Love Thyself Madly

Self Love is Everything

I love February! It’s my birthday month (and Ereka’s too!!) and the month of LUUUUV 💘 And, with the pink and red and hearts galore, Valentine’s Day has the best decorations of all the holidays. I know people pooh pooh it as a manufactured greeting card holiday, but in fact, it originated as a blend of the pagan fertility ritual Lupercalia, a celebration of three martyred Catholic saints named Valentine, and a Middle Ages belief that Feb 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which they celebrated by writing love poems. Proof you can find inspo anywhere!

Today, it’s a romantic holiday where we gift roses and chocolates and spa gift cards (hint hint) to our lovers, or go out with our single friends. I think it’s also a great excuse for some self care. I will not be going on a hot date as I haven’t arranged a babysitter but I will absolutely do any number of the following, and I suggest you do, too.

DRAW A HOT BATH

There’s nothing like a good bath to relax your muscles and your mind. I like to add the Costa Brazil Sal de Banho. These epsom and mineral sea salts are calming and detoxifying, and lightly scented with the enchanting Breu Branco resin, sourced sustainably from the Brazilian Amazon.

MOVE YOUR LYMPH

After the bath, when your skin is clean and dry, is the perfect time to focus on lymphatic drainage. It’s important to do any circulation enhancement (movement, heat, massage) before draining your lymph, as lymph is derived from blood. Boosting your circulation after lymphatic drainage is counterproductive. The Lymphatic Brushes from Cecily J Braden are the perfect tool to gently and efficiently move your lymph. Simply glide the brushes along your skin towards your major lymph nodes (you’ll find these near your joints) working towards your heart. ♥️

NOURISH YOUR SKIN

Once you’re done draining your lymph, it’s time to moisturize. I love to slather C27’s Baume 27 Corps all over. It’s thick but melts into the skin, and luxurious and nutritious. It’s the first cream I reach for every winter to impart moisture and make my skin feel soft and smooth again.

STIMULATE YOUR SCALP

What feels better than brushing your hair? Only massaging your scalp. The brushes and comb from La Bonne Brosse are focused on scalp health – they stimulate microcirculation, distribute oils along the hair, and hydrate the hair shaft. Hair brushing can be meditative, so do it with love.

HYDRATE YOUR LIPS

Whether you’re going to bed alone or with a lovah, protecting your kisser is a MUST. Slick some Furtuna Olive Lip Butter onto your lips and wake up with a soft, luscious pout. 

Take the time to infuse this ritual with love, tenderness and care, because you deserve it 💗

xx Raquel