Dictionary.com describes wellness as “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal” and it’s easy to think that wellness = good health = daily sessions at the gym doing F45 (sorry folks, it’s actually a workout and not a skincare product). But, for those who can’t commit to the giant umbrella of what “celebrity lifestyle gurus” perpetuate as the ultimate wellness routine , it’s all about adding micro-steps to your daily routine.
On today’s My Top 10, we’ve consulted Alli Sim – founder of artisanal aromatherapy, Mmerci Encore (@mmerciencore) on the 10 different but simple ways to show yourself some love and surprisingly, it doesn’t take much time or money. But if you’re willing to shell out on the latter, her aromatherapy blends only cost $37; a small price to pay for an olfactory escape.
READ MORE: BEST BEAUTY BUYS WORTH EVERY CENT.
Alli: Sometimes the most productive way to get rid of those swirling thoughts is to put pen to paper and let your stream of consciousness flow. I find that asking yourself questions and responding on paper is a good way to get a bit of clarity in what you’re feeling or planning.
Editor’s Tip: It’s easy to get caught up when you’re bullet journaling because you might see the need to write down everything that’s happening in your life (what you ate, how productive you were today or the status of Chris Hemsworth’s abs). Keep things to a bare minimum: Use just one pen for consistency and keep things flexible.
Hermès Ulysse notebook (price unavailable).
READ MORE: 2 CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTISTS SHOW HOW TO CREATE EFFORTLESS FRENCH LOOKS
Alli: Stress, travel, fatigue, and too much salt can really get you down. If you’re needing a bit of self-care, you can’t beat these rose quartz facial massagers. They’re cold to the touch and have the right heft – meaning they’re great for gentle facial acupressure to help drain, de-puff and sculpt the face. Just apply your cleansing balm, serum or mask and work them upwards and outwards in circular motions on the face.
Editor’s Tip: Everybody has their preferred method of massaging their face but if you’re a newbie, these are the two steps: 1) Split your face in half using your nose as a divider and 2) Roll from the centre, out and downwards to encourage lympathic flow.
Rose quartz facial massagers, $73 (sold as a pair), Mmerci Encore.
READ MORE: BEST BEAUTY BUYS WORTH EVERY CENT.
Alli: Nothing like a grounding cup of Anastasia Earl Grey or Detox tea from Kusmi. The quality of the blends are great and each tea is so fragrant and flavourful. If I had to pick one easy ritual that could help create a mindful moment, sipping on a cup of tea would be it.
Editor’s Tip: If you’re an avid plant grower, used tea leaves makes for great compost because they’re a good source of nitrogen.
Anastasia Earl Grey, $35, Kusmi.
READ MORE: 2 CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTISTS SHOW HOW TO CREATE EFFORTLESS FRENCH LOOKS
Alli: Clé de Peau Beauté’s Cream Blush? Lifechanging. It imparts a gorgeous flush of colour to the face, instantly giving you radiance. It’s great for fresh-faced weekends or days where you’re just off a plane and want to look as fresh and alive as possible. Plus, it really lasts the day, even in our humid climate.
Editor’s Tip: The easiest way to fake cheekbones? Apply blusher along the cheekbones and sweep up to the temples.
Clé de Peau Beauté’s Cream Blush, $65, Tangs.
READ MORE: BEST BEAUTY BUYS WORTH EVERY CENT.
Alli: One whiff of this delicious organic geranium-packed essential oil blend and I’m instantly uplifted, revived, present, and raring to go. I formulated it for myself when I was feeling particularly blah, and it really does help you to find the silver lining and confront any situation with joy.
Editor’s Tip: If you’re having trouble sleeping, try applying two to three drops of essential oil on the soles of your feet and massaging it in. The soles of your feet don’t contain sebaceous glands and hence, absorbs it more readily.
Rise aromatherapy blend, $37 for 10ml, Mmerci Encore.
READ MORE: 2 CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTISTS SHOW HOW TO CREATE EFFORTLESS FRENCH LOOKS
Alli: Let’s just be real here, you didn’t think I was going to forget chocolate did you? Researchers at Harvard found in a 2017 study that the flavanols (found in dark chocolate and cocoa) may just counteract cognitive decline. And for someone who needs their hit of antioxidants and er, calcium… who can argue with that?
Bryan: The percentage in the chocolate you’re eating doesn’t mean it’s made up of that amount of cocoa. If your chocolate is 70 per cent, it could mean it’s made out of 50 per cent chocolate liquor and 20 per cent cocoa butter or a 60/10 ratio. What does this mean? You now have an excuse to experiment for your favourite brand.
Sea Salt 70 per centDark Chocolate, $10, Fossa.
READ MORE: BEST BEAUTY BUYS WORTH EVERY CENT.
Alli: I’ve realised over the years that fitness isn’t exclusively about a certain weight or shape. I want to be strong and healthy enough to really live life. Being active was something that I used to put off until I reframed exercise and told myself those 60 minutes on the mat or treadmill was the way to show up for myself.
Editor’s Tip: You don’t have to commit an hour every day to stretch. Instead, try stretching as and when you can: Your neck when you’re seated or your calves when you’re standing on an escalator.
Pace Rival Crop, Lululemon Takashimaya.
READ MORE: 2 CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTISTS SHOW HOW TO CREATE EFFORTLESS FRENCH LOOKS
Alli: You can’t accomplish very much if you’re running on empty. It seems counter-intuitive, but a good rest even at your busiest – be it in the form of a brief siesta or some serious shut eye really does help recharge and de-stress you.
Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have time to send your silk pajamas to a drycleaner, use this tip: Spritz your pieces with two parts water and one part vodka to deodorize your garments. And no need to fret, vodka dries to have no lingering odour.
Emma silk jacket, $295, and Manon silk trouser, $225, Maison Zhou.
READ MORE: BEST BEAUTY BUYS WORTH EVERY CENT.
Alli: Sometimes there’s nothing more liberating (and perhaps romantic) than packing a bag, booking a flight, and getting a fresh change of scenery – on impulse. Solo travel in particular offers you a chance to discover new things about yourself, regroup, and find fresh inspiration in all that’s around you.
Editor’s Tip: This is probably a no-brainer but Daiso is the go-to place for travel essentials. Our favourite? A ‘Pack It’ wire mesh case that fits up to 12 tops and three bottoms when rolled and stacked neatly inside.
READ MORE: 2 CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTISTS SHOW HOW TO CREATE EFFORTLESS FRENCH LOOKS
Alli: There’s something powerful about the human touch and the energy that’s transferred with it. I love sinking into the massage beds at the Ritz Carlton for their Hot Lapis Stone massage. If you’re a crystal lover like me, you’ll know that lapis lazuli helps to release stress and welcome peace. The treatment is so therapeutic and when combined with heat, really helps to relax tired and sore muscles.
Editor’s Tip: It’s normal to feel dehydrated after a massage because “science of the human body”. Ok we kid, your body’s tissues gets compressed by your masseuse during a massage and this results in increased fluids flowing through your kidneys so make sure to drink a lot of water for re-hydration after.
Hot Lapis Stone massage, $200 for 60 minutes before tax, Ritz Carlton.
READ MORE: BEST BEAUTY BUYS WORTH EVERY CENT.