The W&H team’s favourite affordable luxuries to make self-isolation a little nicer
With self-isolation dampening spirits across the country, these affordable luxuries are just what we all need to put a smile on our faces...
Self-isolation has got us all struggling with a new reality and a new way of living.
Swapping long commutes for yoga routines, Pret takeaways for at-home Dalgona coffees and weekend wine nights for family quizzes over Zoom.
We are all adjusting our lives in order to stay at home and slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic that has swept through the world.
So with all the change and disruption to pretty much every area of our daily lives, a bit of extra comfort wherever we can find it doesn’t go amiss.
MORE: Best relaxing podcasts to listen to if you need help managing your anxiety
Whether it’s comfy loungewear, soothing beauty rituals, warming drinks or finding some magic in a stylish cushion or pretty mug, there’s something uplifting about treating yourself a little luxury or two here and there.
And these are our favourite affordable luxuries for getting through self-isolation with just a little more sanity…
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W&H’s favourite affordable luxuries
Mariana Cerqueira, Digital News Editor
I have been obsessed with my Sleep Mist from The White Company.
During these troubled times, unwinding and getting to sleep at night has been trickier than usual - especially when every night I’m tempted to check the BBC News app just before turning off the light.
Making sure I follow a bedtime ritual like spritzing my pillow and duvet with this soothing blend of lavender and chamomile before enjoying a cup of herbal tea in bed has helped me make sure I get a good night’s sleep.
SHOP NOW: Perfect Night's Sleep Body Oil, £35, Neom
To make my new sleep routine even more indulgent, I also started using Neom’s Sleep Body Oil, which leaves skin super silky for a comfy night's sleep.
You can never have too much lavender, right?!
SHOP NOW: Sleep Soothing Pillow Mist, £22, The White Company
Amy Hunt, Senior Digital Writer
My lockdown experience so far would have been a lot less comfortable without these brilliant Next mule slippers.
Before all this, they would have been confined to the weekends, but given that we’ve been working from home for a while now, they’ve become my constant companions for my daily journey between the desk and kitchen for cups of tea.
Having something cosy and comfy to wear on a regular basis is a small luxury during an undeniably stressful time - sometimes, socks just don’t cut it.
Plus, you don’t get to wear footwear like this in the office…
SHOP NOW: Suede Mule Slippers, £20, Next
Aleesha Badkar, Digital News Writer
When it comes to getting through difficult times, I’ve always felt that the right fragrance can be transformative.
Sure we might be shut up at home with nowhere to go and no one to see, but a spritz of your favourite scent can make you feel more confident, sexy and even just give you a bit of comfort.
For me it has to be Glossier’s standout perfume You. The smooth fragrance uses a warm musk, ambrette and ambrox base to give the eau de parfum a unique scent on every person (hence the name You), while the earthy and spicy top notes leave a sweet but comforting finish.
SHOP NOW: Diptyque Figuier Scented Mini Candle, £27, John Lewis
And as for how I fragrance my home story for the long hours of home-working, Diptyque’s Figuier, which is made from all natural ingredients, exudes a relaxing vibe with its warm Mediterranean notes and calming scents.
Plus the chic jar can be reused for storing beauty products, makeup brushes of even pretty stationery!
SHOP NOW: Glossier You, £45, Glossier
Hannah Gulliver Jones, Social Media Producer
I’ve been loving these cosy but chic joggers from Hush while working from home.
They’re super comfy but thanks to the tapered fit don’t feel too much like pyjamas!
SHOP NOW: Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay, £22, John Lewis
I’ve also been using face masks more often, as even though I’m at home a lot more I’m trying to keep on top of my skincare routine.
I love this Origins face mask because it leaves my skin feeling super soft with a great glow!
SHOP NOW: Lindsey Washed Joggers, £49, Hush
Lauren Hughes, Digital Features Editor
I've treated myself to a new rose facial oil from Elemis, which is one of my favourite beauty brands thanks to its lovely scents.
Spending more time indoors, with the heating on, means my skin is looking a little parched, so I slather this on before bed to wake up looking more dewy. It's a little pricey but so worth it!
I also try and do and at-home facial massage at least once a week to keep circulation going. Try and get hold of a jade or pink quartz roller and use it with this gorgeous oil - lush!
SHOP NOW:Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil, £67, Elemis(Enter the code W&H2020 at checkout to get £15 off when you spend £50 or more in one transaction at elemis.com).
Caitlin Elliott, Digital News Writer
I’ve really been enjoying taking some time at the end of each working-from-home day to relax, centre myself and try to take my mind away from the stress of the world right now!
I’ve been loving treating my skin to a face mask a few evenings a week, as it’s great way to signify that it’s time to chill and distance myself from work mode as well as the endless supply of scary news updates on social media.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Facial Dry Sheet Mask is a favourite! It’s luxurious but so convenient and has heaps of skin loving ingredients.
SHOP NOW: Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Facial Dry Sheet Mask, £18.50, Feel Unique
Grace Walsh, Junior Digital Features Writer
I’ve always been fan of St. Eval candles (their orange and cinnamon one is literally Christmas in a tin) but especially recently, I’m finding them to be particularly calming.
At the moment, I’ve got the bay and rosemary candle - it’s so nice to light in the mornings when I’m having a coffee and just about to start work.
They’re also handmade in Cornwall, so it feels good to know that I’m helping a small business.
SHOP NOW: Bay & Rosemary Scented Tin Candle, £10.80, St. Eval
With the UK still in lockdown and still no clear idea about when it will end, these treats are just what you need to give you a little hit of luxury!
Aleesha is Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home, where she gets to share her expertise into all the best techniques, sharpest tools and newest products—with a particular savvy in skincare and fragrance.
Previously, she was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. In the past, she has worked as Shopping Writer at woman&home, gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team, contributed to Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto and earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London.
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