all is difficult – relish that hotel room that you paid for, and pack all those samples in your hall closet/makeup drawer.
Use these moments after a long day of competition to jump in your hotel bed with a face mask, eye patches and a book!
#5. Be the example.
Moms, teachers and studio owners – be the example for our daughters, sons and kids watching us. I need to take my own advice with this one!
In today’s world, overscheduling is an understatement! Let’s show all those watching us that taking a moment — or several moments — each day is okay!
By Ashley Maurin Rodden, CEO, LOVER® Cosmetics.
Ashley Maurin Rodden is the owner of LOVER® Cosmetics and is one of the nation’s leading performance makeup providers with clients nationwide, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC. Her line touts USA-made, clean beauty products, customized kits and education. She trained in Paris, France, at the renowned Christian Chauveau makeup school and loves teaching women how to apply makeup in five simple steps. ashley@lover-cosmetics.com
Share this:
