Here’s What Happened When I Followed a Luxe Step-by-Step Beauty Routine

As I've mentioned in the past, I've gotten very into my twice-daily skincare and beauty routine ever since lockdown, and my skin (and mental health) have been all the better for it.

I've been experimenting with products that I wouldn't have bothered with before, and discovered the restful bliss that can come from indulging in extravagant at-home spa experiences. So when the team behind a number of my favorite beauty and bath brands reached out to me about trying a massive multi-step spa routine, I jumped at the opportunity to give it a whirl. Here's everything they sent me—and what I honestly thought of each step.

Step One: Country Bathhouse – Tranquility Bath Bomb: $6

I've been a huge fan of Country Bathhouse and their deliciously scented, aromatherapeutic products for a long time, so I knew I was in for a treat with this Tranquility-fragranced bath bomb. I filled up the bath, dropped in this big old bomb, and watched as the water filled with delicate baby blue fizz and the relaxing scent of eucalyptus, spearmint, lavender and sage drifted up into my nostrils. The fragrance was the perfect complement to a hot, soothing bath, making me very excited for the next steps.

(via Country Bathhouse)

 

Step Two: Eczema Honey – Brown Sugar Face & Body Scrub: $19.95

While Eczema Honey has a bit of an unusual name, their products are excellent, made with ultra-hydrating yet gentle and soothing formulas. Even if you don't have eczema, they can do wonders for your skin. This face scrub in particular is made with brown sugar, so it smelled extra delicious as I smoothed it across my face. Once I scrubbed it in and rinsed it off, my skin was left looking shiny and soft. While many face scrubs leave my skin feeling extra sensitive and prone to breakouts, I had no issues with this one, and it's since become one of my go-to favorites.

(via Eczema Honey)

 

Step Three: Pure Daily Care – NanoSteamer: $49.95

The NanoSteamer is a unique facial steamer and humidifier that heats water while using an ultrasonic vaporizer to generate negatively charged nano-ionic steam. According to their website, these particles are a whopping 10 times more effective in penetrating the skin. While that's all jargon to me, what I do know is that getting up close and personal with this steamer made my skin feel even smoother and softer than it had after my face scrub. This steamer also doubles as a humidifier and has a compartment for warming hand and face towels. Plus, it came with a five-piece stainless steel blackhead and blemish extractor kit. I haven't had to use that just yet, but the next time I have a breakout, I'll know exactly where to turn!

(via Pure Daily Care)

 

Step Four: Formula 10.0.6 – Draw It All Out Skin-Detoxing Peel Mask: $6.99

I'll have to admit that this was my first charcoal mask, so I was a bit intimidated at first. I've seen many videos of people applying a charcoal mask, only to have it stick strongly to their skin, making its removal a painful process. I readied myself as I applied a thin layer of this charcoal-black, but delightfully fruity-smelling mask, on my face (avoiding my eyes) and waited 15 minutes for it to dry. When the time came to peel it off, I started at the neck and found that it peeled off easily and with no pain whatsoever. Most of it came off without much effort, with just a bit of residue at the edges requiring me to wash them off, and though I didn't see it pull out tons of blackheads and imperfections, my skin was flawless afterward.

(via Formula 10.0.6)

 

Step Five: Estate Cosmetics – Lash Goals Bundle:  $60

As someone who only puts on makeup (including mascara) on very special occasions, I was a bit reluctant to try on these long, luxurious false lashes from Estate Cosmetics, but eager to dedicate myself to the full experience, I jumped in head-first. I did run into a bit of a challenge here, as I'm a newbie when it comes to falsies, and they didn't come with any instructions, and the set didn't come with any eyelash glue. Still, in the end, I figured it out, and the handmade synthetic lashes were so long and dense I barely recognized myself. While they're not really for me, I know others will absolutely fall in love. Plus, each set is wearable for up to 20 uses, so when nights on the town return, you'll be fully prepared for them.

(via Estate Cosmetics)

 

Step Six: The Nailest – Gift Box Combo B Instant Luxury Acrylic Press on Nails: $135

Last but not least, it was time to finish off the experience with acrylic nails from The Nailest. I'm also new to acrylics and haven't painted my nails in over a year, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I picked out a set of nails that looked relatively short inside of its box, sorted through the included acrylics to pick out the ones that would best fit each of my 10 fingers, buffed my clean nails and then got to applying using the included bottle of glue. Application was simple enough, even if I quickly discovered that a set of nails that looked not-too-long in the box were like dramatic claws on my fingers. By the time the process was done, I had a very dramatic set of nails—and a lot of difficulty using my phone. After everything, they were a fun way to end my spa night.

They also stayed on without a hitch for most of the weekend, until I took a long, soapy bubble bath to soak the nails on Sunday, allowing them to come off in a snap. Yeah, the adhesive messed up my nails a little coming off, but that's the price you pay for acrylics that stick.

(via The Nailest)

 

Love to have a relaxing soak in the tub? Click HERE for our favorite luxurious bath products from spring 2021.