What’s Your Luxiere?
This past year has brought a multitude of highs and lows. From navigating a pandemic to dealing with the stresses of everyday life, it can be difficult to set aside time for some more than necessary self-care. For some tips on how to put ourselves first during stressful times, we chat with local beauty practitioners about their luxieres and what makes them feel most like themselves when life starts to get in the way.
Angela Hodgkinson and Blakely Hiner-Riley (SOLARE)
For us, becoming unapologetic about rest has been key to helping us refuel and reengage when things have gotten stressful this year. A good night’s sleep isn’t always reliable, so we try to focus on smaller more available ways, like taking breaks from the news cycle and social media, or practicing simple breathwork and embodiment techniques. Getting in a warm bath with one of our salt soaks while a Signature Candle burns always helps to decompress and let go.
Alecia Sullivan (Balliets Beauty Advisor and Esthetician)
When my skin is sallow, tired, or flaky, one of my favorite treatments to use is Natura Bisse Diamond Glyco Extreme Peel. It increases cellular turnover, helps other products work better and makes my skin feel soft and smooth.
Another must-have for stress control is Trish McEvoy Instant Solutions Triangle of Light Eye Mask. I use these after sleepless nights, before events, or if my allergies are causing puffiness.
Last but not least, I absolutely love Essential Shock Intense Complex serum. It’s vitamins for the skin and addresses hormonal breakouts.
Sarah Bleakley (Skinlab Injectables)
Early morning gym times at Union Performance absolutely save me. Successfully staying busy is also my luxiere. Although I am the owner and help my team run Skinlab, I am a mom and I have a full-time job in healthcare administration. I am happiest when I am busy and motivated. Lastly, I love solving problems. Big, small, and sometimes weird dilemmas. I'm a glass half full person and thrive off of solutions. Not all problems can truly be solved, but improvement is often achieved, and betterment is always a good thing!
Raylene Cravens (Lash by Lash)
To me, luxiere is about self-care with relaxation. If I can indulge myself in a spa, massage, whirlpool or steam with an amazing lunch, I feel like I’ve won the lottery. With meditation, it’s like resetting the button on life and I feel brand new—now that’s a luxiere!
Dr. Anureet Bajaj (Bajaj Plastic Surgery)
My luxiere is running in the morning. I love my morning runs because they give me time to myself in the silence of the early morning. If I had to pick a second option, I would pick a great pair of shoes. I love shoes, and a fantastic pair of heels makes me feel tall and powerful. I’ve had patients who say that they come to see me just to see what pair of shoes I’ll be wearing!
Charlene Butler and Amber Cummins (Zen Aesthetics and Wellness)
I set aside time to teach guitar lessons every Wednesday during my busy schedule. I have played since I was 17, and it always makes me feel lighter. I also meditate daily. Connecting to spirit and earth energy helps me release trapped energy in my aura and helps me focus. I also love to swim laps and kayak.
My daughter, Amber Cummins likes to take salt baths with incense and oils to release negative energy. She also regularly sages her house, takes walks, and loves to do breath work.
Stefanie Grant Cassel (Twinkle Apothecary)
The smallest pleasures in my life have felt the most luxurious to me lately. The quiet of my morning yoga practice, getting dressed up for work even when my shop is closed and no one sees me, listening to music while cooking dinner, and of course, stopping to appreciate the beauty of nature—whether it's taking a walk outside on a sunny day or sitting at my desk blending natural essences to make perfume. Luxuries are everywhere!
Chelsey Ann Cobbs (Salt & Water)
My luxiere is time—slowing down to do the rituals that keep my mind and body in balance. Adding dry brushing before bathing, taking a deep inhale before my skincare or applying special body oil. It’s the little things that add up to be bigger elements of calm.
From soothing skincare routines to exercising and time spent in the great outdoors, we all have our own simple luxieres. Although it may look a bit different for each of us, practicing self-care can serve as a calming reset during stressful times. So, when life starts to get in the way, draw yourself a warm bath, put on your favorite face mask, and sip on some bubbly—because you deserve it.