From early in my career, there was one guilty pleasure that always lowered my stress levels: a facial or a massage. Back then, these little luxuries were few and far between for the fresh-out-of-college, small-town girl in the big city. I spent my days at my main job in advertising and my evenings at my side hustle recruiting focus group participants just to pay rent on the tiny dark studio apartment.
As my career progressed, I got accepted into graduate school which consumed my evenings and weekends (well there was quite a bit of beach volleyball too, to be honest) while I continued to work full-time. My stress levels were evident enough for even my non-beauty-connoisseur mom in Washington to take note. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, we were more about adventures in the great outdoors than about skincare routines. Watersports, gardening, and 4-H animals were more our speed than fancy spa treatments.
Mom Still Watching Out for Me
But those days were behind me, I was in LA chasing my dreams working my way through graduate school, when my mom offered an unexpected gift. She was concerned that I was working too hard, putting too much pressure on myself, and not making time to relax. So, during one of our frequent and treasured phone conversations (what I would give for one more of those), she offered me some money to treat myself to something special. And so, I chose a monthly ritual of treating myself to a facial, thanks to her generosity – and her credit card that I still had in case of emergency.
Best Skin Advice I've Ever Received
A friend of mine referred me to a Hungarian lady whose accent was as enchanting as the skincare, relaxation, and advice she dispensed. And while I was hustling through work and weekend beach volleyball matches (maybe with a tad more partying than advisable), these luxurious facials became my monthly refuge. Here is some of the wisdom she shared (you’ll have to fill in the accent and hushed ‘spa voice’ for yourself):
A friend of mine referred me to a Hungarian lady whose accent was as enchanting as the skincare, relaxation, and advice she dispensed. And while I was hustling through work and weekend beach volleyball matches (maybe with a tad more partying than advisable), these luxurious facials became my monthly refuge. Here is some of the wisdom she shared (you’ll have to fill in the accent and hushed ‘spa voice’ for yourself):
- Don’t rest your chin in your hands or touch your skin during the day.
- Lightly exfoliate at least once a week.
- Use sunblock.
- Even when you’re very busy and very tired, always wash your face and moisturize before you go to sleep. Your body heals and replenishes at night, so if you have to skip your routine - skip the morning, not the nighttime.
- You need to have more sex. It will help your skin.
I have been more or less successful at following her advice as my career has matured and my life has evolved.
Best Advice Always Comes from Other Women
More recently, as I’ve traveled with other moms to sports events with our kids, a friend brought some facial masks back from Korea. After a long day cheering our kids on the field-side, I was sunburned – or windburned – she shared one of the masks with me. And now I’m hooked all over again.
While I rarely go to the spa – typically only for a special occasion like a girl’s weekend. I am making time for a home facial a bit more frequently. I love paper-based masks, and thanks to tips from my friends, I have gotten savvy about finding bargains rather than buying them at my old luxury haunts.
So I’ll share the secret: Once you know the brands you love – you can often make a quick trip into bargain stores like Ross or TJ Maxx and find them there at huge discounts. (I’ve been known to pick them up for stocking stuffers. Don’t tell my nephews and kids I shared this, but last Christmas we all sat around in the evening watching sports and trying out our masks.)
These days, I’m all about incorporating these masks into my routine. Whether it’s a facial mask before a big meeting, a pick-me-up when feeling drab, or my personal favorite, foot masks before bedtime – they’ve become my secret weapons for self-pampering.
So, here’s to the little luxuries in life that relieve stress and bring joy. I carry some in my suitcase, and I’ve been known to show up to a girl’s weekend with a selection for everyone! Oh, and they make great hostess gifts for the person who coordinates the girl’s weekend!
Wine, chocolate, good friends, and laughing with funny-looking masks on – hide the cameras, and enjoy the little luxuries.
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