When We're Busy AF, These "Slow Living" Beauty Routines Help Us Find Our Chill

I'm experiencing my first East Coast winter, and I can't begin to describe just how much my skin has changed since the temperatures dropped at the end of November. To help lock hydration into my skin barrier, I've been using this moisturizing mist (rich in minerals, potassium, and moisturizing polysaccharides) nonstop. The face mist is antioxidant-rich and uses 100% grape water for intense hydration while also soothing and supporting the skin barrier.

Another way I'm leaning into my "slow living," era is by incorporating luxe body care into my routine. Aesop's Reverence Duet combines the brand's skin-softening hand wash and hand balm fragranced with warm, woody aromatics. I love how the hand wash uses lactic acid and finely milled pumice to provide mild exfoliation, while the hand lotion offers generous hydration to the skin (I focus the latter around my cuticles).

Okay, I'll admit it—I haven't taken advantage of this stone diffuser nearly as much as I should have. Now that I'm investing more in self-care, I've been using this Vitruvi must-have every evening to help me wind down after my days dashing around New York City. Equipped with 4-hour and 8-hour run time, the stone diffuser fills the apartment with all-natural scents without harmful ingredients or toxins.

Dedicating ample time to supporting the health of my nails isn't always at the top of my list, but Tenoverten's The Rehab base coat for damaged nails makes taking care of my nails in-between professional manicures easier. This is an intensive-care nail primer that's formulated to lock in moisture, boost hydration, and enhance the overall health of my nails with a blend of fortifying horsetail extract to promote strength.

Unfortunately, I don't frequently experience the luxury of falling asleep the second my head hits the pillow. Since incorporating the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, however, I've been falling asleep in under ten minutes. The spray is infused with essential oils like lavender, vetivert, and wild chamomile to help me fall asleep and stay asleep. It's basically a magic potion for good sleep in a spray bottle!

"Admittedly, I've only been using this product for a few days, but I know it's going to become a staple in my 'slow-living' routine. It supports muscle recovery and relaxation thanks to concentrated magnesium. It also contains valerian and arnica to boost the effects. I apply it to my shoulders and neck—or anywhere I'm tense—to help me relax." — Kaitlyn McLintock, Beauty Editor

"I'm someone who burns a candle pretty much every night. There's just nothing else that sets a cozy ambiance and makes my home smell better than a high-quality candle. Lately, I've been burning Maison Margiela's By the Fireplace candle. Yes, it's an investment, but it lasts forever (over 40 hours!) and makes me feel like I'm sitting in front of a roaring fire (even though I sadly don't have a fireplace at all)." — McLintock

"I'm a big believer in LED therapy for skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration. I've tried so many LED face masks, but this one is my favorite. It has 236 LED bulbs that emit three clinically recognized wavelengths of light to boost collagen. Plus, it has a liquid silicone design that *actually* fits my face for even coverage and highest efficacy." — McLintock

"I can't chill out until I wash the day away. When it's time to wind down, my first order of business is to shower and use my fave body wash—Saltair's Salt Water Vanilla. It has notes of vanilla, creamy sandalwood, and sea salt, so it makes my shower feel like a luxe, spa-like experience. Plus, thanks to its multi-algae complex, it cleanses my skin without stripping it of moisture. It's like a little reset every time I use it." — McLintock

"I live in the midwest where it's incredibly cold and snowy this time of year. Between the months of November and March, you won't catch me without these soft, fluffy socks. They're not that expensive, but they feel so luxe, and most importantly, keep my feet warm." — McLintock

"This supplement powder contains three essential forms of magnesium, plus L-theanine to promote calm and ensure higher-quality sleep. Whenever I'm working on a sleep deficit or I've been extra stressed, I mix a teaspoon of it into a glass of water and drink it before bed. The blue lemon flavor is incredible." — McLintock

"In 2025, I'm really trying to commit to a consistent morning skincare routine. I've gotten into a bad habit of rushing (or even skipping, don't judge!) certain morning skincare steps that I know will make me feel more refreshed and put together. Using my NuFACE device quite literally only takes two minutes, and I know I'll see results if I use it daily." — Emma Hughes, Associate Social Media Editor

"I must sound like a *terrible* social beauty editor, but I'm still not on the dry brush train. It's just one of those wellness steps that I still haven't gotten into the habit of doing, but I know how incredible it is for exfoliating dry skin and boosting circulation. Before every shower, I'm taking 2-3 minutes to dry brush from head to toe—no excuses." — Hughes

"After years of bleaching and heat styling, my high-porosity hair could definitely use some attention. From now on, I'll be applying this pre-wash rosemary oil as well as a nourishing hair mask to my strands at least once a week, but ideally for 2-3 hours on wash days." — Hughes

"Movement is a core aspect of my self care and slow living routine. Whether I’m doing a gentle yoga flow or spicy Pilates circuit, my time on the mat is an uninterrupted moment to focus on myself. The Alo mat is the best one I’ve tried and is worth every single penny. It’s sleek, grippy, and provides just the right amount of cushion." — Emma Walsh, Beauty Editor, Branded Content

"You can’t get any more "slow living" than this trio, featuring a silk pillowcase and equally-as-silky moisturizer and retinal serum." — Walsh

"Exfoliation is one of my favorite acts of self care, and the only product I’ve been reaching for over the past few months is this buffing bar. Founder Rebecca Zhou describes it as a magic eraser, and she's not lying! It exfoliates my skin and doesn’t leave my shower slippery or messy like sugar scrubs can. I don’t see myself ever using another exfoliation method again." — Walsh

"For me, every self care night begins with lighting this candle. I love the positive affirmation and the calming lavender and sandalwood scent." — Walsh

"I don’t always have time to prepare a coffee or matcha alongside my breakfast, so I just add it! I’ve been living for these Everyday Dose powders. Not only do they give me the yummy taste and energy buzz of a coffee or matcha, but they have glow-boosting collagen and adaptogenic mushrooms, too. And when I add a spoonful of one of these to my morning smoothie, it gives it this decadent whipped texture that’s to die for." — Walsh

"I love mixing a scoop of this magnesium powder with this collagen powder for a sweet, soothing nightcap. The three bioavailable types of magnesium help me relax my mind and body before bed." — Walsh