Beauty Box 5

It’s National Relaxation Day, babes — and if you feel anything but calm, you’re not alone.

Listen, we get it - sometimes life is so crazy and full and fast that you barely have time to get all your mascara off at the end of the day, much less soak away your troubles in a long bath or book a massage - but everyone’s got their own calling card for chilled out bliss. Here at Team BB5 we think a DIY spa treatment is just as important as a soothing, no-checking-emails-not-even-on-your-phone vacation to destress, and so we’re sharing our fave ways and products to help you catch a relaxing vibe - both big and small.

(Oh, and did we mention our National Relaxation Collection is on sale?! Breathe easy and use code CHILLOUT for 25% off our favorite beauty to unwind with.)

Onto the good stuff! Here’s what helps us simmer down:

Sarah

Favorite way to relax: My favorite way to relax is lighting a candle, putting on a face mask, and cuddling up with a cat on the couch. I have three cats (two Bengals and a rescue) so there’s always at least one of them that’s ready for a nap. 

Favorite relaxing product: I love sweet scents so the Jaqua Sinfully Rich Buttercream Frosting Soy Candle is perfect for me. It makes my home smell as if I just baked cupcakes. Yum! Sheet masks, like this month’s Global Beauty Care’s Retinol Sheet Mask, are my favorite because they are so easy to put on and take off. 

Tara

Favorite way to relax: I will never be too busy to end a crazy day with a good mud mask & meditation session; *shout out* to my go-to app, Stop, Breathe & Think!

Favorite relaxing product: I’m just obsessed with Purlisse Pur~Protect SPF 30! It’s my all-time favorite moisturizer (I use it all day, every day) It’s seriously so light and makes my skin feel insanely soft! (P.S. this box includes the full-size!) ;)

Erin 

Favorite way to relax: As a makeup enthusiast I often have a ton and a half of product on my face at all times. For me, a full-face includes foundation, false lashes, and lipstick among other forms of beauty constraints. This means I have to constantly check if my face is staying in place while simultaneously trying not to ruin the masterpiece I created. Sometimes a girl needs to rub her eye! So, one of my favorite ways to relax is taking of my makeup at the end of the day. Then I’m free to touch my face and fully relax the day away. 

Favorite relaxing product: I love the Happy Face Cleansing Cloth! It’s great for lazy days when I don’t fully feel like washing my face. The cloth removes all traces of my makeup with just water and doesn’t irritate my skin. It’s reusable, so it’s really the perfect tool for any glam girl to have.  

Kelsey

Favorite way to relax: I love to be submerged in water with a good playlist cranked up loudly- but I’m not picky!- beach, lake, river, pool, jacuzzi, bathtub - all of them count as a “spa” to me.

Favorite relaxing product: Natural Style By FUBU’s Deep Conditioner! I have big, unruly lions-mane frizz, but 15-25 minutes of this in my hair (piled in a bun and secured with this month’s soft ties from Did Hair!) leaves it smooth, shiny, and strong– plus, that’s 25 minutes to watch a show, read, or sip some wine in the tub!

What’s your fave way to kick back with beauty, babes? Let us know in the comments!

It may be springing up flowers outside, but Team BB5 is still trying to treat our just-outta-winter skin inside, and the one thing we want to soft, smooth, and ready to be Instagrammed holding cute things all year round? Our hands, of course!

Since your digits go through a lot- texting, driving, high-fiving, manicures, and just generally, LIFE- it’s important to keep them happy and hydrated. The skin on your hands shows aging quicker than many other parts of your body, so take matters into your own hands- literally!- and treat them to some of our favorite applause-worthy remedies.

Our current favorite soothing lineup includes:

1. Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream in Vanilla Apricot

If you’re scarred from ever moisturizing in public and having someone turn up their nose at the smell of your lotion, this rose gold tube is your new savior. Not only is the fragrance absolutely divine, but it contains miracle-status argan oil to hydrate deeply.

2. Skinclinical’s Extreme Healing Repair Concentrate

Rough hand patches are no match for this amazing intensive treatment that heals chapped skin without ever feeling greasy. Bonus: use it all over - elbows, knees, arms - as its formulated for all skin types, from dry to sensitive to eczema and psoriasis-prone complexions, too!

3. Jaqua’s Buttercream Frosting Luscious Hand & Body Lotion

Have a sweet tooth? Beware: this rich lotion smells good enough to eat! Enriched with Vitamins A & E, it’ll soothe your dry skin while giving a seriously just-like-frosting aroma. (No, really…you’ll be convinced there’s a cupcake at the bottom of the tube.)

4. Red Carpet Manicure’s Cuticle Elixir

Forget Murphy’s Law- it’s Mani’s Law: you’re never near a salon when your nails start chipping or looking less-than-perfect. Luckily, this magical oil goes to work quicker than an appointment at softening cuticles and the sensitive skin around your nailbeds to keep your fingers fresh.

5. BODIPURE’s Keratin Gloves

These little lifesavers were a hit in our January Beauty Box, and we have the soft results to prove it! Just slip them on for 20 minutes (they’re touchscreen friendly, so you don’t even have to stop tweeting during use!), massage the solution in, and treat yourself to major moisture for your hands and nails.

6. Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Crème

Organic rosemary and eucalyptus oils make this lotion smell so fresh while helping improve circulation and cellular regeneration wherever applied, too! Added to the fact that it’s paraben-free with no artificial flavors or colors, and it’s a real all-around all-natural winner.

7. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

If you’ve read any beauty blogs in the past, then you may be rolling your eyes, but hear us out! This silver tube is a cult classic for a reason! The silky texture, 20% rich shea butter formula, and superfast “soak-in” time make it a must-have in your purse.

8. Rachel’s Plan Bee’s Original Bee Cream

We’ve expressed our love for RPB before, and our crush keeps on growing! This amazing balm-like consistency of this cream melts into your skin- a little bit goes a long way! A hint of vanilla combined with organic beeswax and essential oils lock in moisture while smelling oh-so-nice.

What holy grail hand treatments did we miss, babes? Let us know in the comments!