Seeing the phrase “self-care” probably generates an eye roll from most people because it’s been used as a buzz phrase ad nauseam, but truth be told, it’s the easiest way to say you’re making some time for yourself (mind, body, and soul). I, personally, use the phrase when I’m taking some dedicated time to pamper myself, so even though the phrase itself can be a little annoying, the actions behind it are still very much needed. For many years, my Saturday morning routine was to wash + deep condition my hair, give myself a mani/pedi, and then do my grooming maintenance, which includes a facial mask, peel, and deep body exfoliating (typically with a scrub AND exfoliating gloves because there is nothing more magical than revealing baby soft skin (after the redness subsides, haha) and then making people touch my arm or leg because it’s so soft and smooth. I haven’t been able to get back into that full routine (which would also then include a trip to Target once I was done), but because I know how important it is to make time to take care of my skin, I just try to fit things in where I can.
I love a good polishing sugar scrub because you just feel the dead skin sloughing off, but I’ve never been opposed to trying products that aren’t as “harsh” if it can still get me the same, if not similar results. As you guys know, I’ve been working with European Wax Center for a few months, so in addition to telling you about their services (I’m still stuck on just getting my brows done because I am just too terrified to get a bikini wax, lol), I figured I’d also test and review the products that they carry that I find interesting as well. Right now, I’m testing out their Reveal Me Body Exfoliating Gel and Face Mask from the Strut Smoothly Collection.
Both are non-abrasive exfoliating gels that are designed to prevent ingrown hairs by helping keep hair follicles clear after waxing. They contain naturally derived fruit extracts from pineapple and papaya to eliminate dry, dull skin and are safe enough to use 2-3 times a week (the body gel can be used daily). The consistency is the same for both (like a lightweight sticky gel), and the way that they exfoliate is very similar to that of when you’d put rubber glue on your hands in elementary school, let it dry and then rub it off. The scent is light, if not slightly medicinal, but it shouldn’t irritate your skin.
The key is to apply it dry skin-if there is any type of moisture on your skin it will not activate properly. As you rub it off, you can see the dead skin balling up (doesn’t hurt at all): once you rinse it off your skin is brighter, hydrated , plumper and super soft. The thing that I like about both is that you don’t have to sit and wait for the product to activate. If you have 10-12 minutes to spare (you leave the mask on for 3 minutes, the rest for however long much you want to use on your body), you can easily do a mini pamper session before going out, or just going to bed. Would I completely give up my sugar scrubs? No, because I love the way they feel like a good scratching), but I will keep these in weekly rotation, though!
The Reveal Me Body Exfoliating Gel is $39.50 and the Reveal Me Face Exfoliating Mask is $21.50, however if you are in Memphis, you can use my code KPFUSION20 for 20% off a product (or service) at any of the 3 European Wax Center locations. If you try them out, let me know what you think!
Have you tried any of the products from EWC?
*this post is sponsored, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.