The Mid-Week / Post Flu Pampering Session

Rain and cold winds are sweeping across England as I speak, so all I want to do is stay inside where it's nice and warm.  I've been feeling a bit run down with the flu recently, so what better way to cheer myself up than with a little mid-week pampering.  After this session, I'll be feeling back to my usual self in no time.

Step 1: The Refreshing Cleanser

The first step to feeling and looking more 'normal' is to do a good cleanse because if your skin is anything like mine when it's under the weather, it's probably not looking its best right now.  REN Rosa Centifola 3-in-1 Cleansing Water* is perfect for getting back to basics and leaving your skin completely clean.  It will even remove the majority of your make-up in one cotton pad sweep, though if you want to use it for waterproof mascara, you're going to need to soak two in the solution and then press them against closed eyes for a couple of minutes to fully remove everything.  Mostly though, I just love how wonderfully refreshing this is as a cleanser and toner combined, and one I'd recommend to anyone who is seeking a more natural alternative to Bioderma.

Step 2: The Relaxing Bath

Having a bath when you have cold or flu symptoms is one of the most comforting feelings in the whole world.  I always feel very tired and like I'm aching all over when I'm ill, so I've been reaching for Nelsons Arnicare Bath & Massage Balm*.  This two in one godsend can be used as a bath oil, as well as a body oil, and contains Arnica extracts to help soothe away stiff, aching muscles.  It also has Evening Primrose and Sweet Almond Oils to hydrate dry skin, plus Lavender and Grapefruit Essential Oils which makes it smell lovely.  Currently in the Boots 3 for 2 offer as well, win win! 

Step 3: The Hydrating Hair Mask

When you're ill, your hair usually gets forgotten about tied away in a plait or topknot for a few days so it's time to give it some TLC.  After shampooing and towel drying, I like to apply a super rich hair treatment and have been using Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask* recently.  Perhaps surprisingly I'm not the biggest fan of Moroccanoil's Hair Oil, but I've been recommended this particular hair mask on a number of occasions and can say that it definitely lives up to its hype.  It leaves my hair feeling incredibly silky soft and swish worthy which is just what I want when it's been looking downright awful and straw-dry beforehand.  Best of all I really like how you don't need to use a massive amount each time as a teaspoon's worth will do, with a bit more being required for long hair, so one tub will last a long time.  

Step 4: The All Rounder Face Mask 

Usually if my face is getting spotty and feels like it's going to break out, I'll grab one of my beloved clay masks to save the day.  However with the recent change in the weather, and a bout of cold/flu sapping the moisture levels out of your skin, you're going to need something hydrating as well.  You could go in for the 'triple threat' attack where you pick out three face masks that solve three problems and use them one after another.  But if you're still feeling groggy like me, you'll just want one product that does everything.  The answer?  Organic Surge First Class Mask* - oh my day, where have you been all of my life?!  This face mask does it all; it deeply cleanses and purifies, revives and brightens dull complexions, and hydrates like a dream.  It feels like a standard lotion when you apply it, but when you wash it off after 15 minutes, your skin looks and feels like you've just had a facial.  Amazing stuff!   

What products do you reach for when you're feeling poorly?

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