Beauty Products To Help You Relax: #National Stress Awareness Month

As this month is National Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to compile a personal edit of beauty products that help me to relax when my stress levels are high or when I have particularly stressful events coming up such as exams or job interviews. 

Candles

I read an article in a health magazine a long time ago which advised that staring at an open flame for a short period of time can help your mind to refocus and relax. I use this method frequently when I'm feeling stressed out and I do find it unusually relaxing. I guess it's a combination of just focusing on one object that allows your mind to step back and chill out, plus breathing in certain essential oils from the candle itself, that has such a powerful effect. 

Two candles I've been enjoying lighting recently have been Liz Earle's Eucalyptus & Rosemary Botanical Candle* (220g, £40, link) which has a wonderfully clean, woody, herbal, freshness to it that reminds me of being in a spa (instantly relaxing!), and Aveda's Light The Way Candle* (100g, £16, link - limited edition for Earth Month) that creates a warming, awakening and comforting atmosphere thanks to its organic Ginger and Ginger Lily oils.

Bath & Body

Stress is as much a physical problem as it is a mental based one, and if I'm going through a difficult time, I'll get feelings of pain running down my neck and across my shoulders, along with a migraine. There are lots of bath products to help alleviate sore muscles etc, but I particularly like Kniepp's Herbal Bath Back Comfort Oil (travel size shown, full size is 100ml for £9.95, link) as it uses natural essential oils and Devil's Claw extract to relieve tension of the back, as well as the neck and shoulders. 

After a long, hot bath, I love to keep the pampering feeling going by slathering on a heavenly scented luxury body oil. ESPA's Soothing Body Oil* (100ml, £32) ticks all of the right boxes and comes packaged in a beautiful glass bottle with a marble effect lid. This body oil has a mix of Coconut, Sweet Almond and Avocado Oils to deeply moisturise the skin, whilst those heavenly scented essential oils of Sandalwood, Rose Geranium, Frankincense and Myrrh, help to calm and relax stressed minds.

Alternatively, if I want to use a multi-purpose product, I'll reach for one of Aveda's Composition Oils that I've mentioned on here many times before. Their new one called Love* (50ml, £23, link) is a real treat for the senses with its unique blend of Vetiver, Frankincense, Sandalwood and Jasmine oils. You can use these in the bath, on the body, and as a hair/scalp treatment so you can fully immerse yourself in its soothing fragrance.

Bedtime Helpers & Aromatherapy Roller Balls

Stress can have a huge impact on your quality of sleep, especially if you can't actually get to sleep because you're worrying about something. For a quick fix, temporary solution, you can use a dedicated Pillow Spray such as NEOM's Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist* (30ml, £20, link) which has concentrated levels of organic essential oils such as English Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmine to help you sleep. Or if you'd prefer to use a roller ball, simply dab a little of This Works Deep Sleep Stress Less* (10ml, £12, link) onto your wrists before going to bed and inhale the scent deeply for a similar mind-calming effect.

Lastly, I wanted to include Tisserand's Focus Aromatherapy Roller Ball (10ml, £5.95, link) which I always use when I have exams and deadlines looming. It's 100% natural and has an uplifting quality to it from the Rosemary, Grapefruit and Coriander oils that I find beneficial for revision and focusing on my work.

[Disclaimer: These products are obviously just aids/helpers that I have personally found useful. If you're having problems or difficulties managing your own stress, please see your GP or a qualified therapist/healthcare professional.]

What beauty products do you reach for when you're feeling stressed and need to relax?

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