April 09, 2020
SELF CARE BEYOND SKINCARE
By: Donna Bartoli
Instagram: @donna.bartoli www.donnabartoli.com
The act of self-care has never been more prominent in our minds than right now. This forced down time during self-isolation has given me the opportunity to breathe but also encouraged me to brush up on some beauty rituals that I might otherwise set aside due to the lack of time. Self-care is not only good for optimising skin health, but the uplifting rituals can be just as good for our mental health and inner wellbeing.
There are a lot of practices that I’ve picked up over the years which are really working for me that range from skincare to massage. I encourage you to find your routine and unlock some inner peace from them as we try to navigate this new way of living inside.
DIY BODY SCRUB
Just like the way we exfoliate our face, adopting this routine for our bodies too can have great results. Using a body scrub not only sloughs away dead skin cells but it also removes impurities and toxins from our skin. Your skin will look and feel smoother and softer, as well as the act of doing a body scrub that is both calming and de-stressing, especially if the scrub contains essential oils. Plus, if you self-tan, this is one of the best ways to remove the old tan ready for a fresh layer.
You can also very easily make your own body scrub from items in your food cupboard. Mix brown sugar with olive oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil - perfect.
FACIALs with tools
Jade Rollers and Gua Sha tools are a great addition to your skincare routine. They increase circulation by bringing blood to the surface of our skin but also promote lymphatic drainage which is crucial for water retention. Gently glide your tool along the jaw line, cheeks, neck and forehead. Made of crystal, Gua Sha tools can help detox your body, relieve stress, and pull away negative energies that affect skin health.
THE CELLULITE BUSTER
Never before have we had time to really get stuck into a routine and one that we can be consistent with.
Daily dry body brushing won’t completely get rid of cellulite but what it does is increase blood flow to those pesky areas and breaks down the toxins that sit in the fat cells, therefore reducing the appearance over time. The only downside is that you have to be consistent but with long days ahead of us right now might be the perfect time to start.
DIY HAIR MASK
It’s a known fact I love coconut oil for so many reasons but the main one is how I use it to keep my hair naturally hydrated. I coconut oil mask my hair once a month and it really does wonders. There are so many reasons why I love it but just to list a few, coconut oil stimulates hair growth plus keeps the scalp healthy and free of dandruff. It also adds smoothness and shine plus prevents split ends and breakages, it’s a wonder product and honestly one the cheapest available.
Cover your hair in raw coconut oil and leave overnight if you can. Wrap your head in a scarf to prevent an oily pillowcase, I promise you’ll thank you later.
THE LONG BATH SOAK:
There is nothing better than a long relaxing bath but there are a few things you can add to that routine to maximise your ‘me’ time
1: Adding bath salt or oils to the water can give you extra relaxation benefits. Magnesium is often found in bath salts and is a great anxiety buster.
2: Pop on a mask or a sheet mask whilst you wallow in the warm water. The steam from the room will help open your pores so the mask can penetrate deeper.
3: Setting the mood is vital for pure relaxation so light a scented candle and turn the main lights off.
4: Body Massage is essential for blood flow so take your home-made body scrub and use the time to gently massage it into your skin
MANICURE + PEDICURE
I think I speak for a huge part of the female population that not having my nails done regularly worried me slightly, so I made the decision to remove the gel polish and go au natural for the time being. That being said I think they need it so manicures and pedicures will now part of my weekly routine.
Soaking, exfoliating and keeping my nails hydrated with oils will help maintain them as much as possible plus a good foot massage is the ultimate relaxation.
SELF CARE BEYOND SKINCARE
By: Donna Bartoli
Instagram: @donna.bartoli www.donnabartoli.com
The act of self-care has never been more prominent in our minds than right now. This forced down time during self-isolation has given me the opportunity to breathe but also encouraged me to brush up on some beauty rituals that I might otherwise set aside due to the lack of time. Self-care is not only good for optimising skin health, but the uplifting rituals can be just as good for our mental health and inner wellbeing.
There are a lot of practices that I’ve picked up over the years which are really working for me that range from skincare to massage. I encourage you to find your routine and unlock some inner peace from them as we try to navigate this new way of living inside.
DIY Body Scrub
Just like the way we exfoliate our face, adopting this routine for our bodies too can have great results. Using a body scrub not only sloughs away dead skin cells but it also removes impurities and toxins from our skin. Your skin will look and feel smoother and softer, as well as the act of doing a body scrub that is both calming and de-stressing, especially if the scrub contains essential oils. Plus, if you self-tan, this is one of the best ways to remove the old tan ready for a fresh layer.
You can also very easily make your own body scrub from items in your food cupboard. Mix brown sugar with olive oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil - perfect.
Facials with tools
Jade Rollers and Gua Sha tools are a great addition to your skincare routine. They increase circulation by bringing blood to the surface of our skin but also promote lymphatic drainage which is crucial for water retention. Gently glide your tool along the jaw line, cheeks, neck and forehead. Made of crystal, Gua Sha tools can help detox your body, relieve stress, and pull away negative energies that affect skin health.
The Cellulite Buster
Never before have we had time to really get stuck into a routine and one that we can be consistent with.
Daily dry body brushing won’t completely get rid of cellulite but what it does is increase blood flow to those pesky areas and breaks down the toxins that sit in the fat cells, therefore reducing the appearance over time. The only downside is that you have to be consistent but with long days ahead of us right now might be the perfect time to start.
DIY Hair Mask
It’s a known fact I love coconut oil for so many reasons but the main one is how I use it to keep my hair naturally hydrated. I coconut oil mask my hair once a month and it really does wonders. There are so many reasons why I love it but just to list a few, coconut oil stimulates hair growth plus keeps the scalp healthy and free of dandruff. It also adds smoothness and shine plus prevents split ends and breakages, it’s a wonder product and honestly one the cheapest available.
Cover your hair in raw coconut oil and leave overnight if you can. Wrap your head in a scarf to prevent an oily pillowcase, I promise you’ll thank you later.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.
The Long Bath Soak
There is nothing better than a long relaxing bath but there are a few things you can add to that routine to maximise your ‘me’ time
1: Adding bath salt or oils to the water can give you extra relaxation benefits. Magnesium is often found in bath salts and is a great anxiety buster.
2: Pop on a mask or a sheet mask whilst you wallow in the warm water. The steam from the room will help open your pores so the mask can penetrate deeper.
3: Setting the mood is vital for pure relaxation so light a scented candle and turn the main lights off.
4: Body Massage is essential for blood flow so take your home-made body scrub and use the time to gently massage it into your skin
Manicure + Pedicure
I think I speak for a huge part of the female population that not having my nails done regularly worried me slightly, so I made the decision to remove the gel polish and go au natural for the time being. That being said I think they need it so manicures and pedicures will now part of my weekly routine.
Soaking, exfoliating and keeping my nails hydrated with oils will help maintain them as much as possible plus a good foot massage is the ultimate relaxation.