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Self-care Gifts for Total Wellbeing
Total wellbeing is the aim, self-care is the game. Although our roads to feeling like our best selves are always full of surprises, there’s nothing to say you can’t have fun along the way. And every second that makes you feel better is worth spending. Make time and space for yourself in ways that feel loving. Whether a face mask in the bath is your cup of tea, or lighting up a candle keeps your mind at rest, self-care never looked so beautiful. So sit back, relax and settle in with these self-care essentials. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Q: What are the five ways to wellbeing?
A: According to the New Economics Foundation (NEF) in the UK, the set of evidence-based actions they developed include five ways to promote wellbeing: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give. It all starts with appreciating the people around you. Uplift the soul by spending time with supportive friends and family, or take part in physical activities like walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, or sports. They're just as important for your mental wellbeing as they are your physical health.
Mindfulness and meditation practices are one of our favourite ways to remain in the present moment. Give yourself the permission to pause. Be aware of your surroundings, thoughts and feelings. Spot the little glimmers that spark joy in yourself and the world around you. We love a personal development moment. No matter how big or small, you can create a sense of purpose and fulfilment with acts of kindness, and giving to others. So, whether you're smiling at a stranger in the street, gifting a Sephora treat as a self-care present to a loved one, or helping a friend, every little step is one step closer to the feeling of total wellbeing.
Q: What to put in a self-care hamper
A: If you're thinking, what can I do to take care of myself (or others!), there's nothing more thoughtful than putting together a self-care hamper. It's a cute, personalised way to encourage relaxation and wellbeing. Our favourite type of self-care hamper? One that pampers. Think: scented candles, tea lights and aromatherapy oils, or soothing bath salts, bath bombs and luxurious shower gels for a calming atmosphere. Why not indulge in self-care through skincare? Treat your skin with face masks, lotions, creams or an eye mask for better sleep. For warmth and comfort during colder days, a cosy hot water bottle is the cherry on top.
By Sephora UK Wellbeing Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 21 February 2024
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Sephora Collection
Prebiotic Face Masks - 6 Hour Moisturising Masks Nourishing Face Mask with Oat
Best for self-care Sunday
There’s a mask for every mood with our coveted Sephora Collection. For when we want full-soul relaxation, we turn to this moisturising mask. When paired with a hot bath and our favourite candles, there’s no place we’d rather be than in our own skin. Look after yourself (and your skin) with this nourishing blend of Prebiotics, sourced from skin-soothing Oats.
In your words:
“My go-to whenever I need to switch off and take a moment to breathe. I love how moisturising it is, and it’s perfect for my sensitive skin. I’ll take three, please!” - Georgie, Content Executive at Sephora UK
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Laura Mercier
Aromatic Bath and Body Oil Almond Coconut
Best for skin-softening goodness
When life calls for luxury, we give into indulgence. Whenever our skin needs a little extra love, we take a spool of this cult aromatic bath and body oil, swirl into running water or warm the oil in our hands and massage over damp skin. Featuring a scent as delectable as its moisturising formula, expect a nourishing blend of Baobab, Jojoba and French Plum Seed oils to give a healthy glow to even the driest skin. We love.
In your words:
“Beautiful. Smells divine, very hydrating oil - not a dry oil. Even though it is very overpriced, I would still repurchase.” - Roxette, Customer Review
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NEST New York
Driftwood and Chamomile Classic Candle
Best for recreating calmer shores
One of the self-care products we never leave out of our ritual, this Neom Organics Candle features a relaxing blend of Driftwood and Chamomile notes to help you unwind and unplug. A luxury twist on a classic scent, we instantly feel reminded of walks along the coast whenever we light it. Just add a hot bath, a glass of red wine, and a face mask for the perfect night in.
In your words:
“Love the smell of this candle: sandalwood and vanilla bean are two of my favourite scents so these two are perfect in this candle. I also love the packaging. It really elevates the look of the candle.” - Shelby, Customer Review
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GISOU
Honey Infused Hair Mask
Best for the ultimate treat
When it comes to haircare, we often overlook it as a way to boost our at-home rituals. But when a formula as velvety as this Gisou hair mask comes up, it might just be one of our best self-care ideas yet. Infused with the brand’s signature Mirsalehi Honey, it’s a mask that packs a punch to leave us with soft, shiny hair - and a truly luxurious application experience.
In your words:
“Love the smell and texture of this hair mask. Leaves my hair feeling super soft and works even better with mixing the hair oil in! Highly recommend!” - Hersh, Customer Review
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Slip
Pure Silk Sleep Mask
Best for shutting out the noise
Sometimes to shut off the noise of everyday and *really* indulge, we need to turn down the lights. Enter this silky-soft eye mask, which effectively blocks out light and locks us down for self-care moments we wish would never end. Whether you’re slipping it on for bed, or tuning into your favourite songs while in the bath, this is our choice every time.
In your words:
“Yes this is luxury. Soft and darkening! It keeps the light out but more importantly it keeps my eye serums and creams in place while I dream, worth it.” - Samantha, Customer Review
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REN Clean Skincare
Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Cream
Best for relieving muscle fatigue
Taking care of yourself isn’t just a trend we see on social media, it’s a sure-fire way to show our bodies and minds we’re worthy of giving ourselves love. And this wellbeing-first cream from REN helps us in all the right ways. Whether you’re smoothing it on after your workout, or to help you drift off better come bedtime, the light but powerful formula sinks in quickly to leave skin feeling velvet soft.
In your words:
“I always use this body lotion after exercise, when my muscles ache and are tired. The magnesium helps to relax my muscles and the scent is very invigorating.” - Jo, Customer Review
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Weleda
Lavender Relaxing Bath Milk
Best for nighttime necessities
What’s the perfect match for a lavender pillow mist? Weleda’s award-winning Lavender Bath Milk. Often flying under the radar, we find it’s one beauty buy that reappears in our basket season after season - thanks to its star ingredient, Lavender Oil. With a scent blend that makes a big impact with a tiny capful, we pour under running water to let the blend release, and ease ourselves in for the *most* relaxing bath of all.
In your words:
“The fragrance is just gorgeous, and it really is relaxing. I've had difficulty unwinding in these strange times, and haven't been sleeping well. This really has changed that.” - Camille, Customer Review
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Neom Organics
Wellbeing Pod
Best for the full spa experience
Neom Organics rarely create a wellbeing product we don’t love, and their Wellbeing Pod is no exception. The Neom diffuser we use to uplift, relax and de-stress, it can be used with any of the brand’s oil blends for an at-home spa experience. Just plug in and feel the scent disperse - we promise it’ll transform any space into your own safe haven.
In your words:
“Wow, I didn't realise how relaxing these essential oils can be. The fragrances are divine and spread throughout the room in no time. Looks great, too. Not cheap but a worthwhile investment, no looking back for me. Highly recommended!” - Andrew, Customer Review
