When times are tough, it’s the simple pleasures that can help you feel and look lovelier. These are our favourite rescue remedies…
Wear a happy colour
Applying a vibrant, cheerful lipstick is one of the swiftest mood lifters, and our shopping habits are reflecting this. Towards the end of 2022, sales of red lipstick were up 41% year-on-year* – a phenomenon known as the ‘lipstick index’, whereby sales of lipstick soar inversely to a shrinking economy. Why? Well, a new lipstick is a relatively inexpensive way to deliver a little dopamine hit. But there’s a simple logic to it, too: ‘A bright lipstick can literally light up a person’s complexion, which can also lift their mood,’ explains makeup artist turned psychotherapist Lee Pycroft. ‘It can have a knock-on effect on everything from your wellbeing to how you behave in social situations.’ And 2023’s new shades and finishes offer more versatility than ever.
Soak it up
In recent years, many of us have reconnected with rituals, be that daily walks, cooking or looking after our skin more mindfully. And few rituals can be more instantly happy-making than the humble bath. There are, however, ways to make it not-so humble and more of a significant source of bliss and wellbeing, with bonus beautifying benefits. Try the following…
SAY YES TO SALTS ‘Bathing with mineral salts can help move along the body’s own cleansing processes,’ explains Penny Hamilton, co-founder of Westlab. ‘Epsom salts, for instance, ease aches and detox the body thanks to magnesium, which is involved in the relaxation of muscles, and sulphate, which flushes out the muscles’ toxins.’ By bathing for 20 minutes in an Epsom salt bath two to three times a week, the body absorbs and boosts its levels of these minerals, in which many of us are deficient, according to Verdant Alchemy founder Vivien Leung. And the benefits are clear. ‘I find people start to feel more relaxed, their sleep is improved and they generally feel better in themselves,’ says Vivien.
MASTER A MINI MASSAGE Applying body oil to warm, damp skin will help it seep in, and doing so with massage movements will not only leave your skin glowing but your body feeling more supple, too. Try Ishga Muscle Recovery Oil, £39, a mix of pure essential oils that increases circulation and aids muscle recovery, or Soak Sunday’s uplifting Midnight Storm Botanical Bath & Body Oil, £14. Then, says founder of the Massage4Mental Health campaign Hayley Snishko, consider pressure. ‘Start lightly and slowly increase until it’s firmer but comfortable,’ she explains. ‘To massage your legs, make long, firm, stroking motions alongside gentle “wringing” ones with both hands from the ankle up, and past the knee. Then come up to the abdomen and make clockwise circular motions. Follow this with some gentle sliding movem
