#1: Get your self-tan on.
I’ve never been into the self-tan game until just recently. First off, it’s intimidating! That, plus the fact that I’ve never really been able to stand that smell. Plus, the risk wasn’t worth potentially looking unprofessional at work. But here I am – with no job and no plans, so why not?! Plus, I always forget the pure joy of looking down at a more bronzed version of myself. It’s a serious mood booster – at least for us pale folk anyway 🤓
I’ve done some serious research to find the best self-tan products out there for my preferences (ie: I’m very sensitive to scent and also want something that looks natural and lasts). Below see my two quick reviews on my recent discoveries, both of which I LOVE:
1. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist: This is the best self-tanner for self-tanner haters. Smell? None, except for a lovely light tropical scent that even bae commented on enjoying. Level of difficulty? I wouldn’t quite say idiot-proof because I don’t think any self-tanning product is idiot-proof, but it is pretty easy. I definitely recommend using a mitt for application. Color? It’s fairly subtle and really natural. I mean it definitely gives a nice color but it’s not super aggressive and it’s also buildable – so it’s really up to you! I love this formula too because it feels really nourishing. It has hyaluronic acid so it really hydrates the skin, which is a huge bonus for me because I hate applying lotion on my body. This is also the best formula I’ve tried that dries and absorbs super fast. There is absolutely no sticky or tacky feeling at all with this product!
Btw, I’ve also tried the matching face product, the Self Tan Purity Vitamins Face Serum, and I really liked it! It just didn’t work for me with my super exfoliating skincare routine and didn’t stay on for very long. I still deff recommend for anyone with a less harsh skincare routine.
2. Tan Again Golden Medium Dark (created by blogger/influencer @jenniferxlauren): This is like more traditional self-tanning products, but much better. I would recommend this to anyone who is already a little familiar with self-tanning. It’s a foam you apply with a mitt, with an immediate bronzer as an application guide (you shower it off after ~8 hours, or whenever!). It dries pretty quick for a foam and hasn’t stained my sheets at all. It has a nice, slightly sweet, coconut scent during application. After washing off, it does have that traditional tanning smell BUT it’s very faint and not even close to as bad as almost every other tanning product. That scent also fades super quick. It’s also clean and made with more natural ingredients than most tanning products! Also, it uses an eco-certified DHA (the active ingredient used to create a faux tan). The tan itself lasts quite a while and fades beautifully, like a natural tan would. I still haven’t quite mastered how to tan my hands/feet but my body application was flawless from the first go! Jennifer recommends wetting the mitt so it’s damp during application and I think that tip was a real game-changer for easier application.
#2: Dive into a new book.
I’ve been finally getting back into reading again (it’s been like maybe a decade since I was reading consistently… yikes!). Don’t get me wrong – I am still spending a lot of time with my closest friends: Netflix and Hulu (shared my new tv show recs here). But reading has become a wonderful morning activity. A good book is really such a great escape from the crazy world! Besides the random moments where I’m like, “wait no don’t hug! too close!” and then remember this is not real life – it’s super fun to be engrossed in a story and a life other than my own. TV is great but so easy to be distracted and do other things. The best thing about a book is its true getaway aspect. Like a vacation, no? 😉
Linking some favorite recent reads below! I also just signed up for Book of the Month to find a cheaper way to get new reads and I’m super excited! If you’re interested you can use code MAY5 for $5 off your first book, making it only $9.99.
#3: Write a letter to a friend (or make them something!).
Snail mail is the best mail. Everyone knows it! It’s meaningful and tangible and incredibly thoughtful. Recently I bought this bracelet-making kit and created custom friendship bracelets and sent them to some friends all over the country with of course an included handwritten note and a polaroid (I loooove my Instax Mini Link printer – it’s gotten so much more use than I ever thought!) with a throwback photo of us 😊And I shipped them in my signature metallic pink / rose gold bubble mailers which srsly bring joy to anyone receiving!
Linking some of my favorite stationary below. Cute stationary is half the fun of snail mail, am I right?!
#4: Do your nails (and toes! #sandalseason #finally).
Doing my nails is one of my favorite pastimes. If you know me, you know I do my nails RIGHT. I’m obsessed with using the best formulas and doing alllll the steps. First I buff and shape; then I use base coat, 2 coats of color, and (the BEST) top coat. Once dried, I finish with a little cuticle oil. And they always last longer than most traditional at-home manis! Linking my favorites below.
Painting your nails is not only something that helps pass the time indoors, but also makes you feel much more put-together in the end!! And it’s not something you have to do everyday like hair or makeup, so that’s a major win for me. I like easy!! 😁
#5: Give CBD a try.
One of my best mood-improvers is my CBD softgels. I won’t go too much into it here since I have a whole blog post breaking down CBD and my experience with Equilibria’s full spectrum CBD softgels. But they really really help, especially now during these uncertain, unprecedented times. Plus, I have a code CAROLINE.DURKEE for $10 off your first order. DM me with any questions, but first check out my blog post here if you want to learn more!!