I think we can all agree that relaxation is so important. It’s become the universal answer to many of our problems nowadays and I think it’s safe to say we can all use more of it. It sounds simple enough but with the way our lives are nowadays, it’s easier said than done. Our society these days is so focused on visible progress and the achievement of goals, that beauty sleep, in the true sense of the word, is a concept only known to Disney princesses. However that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a little indulgence ritual of your own, little moments to yourself when time slows down and you become Zen: open to yourself, open to others, open to life.
Mintd is a brand which understands that self-care, rest and relaxation are just as important as giving back and having a life full of purpose. Their October box focuses on just that: your essential beauty sleep kit.
As more of a reminder to myself, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that help me create my own relaxing rituals, unwind and reach that place of inner serenity. I’ll share them with you in hopes you find them useful.
Turn Off and Take it Off
I adore using cleansing oils to remove my makeup, as I find the experience of massaging the oil onto the face so luxurious and very spa-like. Mintd curated a beautiful Organic Camellia & Safflower Hot Cleansing Oil from Siskyn for their October box, and I couldn’t be happier.
Siskyn, a British luxury, clean skincare brand created by two very inspiring women, is new to me (thank you Mintd for the introduction), but we happen to share the same beliefs. We believe that natural, organic botanical oils, often times sidelined for being old-fashioned or hippy, hold the answer for healing, nourishing and maintaining a healthy skin. Siskyn products are highly effective, 100% natural, luxury vegan skincare using only the finest botanical oils and nothing else (not even water). Just pure oils.
The Siskyn Organic Camellia & Safflower Cleansing oil is ultra gentle and ultra effective, melting away even the most stubborn traces of waterproof mascara. Cleansing oils can sometimes be tricky, but this one is formulated for all skin types, blended to balance and work with skin’s natural oils. Packed full of gorgeous 100% certified organic botanical oils including anti-inflammatory Castor and Safflower (to lift impurities from the pores and help retain moisture), Camellia (to heal and balance), Avocado and Olive (to moisturize), and Rosehip (to heal and rejuvenate). The very low oleic acid content means this oil is suitable even for greasy, acne prone skin. There are no essential oils, which means even the most sensitive, fussy skin (like my own) can enjoy this delectable experience. I massage one pump of the cleansing oil onto my dry face, starting with my eyes (yes, it’s safe for the eyes) and using circular motions all over my face and neck. I place the cloth that came with the oil into hot water, squeeze out the water and gently wipe the oil away. I apply one more pump of oil into the skin, massage in well and rinse. The oil has a beautifully soft texture that leaves the skin feeling hydrated, smooth and revived. It’s such a pleasure to use that my skin just gleams every time I use it and it’s become my go to on those days when my skin is in need of a little treat.
Relax and Soak
I love the feeling of indulgence and the calmness of alone time. More often than not, the only time I get that is when I shower. Aromatherapy Associates is a brand dedicated to turning your bath or shower experience into a meaningful tranquil ritual. I’ve used their products on and off for many years, always stocking up when the Dermstore has a sale (their Friends and Family 20% off Sale going on right now thru October 11). The Mintd October box includes a travel size of their two most popular, award-winning Revive Morning and Deep Relax Oils. I contemplated saving these for my upcoming trip in a few weeks but nowadays I travel mostly for pleasure (hence I’m always relaxed) and the hotels usually provide a vast array of bathroom products. So I decided to use these two bath oils in my shower at home and enhance my experience. I prefer to take my shower in the evening. The beautiful aromas ease my nerves and calm my spirit. The oils glide over my body, the scents rise in the air, and my skin is left feeling soft and hydrated.
Pamper and Indulge
Included in the Mintd October box are two absolutely luxurious products: the Eye Recovery Serum by EviDenS de Beauté and the Bedtime Beauty Boost Night Cream by Oskia Skincare.
My under eyes have always been a trouble area for me. I don’t sleep much as it is, add some genetics to the mix and my dark circles can be seen from space. Well I’m clearly over exaggerating, but you get the gist. My dark circles, fine lines and crows feet are of my utmost concern. EviDenS de Beauté is a luxurious skincare brand that attests to the marriage of Japanese beauty rituals with French technical and artistic perfection. The Eye Recovery Serum is a high-tech nano emulsion which provides a complete regenerating treatment. It smooths wrinkles and fine lines, erases dark circles, fights signs of fatigue and plumps the very fragile area around the eye. The Eye Recovery Serum restores youth and glow to the eyes. It is formulated with Triple Collagen, Q10 co-enzyme, Amino Acids, Mulberry Root extract and smoothing and stimulating ingredients such as Vitamin K, Hyaluronic Acid, and Sorbitol. It has an exceptionally fine texture that melts into the skin and feels every bit as luxurious as it sounds. It is quite possibly the most expensive and lush product I’ve ever used.
Oskia is a well-known British skincare brand that revolves around the use of MSM, more commonly known as Beauty Mineral, a natural form of organic sulphur, that boosts collagen production, promotes circulation and helps decrease inflammation for a brighter, younger looking complexion. The Bedtime Beauty Boost is a luxurious night cream packed with antiaging ingredients, hydrating nutrients and floral extracts to provide the skin with a supercharged beauty boost as if you slept the much recommended 7 hours per night. It’s formulated to hydrate, brighten, provide antiaging benefits, stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process and provide a healthy, youthful glow.
Some key ingredients I’d like to highlight: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 (Niacinamide), B5, B6, C, D, E, F, Milk Peptides, Swiss Apple Stem Cells, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosterols, MSM, Omega 3,6 & 9. I’ve been using the cream every night for almost two weeks now and I simply adore it. It’s light in texture and absorbs easy, yet it’s extremely hydrating, leaving my skin feeling supple and soft. Oskia is not that easy to get here in the States, but I am interested in purchasing full size once I run out of the generous travel size included in my Mintd October box.
Fragrance and Aroma
Smells, scents and aromas are incredibly powerful. They evoke feelings and sensations that sooth an aching body and calm a racing mind. It’s the easiest way to reach a place of tranquil serenity, thus choosing the right fragrance is key. The Wildheart Organics Aromatherapy Tranquil Candle curated by Mintd has become my idea of what heaven must smell like. It’s the ultimate relaxing and sleep inducing therapy candle, the perfect blend of 12 essential oils that calm the senses and the soul. At the heart of it, and the scent I picked up right away, is Lavender and Neroli Orange Blossom. Sandalwood, Sage and Chamomile add to the calming and sleep inducing properties. The fragrance is light and the notes are simple. The delicate aromas infuse the room and the scents engulf my anxious spirit, helping me to get passed the worries of the day. The brand believes that ‘inner peace starts with wellbeing’. They use nontoxic fragrances that are handmade with 100% essential oils, and nothing else, providing real aromatherapy benefits. I’ve been so fascinated by this brand and their products, and will seek to find a way to add more of their candles into my home. I encourage you to read and learn more about this beautiful brand and their wonderful products on their own website here.
Nurture Your Body and Mind
I might not get the recommended 7 hours of sleep every night, but I can try to look after my body and help my mind find comfort with what I do have around me. Routine is just as important as rest. My own little relaxing rituals I’ve just shared with you in this post work together to lead to one of my most anticipated moments: snuggling into fresh sheets in a room bursting with tranquil scents from my Wildheart Organics candle. I place my Whitehorn handmade silk and velvet mask over my tired eyes and listen to a few minutes of guided meditation (read more about that here). The eye mask feels so comforting and luxurious. It’s not easy to find a good eye mask that you’ll enjoy using. This one is created by award winning British designer Janey Whitehorn and is individually hand painted onto 100% silk, has a gunmetal grey satin trim and is backed with a padded rich plum colored velvet. I love that it’s filled with soothing lavender, thus adding to the blanket of comforting fragrance that envelopes the room.
It really is the little things that make all the difference. How do you unwind at the end of a busy day? Share your Me time rituals with me in the comments down below.
On the Mintd website right now there is an exciting campaign where you can save 10% on the first box with promo code 10OFF1STD. They ship to the UK, W. Europe, North America and Australia.
I really enjoyed this post, I feel more relaxed now! I love to take night showers too, helps me relieve stress and I feel fresh and ready for sleep. I love using my rose face oil right before sleeping, the scent really soothes and relaxes my mind! This sleep kit box looks amazing Cat!!! Thank you for all your tips and beauty secrets!
Hi Laura, thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing your Me rituals! So glad you enjoyed the post. That rose oil you mention sounds so lovely! I adore anything to do with roses, I can see how that oil can be so soothing and relaxing! Hope you’re having a beautiful week! ~ Cat L.
That box sounds so perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. I’m seduced by all the products sweet Cat and want to thank you again and Mintd box for the beautiful opportunity that you gived us to try. After a busy day, I love to remove makeup with a balm or an oil and apply a night mask. Then, I read few page of a book or a magazine sipping herbal tea. Have a great day ! xoxo
Kédidja | beautymoodboard.com
Kédidja your routine sounds so wonderful! My love of tea knows no limit and coupled with a face mask, it’s just my idea of an evening well spent. Glad you have the opportunity to try Mintd! Hope you’ll enjoy the products as much as I have! ~ Cat L.
What a well curated box just what one needs as the winter draws closer. It just makes me feel warm and fuzzy reading your review of these amazing products. And knowing you these must be divine ?
Hi Esnath, this has to be my favorite box thus far. I feel Mintd outdo themselves every month by curating the most luxurious and delectable products! Glad you enjoyed the post! ~ Cat L.
I feel relaxed just after reading this beautiful review. I hardly ever take time for myself lately, a relaxing shower filled with luxurious oils sounds like the way forward. I was really excited to see Oskia included in this box, it’s my favourite skincare brand and I’ve been using the bedtime beauty booster for about 4 months now. I can’t live without it! I’m definitely going to check out this Mintd box love the look of the sleep mask and it’s so handy that they ship to the uk!
You and the puppy look adorable and your photos are stunning xxx
Lisa
Beauxdiaries.com
Hi Lisa, thank you for stopping by and for such kind sweet comments. I adore your blog and find your writing style so effortless and inspiring and your photography is simply stunning. Your feedback means so much to me. I used to try and schedule Me time but as you say, along the way I’ve realized that a shower with luxurious products oils and indulging my skin with lush products is the way to go. Mintd is such a beautiful subscription box filled with skincare treats. I was glad to see Siskyn, Oskia, and Wildheart Organics included in the box this month. These are all products I see myself repurchasing once I run out. Thank you again for reading! ~ Cat L.
You and your pup look so cozy! This box looks absolutely wonderful. I love that Mintd seems to have a very clear theme each month that they really adhere to. The eye serum sounds so luxurious. It sounds like we’ve got a similar dark circle situation, and I’m always on the hunt for something that can help diminish them. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Oskia, but, as you said, it’s not easy to get here in the States! Wonderful review, stay safe and cozy this weekend! xoxo
Thank you so much, Jenn. Yes the puppy makes every photo perfect! I have to say that the Mintd October box has got to be my all time favorite thus far. I love every single one of the products and see myself repurchasing in the future (minus the eye serum which although amazing, it’s way out of my budget). Thank you also for the well wishes and positive vibes. It looks like the hurricane will be more of a tropical storm in my area! So lucky! ~ Cat L.
Wow, what an incredible box with such thoughtfully curated products! The hot cleansing oil simply sounds luxurious and is definitely a great way to start off a relaxing night 🙂
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous too!! <3 <3
Hi Jenny, thank you for stopping by and for such kind comments. So glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful. I used to be a huge cleansing oil fan, then I switched to cleansing balms and now thanks to the Siskyn oil, I’m slowly rediscovering my first love, that for cleansing oils. Heading over to your blog to catch up! ~ Cat L.
What an absolutely beautiful box! I love the sleep theme! The products look lovely and the picture with you pup is adorable! I just got my first little puppy and I’m hoping she gets accustomed to sleeping in my bed. We’ve had several “accidents” in the bed (FUN TIMES) but I know eventually we’ll get past that.
Hi Janine, well said: this box is absolutely beautiful and they always curate the most lush and luxurious products! I think I remember seeing some of your puppy’s photos on your blog. Such a little cutie and as you say, definitely fun times that will pass so quickly! Off to check out the blog for more puppy photos and beauty reviews! ~ Cat L.
Your pics are beautiful and all the items look great Cat! The Oskia sample looks a super generous size and I love Aromatherapy Associates – the candle looks gorgeous too! Sandalwood is one of my favourite scents. Such a thorough and naturally writte review, I really enjoyed reading this one!
http://www.barelytherebeauty.com
xx
Jennifer, thank you so much for such kind comments. I am such a fan of your blog, love your effortless writing style and stunning photography, thus your feedback means more than you know. Mintd is definitely a very luxurious subscription box, always filled with the most lush and luxurious beauty treats. I adore the candle and love that it’s natural and made with essential oils. Another big win with me is the Siskyn cleansing oil. I’m new to the brand, but looking forward to exploring more of their products. Hope you get a chance to try! Now off to see if you’ve posted anything new on your blog! ~ Cat L.
Aw thank you so much for your sweet words! It’s funny, I feel completely the same getting feedback from bloggers I admire like yourself, so thank you! I’m trying to get into more natural candles, as apparently some synthetic ones aren’t that great for you.. Definitely going to check out more from Mintd xx
Cat, what a wonderful introduction to October Mintd Box. I always enjoy reading your articles and especially the ones about upcoming Mintd box. You always help me making my wait sweeter.
Your pictures are so wonderful as usual and your cute pup is amazing.
Thank you very much for all the information you share with us.
Sending you a lot of love,
Mar
Mar, thank you for always reading and being so supportive of the content I create. It is feedback like yours that inspires and motivates me to stay consistent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I adore your beautiful photos and routines on Instagram ( @mar_preisler ) and hope you’ll start a blog soon!
~ Cat L.
I love all your photos, but the one with you and your furbaby is extremely cute. Like I said on Instagram, the cleansing oil looks great and reading the ingredients makes me want to splurge a bit by including it in my beauty routine. Thanks for being you!
Daphne, thank you so much! The puppy is definitely a cutie and she makes every photo perfect! As far as the cleansing oil, the brand is new to me, but so glad I got the opportunity to try their products. I adore this hot cleansing oil and will repurchase! ~ Cat L.
This is such a fabulous box! The products look lovely and everything sounds so luxurious. This is such a great way to start off a relaxing night. I love how cozy you and your pup look 🙂
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Hi Ann-Marie, thank you so much, the puppy makes every photo perfect. As far as the box, you said it best: this box is so luxurious and the perfect way to kick off a night of relaxation. Hope you get a chance to try it! ~ Cat L.
Loving this post Cat! MINTD is full of surprises , this kit is so well put together and with your detailed descriptions of every product , makes me want to subscribe to MINTD today ! Your pictures are always a treat as well . Great post Cat !