What do you do to show yourself TLC? Some people work out to release tension, some people travel solo, some people unplug from technology and the world for a day… I personally am a fan of all of these methods of self-care. One easy, weekly ritual I’ve had for as long as I can remember is my Sunday bathtime pampering hour (or two… who’s counting?). I did need to tweak a few of my products of choice, however, when I became pregnant; there are SO many ingredients to steer clear of, plus your skin is just so much more sensitive than before. I partnered with ethical and eco-minded online retailer Rêve En Vert (you might be familiar; they’ve been called “the Net-A-Porter of sustainable fashion” by Harpers Bazaar, and I wrote about their sustainable fashion options in an article a few months back, here) to spruce up my self-care Sunday with earth and animal-friendly products that are also super clean and safe to use. I’ll walk you through my faves!
Grown Alchemist, Body Cleanser
First step for me is pumping this cleanser 3x into flowing bathwater to generate some fluffy bubbles! I LOVE the de-stressing effect that the organic, antioxidant ingredients’ aroma has on me, and it also feels super moisturizing to my skin. Bonus: the packaging is beautiful, so I love keeping it by the tub. Another bonus: my husband loves the way it smells and feels, too. But the major selling point is that it is of course cruelty-free, vegan, and entirely free of harmful chemicals and preservatives!
eym., Natural Candle
While the bath is running, you know I gotta light a candle. I’m officially addicted to eym.’s selection of natural candles, replete with neroli essential oils. Sustainably sourced and comprised of cotton wicks and soy wax, these gorgeous, minimalistic candles are incredibly calming.
Guy Morgan Apothecary, Himalayan Bathing Salts
As I get into the tub, I sprinkle a handful of this essential oil and sea salt blend into the bath. NOTHING soothes sore preggo muscles like this natural, magical product. I really love the Guy Morgan company, also… They make everything by hand in-house in London, and they have a partnership with the charity One Tree Planted to help offset their carbon footprint. It’s another gorgeously packaged product– are you catching a trend here?– and the glass jar is intended for alternative use after the salts are finished.
Guy Morgan Apothecary, Midnight Black Clay Mask
Once I am all relaxed in the bath, I cleanse my face. Then, I apply this deep cleansing, hydrating, brightening mask to my face. If you have acne prone skin, this will work wonders for you– it is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
By Sarah, Organic Facial Oil
I am a little tentative with facial oils… I definitely recognize that they add moisture and dewiness to your complexion, but the heavier ones do tend to break me out. But this one is perfect! Great for sensitive skin, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy at all. I like to end my bath by rinsing off the facemask with a washcloth, patting it dry, and then putting this By Sarah oil on my freshly cleansed face, neck, and décolleté.
I hope this post inspires you to practice an act of self-care tonight or this coming week! And to use responsible, sustainable, ethical products while doing so. I would encourage you to check out Rêve En Vert for sustainable beauty, fashion, and accessories. Do be sure and check the ingredients and materials of each product to learn more about their specific sustainability journey, and to ensure that the product is in fact vegan 🙂
