Today, I reached the office earlier than usual. I poured myself a good cup of coffee and sat staring out the window. The weather was finally better than the harsh, hot days of the last few weeks. But looking out, I realised that it was cloudy with a chance of being mundane. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. But the post-COVID schedule of commuting every day, being presentable at all times and the thought of unending social interactions had me craving a good break. Something a little different from my current ‘daily’.
While a vacation to Europe or Maldives would be great, unfortunately, I couldn’t possibly afford a trip – I don’t have the money for it and neither the time. With important projects coming up at work, I can only go for a weekend away. And the best way to get pampered, rest it all out and immerse in self-care within my budget is to check into a hotel, even if it's just a block away.
Staycations have become the easiest, cheapest, and most convenient alternatives to holidays. Just take a day off close to a weekend and allow the nearest hotel to spoil you with all the treats you deserve. I mean, there’s nothing more relaxing than staying in a luxurious room with a bath and a view, room service, spas and pools at your mercy. And the perfect staycations include a bottle (or two) of wine, and an indulgent skin and body care routine. I’m talking about products that you get too lazy to use at home, or you just can’t use unless you have a nice bathtub (shoutout to bubble baths). Listed below is everything I would pack for my weekend staycation.
A Stress-Relieving Soak
Imagine a hot bubble bath waiting for you in a bathroom lit up with scented candles, your Spotify playlist playing in the background, and a bowl full of strawberries and cream sitting by a glass of sparkling wine. Yup, no one can deny the power of a good bath. And it’s fair to say that a good soak can truly chase away a bad day. After a long day, I lean to the Soulflower bath salts in lavender and rose geranium, Bath & Body Works Lavender Vanilla Bath Fizzy, and Juicy Chemistry Lemon & Lavender Bath Salt & Foot Soak.
Nykaa Recommends:Love Is In The Hair
It can’t be emphasised enough – your hair deserves some extra TLC every now and then. The weight of your daily stress, along with environmental aggressors and pollution, can have an adverse effect on your scalp and hair. So, during your staycation, indulge in a hydrating, calming and strengthening hair mask. Look for nourishing ingredients like olive oil, onion oil, macadamia oil, and fermented rice water. I personally love using the Plum Olive & Macadamia Mega Moisturising Hair Mask , Love Beauty & Planet Onion , Black Seed & Patchouli Hair Mask, and the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask.
Nykaa Recommends:Bubble Sheet Masks
Downtime always feels incomplete without a good ol’ hydrating sheet mask. The best part about sheet masks is that they’re fuss-free, and you can just slap one on between errands or deadlines for a quick boost of hydration. However, if you’re planning a holiday, I deeply recommend getting your hands on a few bubble sheet masks and unwinding (preferably with your favourite cocktail by your side). I’m currently in love with the foam-friendly Nykaa Skin Secrets Charcoal Bubble Sheet Mask, Power Brightening Bubble Sheet Mask, and the Quench Korean Bubble Sheet Mask with Matcha Green Tea.
Nykaa Recommends:Find Your Sole-Mate
eople say pedicures are the cheapest version of therapy, and boy, are they right! A good foot scrub and massage can make your day (or week). And while hotel spas can be ridiculously expensive, some amazing at-home foot care products can boost the health of your feet. I’d start with an exfoliating and softening foot scrub like the Earth Rhythm Pumice & Sea Salt Foot Scrub and follow it up with the Innisfree Special Care Mask–Foot. Don’t forget to moisturise after your mask. I use the L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream for a luxurious affair.
Nykaa Recommends:That Buttery Glow
Right before you tuck yourself into the soft, silky bedspreads of a luxury hotel room, make sure you carry something to keep your body hydrated while you’re busy counting sheep. I turn to body butters because they deeply hydrate, soften, nourish and heal my skin overnight. And the best part–they smell heavenly! I suggest The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter, the Himalaya Rich Cocoa Butter Body Cream, and the BodyHerbals Almond Coconut Body Butter.
Nykaa Recommends:Parting Thoughts
Body butters to bath bombs, bubble sheet masks to foot scrubs, these 15 products are bound to make your staycation a heavenly experience for your mind, body, and soul. Indulge in a sensorial experience that alleviates you of all the stresses of work and home with Nykaa’s staycation must-have essentials.
FAQs
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How long should I wear a sheet mask?
A sheet mask is only supposed to work for 15-20 minutes; the serum gets enough time to get soaked in, and anytime more than that can dehydrate your skin. Some masks for even quicker than that, such as a melting collagen mask.
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Recommend hand gloves for hydration.
If you are on a staycation, it’s your duty to relax, and what’s the best way to do it than giving your hands some much-needed break? From tan removal to hydration to anti-ageing, here are 3 hand gloves to shop for your next at-home mani session.
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Recommend eye patches for dark circles.
Vacation is the time to unwind and de-puff your eye bags, here are 3 eye patches for the same.
