Someone once said, “Self-care is not self-indulgence; it’s self-preservation,” and I feel that all the way to my toes … my poor, neglected toes. (Seriously, I need No. 16 pronto.) What do you like to do for self-care? A hot bath? A mani/pedi? Reading a book? Going to brunch with a friend? There are limitless possibilities for taking a bit of time for yourself to decompress, recharge, and get ready for whatever life will throw at you next.
That’s what this list is all about: Small ways to make a big difference in your own well-being. We’ve got everything from deep tissue massagers to more obscure finds like a foot rocker (what even is that?) and scrubs that look like cubes of sugar. Get the self-care party started with a stroll through this list. Think of it like pre-gaming for your own good — one wellness buy at a time.
Break the Ice
At first glance, this photo probably looks pretty silly … but tell that to someone who deals with frequent headaches. This form-fitting gel ice cap delivers relief at the point of the problem reducing puffy eyes, relieving tension and sending sinus issues and stressors running. The built-in compression in an instant pain reliever so you can get on with more important matters.
Take a Load off Your Feet
The absolute best part of getting a professional pedicure is that mini-massage they deliver mid-appointment. This shiatsu foot massager provides relief for your tired feet with deep kneading and heat therapy that also helps increase blood flow and circulation. In addition to a little foot love, this machine also works to deliver results for your ankles and calves as well.
The Heat Is On
Anybody who knows me knows that I love a good heating pad but finding one that works on your neck and shoulders is a challenge because most of them are meant to lie flat. This non-scented heating pad is shaped to accommodate your neck and shoulders without any weird configurations or strange angles. You can use this hot or cold for a full range of results.
Strike Oil
If you haven’t had at least one friend regale you with the wonders of MCT oil … you’re in a good group of people because I know folks who won’t shut up about it and maybe for good reason. This MCT oil powder also has collagen and acacia in a gluten- and dairy-free formula. Add a scoop to water, coffee, tea, smoothies and shakes for an energy boost and healthier gut.
Take a Seat
I know what you’re thinking: “I’m nobody’s meemaw, why would I want a meemaw’s shower chair?” Here’s the answer: Because everyone loves sitting down occasionally. That’s it; that’s the answer. This shower chair has an adjustable back and armrests, supports up to 300 pounds and makes it easier to do everything from relaxing to shaving your legs. It weighs only four pounds and fits in most all showers and bathtubs.
Massage It Away
Nothing feels more indulgent than a massage but most of us don’t have the time (or money) to do that on the regular. This deep tissue back and body massager is a full-body treat from your neck to your feet (no rhyme intended). As a percussion massager, it will knock 3,700 pulses of bliss into your muscles every single minute.
Seize the Bidet
Europeans figured out the beauty of a bidet a long time ago but us as Americans are just starting to understand how great they are. Fortunately, you don’t have to install an entire bidet when you can just add this $39 attachment to your existing toilet. A slim design, it has an easy control dial for quick temperature changes and has a pressure switch as well. This is adjustable with a retractable spray nozzle.
Rock ‘N’ Roll
The first time I saw a photo of this calf stretcher/foot rocker, I was like, “What the what is that thing?” Then, I bought one to see if it would help with my plantar fasciitis and holy rock ‘n’ roll, this thing is amazing. This prevents and treats a lot of things from shin splints to tight hamstrings to various foot ailments. It’s worth a shot for just $30.
Caught Red-Handed
A lot of people believe in the power of red light therapy to do everything from improving your skin to treating a variety of ailments. This handheld LED infrared light device gives you the power of red light therapy right in your home. This unit helps with recovery from workouts, pain relief and better sleep, according to the manufacturer. Hold it over the target area for up to five minutes at a time, one to three times a day.
Guiding Light
When you have purple hair, purple shampoo seems like a buzzkill but when you have blonde or silver hair, it’s a staple. This highlight shampoo eliminates yellow tones and brassiness while giving you shimmering highlights, body and gloss. One reviewer said, “I have ordered this product three times and love it! I use it daily! I have tried SO many other brands and this produces the best results.”
Get Rolling
Roll your way to recovery with this foam muscle roller that helps release tension, ease soreness and improve your overall flexibility. This foam roller works on the back, arms, legs and other muscle groups with five variations of vibrations. This has customized grooves that’ll get you through every stage of your exercise routine from warming up to recovery. The best part of this roller is that you can use it without outside assistance.
A Hairy Situation
There are literally 1,672,321 types of hair oil on Amazon. (That’s an estimate; I didn’t count them all.) These hair oil capsules are some of my favorites, though, because they’re easily portable and deliver real results for dry, frizzy and damaged hair. These plant-based hair vitamins increase shine, improve manageability and make your hair softer while even assisting with hair growth. Did I mention you can take them on the go?
Caffeine Dream
There’s nothing better than that first hit of caffeine in the morning and the skin under your eyes will think so, too. This caffeine eye cream wakes up sleepy eyes by reducing dark circles and puffiness and bringing back a fresh, dewy, youthful eye area. This has three different types of caffeine in it as well as rosehip oil, vitamins C and E, and aloe.
This Cream Is the Breast, Er, Best
Looking for a new “breast friend?” This enhancement cream has active ingredients that promote breast increase while providing a firming and lifting effect. Along the way, it improves blood circulation and increases skin flexibility and elasticity, preventing sagging. One reviewer said, “I have used this cream daily for about a month and after three kids and just having crap genetics when it comes to my breasts, I have found this cream has worked.”
Bed Down
I take my sleep very seriously. It requires just the right pillow, sheets and temperature. One of the first things I changed was my pillowcase, opting for a silkier satin version like you’ll find in this Kitsch sleep set. Claiming it’s softer than silk, this pillowcase also comes with a matching eye mask and scrunchie because coordinating is important even when your eyes are closed.
Very A-Peel-Ing
I may have a slight addiction to foot peel masks and this one with tea tree and papaya extract is both functional and cost-effective. You’ll get a set of four here, which should last you a while since you’re going to enjoy smoother skin minus cracked heels, dryness and calluses after the first application. I love using these before a pedicure, too, so they don’t make fun of my crusty feet.
E-asy like Sunday Morning
No matter how many ingredients cosmetics companies pack into a beauty product, it all really boils down to a few natural vitamins and minerals. This organic vitamin E oil doesn’t come in a fancy bottle with an equally fancy name or marketing but it’s professional-grade with jojoba and avocado oils to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, get rid of dark sports and slow down the signs of aging. And, isn’t that what really matters?
The Eyes Have It
Is there really 24K gold in these eye masks that promise to reduce puffy eyes and dark circles? I don’t know for sure but the reviews on these range from “these are a keeper” to “super amazed.” You can buy as few as 20 pairs or as many as 100 pairs of these under-eye patches that come in convenient travel-sized packs.
No Butts about It
If you’re going to enhance the girls, you might as well get your hiney in gear, too — literally. This butt enhancement cream will give you a bigger and firmer derriere without costly surgeries or dangerous injections. The manufacturer claims that with less than four months of regular use, it activates proper blood circulation and reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Those sound like wins to me.
Cap Space
I had to try out this shower cap from Kitsch for myself and it really does do what it claims — keeping your hair dry while extending the life of a hair wash and style. Designed with a flexible fit for most head sizes, it’s actually a stylish-looking shower cap — unlike a lot of those caps at the store that look made for grannies. (No offense intended toward grannies.)
High Rollers
There are a lot of face rollers on the market today but this mini eye and face set from Kitsch is a favorite because A. They’re on the small side, which makes them easier to store and B. They’re effective for more youthful-looking skin. One of these is made with a stainless steel head while the other has a soft silicone head. Together, they work to calm inflammation, firm your skin and alleviate tension and puffiness.
Scrub-A-Dub-Dub
I’m going to let you in on a little secret of mine: I hate lavender — in almost all forms. But, based on the reviews surrounding this exfoliating scrub, I might have to reconsider. Made with nourishing Dead Sea salt, this scrub also features vitamin E and helpful oils that not only slough away dead skin but deliver moisture simultaneously.
Full Steam Ahead
Bombs are to baths as steamers are to showers and if that stressed you out, you probably took a standardized test not too long ago. These shower steamers are not only happy to see you but are also highly scented and effective at relieving stress and getting you ready for the day (or bed). You’ll get 12 with this purchase including lavender, lemon, vanilla, rosemary, ocean and rose.
Make Any Day a Spa Day
Some people don’t like anyone else touching their feet, which includes those lovely nail techs whose job it is to get them into better shape. Now you can simulate a foot spa right in your house with this spa bath and massager, which has built-in bubbles and adjustable temperature controls. Soak your feet, soothe your skin and relieve muscle pain while you’re all Netflix and chill.
Glow and Get It
Tula is one of my favorite skincare brands and I love being able to buy it right on Amazon. This Glow & Get It cooling and brightening eye balm is one product I’ll never be without and it occupies a prominent place on my bathroom vanity. It combines probiotics and skin superfoods to hydrate, cool, and fill in fine lines around the eye while reducing puffiness.
Glow Up
Are you looking for the biggest bang for your buck? This Scrub + Glow face and body kit from Freeman is an all-in-one self-care helper with 10 mask sachets, six mask tubes, a silicone scrubber, silicone mask applicator, spa headband, and makeup remover towel. I’m guessing you won’t use all of these products at once so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for another day.
Throw on a Mask
When one product claims to brighten, tighten, tone and minimize pores, I sit up and take notice. The Tropics mask has a delicious pineapple and mango fragrance but its benefits are even better. This mask also soothes and reduces redness and acne and is even great for those of us with sensitive skin. You can rest easy, too, knowing it’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Fits like a Glove
Loathe loofahs? Can’t stand sponges? These exfoliating gloves gently and effectively remove layers of dead skin and impurities when paired with your favorite shower gel or soap. All you have to do is slip them on to soften rough skin, promote blood circulation, and help combat acne, rashes, eczema and more. One size fits most and clean-up is a breeze with the built-in hanger loop that allows it to air dry.
Find Your Feet
You can do all the pedicures with this 20-in-1 (20!) kit that includes a foot rasp, cuticle pusher, foot clipper, scraper, callus remover, cuticle remover, foot file, nail file, nail and toenail clipper, and more. This professional kit is made of high-quality stainless steel and ABS material to stay durable and sturdy, which provides a comfortable and long-lasting use experience. Now all you need is nail polish!
You’re the Bomb
Bath bombs are pretty high on my list of favorite self-care products because long, hot, steamy baths are pretty high on my list of favorite self-care habits. This 12-piece set is made with essential oils and comes in a variety of fragrances including energizing grapefruit and peaceful sweet dream. One reviewer had this to say: “Wonderful product, will reorder when runs out. Great quality and value for the money.”
Pillow Talk
While we’re talking about bathtime, a proper bath pillow for the tub is a must-have. Have you ever leaned back in the tub, only to be shocked by the cool wall compared to the hot water? Phew, I have. This spa tub pillow is a welcome addition, making your bathing experience more comfortable and luxurious. Its air mesh material ensures that it dries quickly before the next use.
Wax On, Wax Off
Waxing at home sounds like a unique type of torture but for less than $40, it’s worth a shot. This waxing kit is complete with a capital C, including one digital wax warmer with non-stick pot, five packs of hard wax beans, applicator sticks, gloves, protective rings and oils for both pre-wax and post-wax. Promise me you’ll yell “Kelly Clarkson!” when you’re practicing?
A Close Brush
When a reviewer says, “I have used it for three weeks and I have seen major improvement on my skin,” you know it’s going to be good. Who knew something as innocent-looking at this $9 exfoliating brush} would generate nearly 30,000 reviews? Use it to stop ingrown hairs and razor bumps and to gently massage problem areas to reveal soft, radiant skin.
Steam Machine
Nothing feels more luxurious than a good steam experience and this at-home face steamer not only helps dry skin by adding moisture and opening pores but it can also reduce acne and dark spots and can even help alleviate congestion in your sinuses. This set comes with a bonus five-piece skin kit that you can use to pick around on your face. Just don’t tell your dermatologist.
You Make Me Want to Scoop
Travel-sized toiletries are the bane of my existence because I can never find small sizes of all my favorite things. Luckily, that’s not an issue with this ice cream-scented wash-off mask set that includes three jars with three benefits: Hydrating, soothing and brightening. Each has its own unique, skin-loving ingredients like glycolic acid, green tea, aloe, squalene, and hyaluronic acid.
Oh, Sugar, Sugar
I put some of these sugar cube scrubs in my mom’s stocking at Christmas a couple of years ago and she still hasn’t stopped talking about them. Infused with the fragrance of watermelon, strawberry and tropical fruits, these single-use cubes have natural sugar, aloe and shea butter in a moisture-packed combo that leaves skin softer and more hydrated than ever.