How to have (the best) self-care day this IWD, according to a beauty editor

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself after a long day is to take a nice, warm bath. So why not make the space as conducive as possible to help yourself unwind? Light some candles, play some soothing music and throw in some exfoliating bath salts.

Get a pack of Epsom Salts ($4.95) and dissolve some into your bath water. This is a chemical compound known as magnesium sulphate and is most commonly referred to as bath salt. It helps to release muscle aches and stiffness, and to relax your body.

You could also multitask while in the bath by putting on a mask and healing your skin. Try Mediheal D:NA Proatin Mask Sheet ($3.90), which is ideal for strengthening your skin barrier for maximum moisturising and anti-wrinkle effects.

Or get JM Solution H9 Hyaluronic Ampoule Mask ($11.90), with nine kinds of rich hyaluronic acid essence to moisturise dry skin.

Complete your at-home spa day with a salon-style scalp massage to release tension and improve your hair health. With the pads of your fingertips, create a foamy lather with a nourishing shampoo like Guardian Argan Smooth Shampoo ($4.90), which is designed to help all hair types shine with cereal complex, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and Moroccan argan oil. Make sure to apply good pressure to boost blood circulation and release tension.

Editor’s Tip: Taking your relaxing warm bath a couple of hours before bedtime will help you fall asleep faster. Toss in some fresh flowers or essential oils for more soothing scents. And keep your phone in another room while you’re enjoying your soak.

Colour has the ability to lift our mood. One of the easiest ways to add a dash of colour is through your makeup routine.

Think bold lip colours like Revlon’s luscious shades of red ($18.90) and pink ($18.90), Maybelline’s gorgeous red ruby ($14.90), or Candylab’s heartburn ($5) (the only kind you’ll want).

Let your eyes do the talking with vibrant eye shadows from Silkygirl ($12.90), Revlon ($24.90) and Barry M ($29.90). And why not give your eyes an extra oomph with some eye glitter ($9.90)?

Give your nails a pop of colour with Ohora Gel Nail Stickers (from $17.90), which come in a variety of unique shades and designs.

And, of course, you can also inject colour by swapping your staple black or blonde mane with an IG-worthy hair colour like honey ash ($19.90), lavender ash ($19.90), ash rose pink ($18.90) or ash blue ($18.90).

Editor’s Tip: Use a primer before your apply lipstick to make the colour last longer. And blot between swipes of your lip colour.

Don’t rush through your routine. Take your time with application and gently massage your skincare products into your face to boost blood circulation and enhance the absorption of ingredients from the products. Aveeno Daily Moisture Creamy Oil Lotion ($21.90) nourishes your skin without any greasy after effects, and the sweet almond oil keeps your skin moisturised for 24 hours.

If you’re looking for something to make your skin glow while brightening and reducing dark spots and acne marks, L’Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Day Cream ($47.90) is what you need.

It also improves your skin by increasing its protective shield against harmful UV rays. To calm irritated skin, leaving it moist and fresh, try Bring Green Artemisia Calming pH Balance Toner Pad ($25.50).

And, if you suffer from spots, give them some TLC and wave them goodbye with Hiruscar Anti Acne Advance Spot Gel ($23.90).

It will relieve pain and swelling in 24 hours and is effective without drying out your skin. If dark spots are your issue, Vichy Liftactiv B3 Anti-Dark Spots Serum ($79) has anti-pigmentation efficacy against both surface and deep-rooted dark spots, thanks to its formulation of highly-concentrated derm-grade active ingredients.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re using a variety of skincare products at one time, always wait one to two minutes after application of each product before you move on to the next one. This is to ensure that every product you use is absorbed properly into your skin.

You are what you eat. Whether you’re cooking up a nutritious meal or meal prepping for the week, it’s worth the time. Apart from maintaining a well-balanced diet, adding a couple of easy-to-take supplements (based on your needs) could also go a long way in keeping you healthy.

Give your joint health a boost with GreenLife UCII Improved Formula ($69), an one-a-day advanced joint health formula that works with the immune system to support healthy joints.

Brighten your skin with Holistic Way Premium Gold Diamond White Collagen ($148), which supports skin integrity from within.

It also supports your body’s natural response towards UV exposure and provides essential sun protection, which is important when living in a tropical country like Singapore.

Us women need certain foods and supplements to cater to our specific needs and, if you aren’t already doing this, why not start this International Women’s Day?

GO Healthy Cranberry 60000+ ($49.90) soothes and supports the urinary tract and bladder, keeping those pesky UTIs away.

Or look after your urinary tract and your immune system at the same time with Life-Space Urgoen Probiotics for Women with Cranberry ($49.90). It also maintains healthy vaginal flora.

And for a beauty lift, GO Healthy Hair Skin Nails ($29.60) will give you that extra sparkle. The blend of ingredients help improve skin’s appearance – including fine lines – while making your nails thicker (goodbye, chipped nails!) and your hair more shiny.

Editor’s Tip: Always stick to the recommended dosage noted on the bottle/pack when taking supplements. And store them in a safe place too.

Read Next

Tips to achieve Park Shin-hye's bridal glow and makeup

Cult-favourite skincare brand The Ordinary arrives at Sephora Singapore

Best beauty Instagrams of the week: Blackpink in Paris, Rui En’s space buns and more