Self-Care with Skin Academy* | Lucyy Writes

Despite being MIA from posting on Lucyy Writes, there have been numerous habits over the last year, that I've made sure to add to my daily and weekly routines to overcome my personal struggles. I've learnt how important it is to take of yourself first, before anyone else. Without this, you're no good to anyone, I'm no expert yet, I'd still do all that I can for anyone, but I'm gradually learning to say NO alongside ensuring I have plenty of ME time.

One habit I've made sure to increase in this time would be the amount of pampering. I love nothing more than to wipe away all my makeup at the end of the day, carry the majority of Boots or Superdrug into the bathroom, usually with a clatter or....three and create my own at home spa. On the days where I'm pushed for time, I always turn to easy, products such as Sheet Masks. I've tried numerous brands, from all budgets with a vast stash stored away in my beauty drawers with every type of mask you can imagine - eye mask, face mask, lip mask, hand, feet, nose strips and even hair - I'm yet to jump onto the Booty and Boob sheet masks that are taking to our store shelves.

Needless to say when Skin Academy surprised me with a large box of goodies last week, I was over the moon to take time out to throw my latest pamper session. Inside the large white box sat a selection of their time saving beauty products - featuring Facial Sheet Masks, Under-Eye masks, Hand and Feet treatments, alongside a liquid, mud face mask.

Lets start with the Under-Eye masks, I tend to use products like this multiple times a week. Using computers each day at work I find my eyes take a battering. They're also a godsend when it comes to spring-summer, when Hay-fever kicks in. If you have trouble sleeping, it's worth stocking up a few sets of these to get you through a bad week. Skin Academy were kind enough to send across a pack of their Gel Eye Patches, featuring Collagen. These patches have been specially formulated to rejuvenate and revitalise the delicate area of skin by reducing dark circles from tiredness and any puffiness we may be experiencing. Collagen helps by improving skins elasticity, fine lines and signs of ageing. With a whopping four sets in each pack, eye patches are an easy treatment to add to your skincare regime whether you've had a busy working week OR travelling. For the ultimate treatment experience I'd recommend popping them into the fridge, to really battle and reduce any puffiness you may be experiencing.

I also received one of the Skin Academy 'Indulge' Sheet Masks, in Hydrating. When it comes to a facial treatment I tend to always turn to Sheet Masks, due to them being quick to use and mess free. Gone are the days of scrubbing off hard, Lush Clay based face masks with my Mum horrified with the state of the bathroom afterwards. Sheet Masks are usually paper or fabric based, infused with facial oils to provide various benefits. The Indulge range from Skin Academy differ from regular sheet masks, with the additional serum being separate to the mask itself. Prior to applying to your face, you need to squeeze the serum into the section of packaging that encases the mask - simply detach and pour into the mask section, then massage in, to ensure the mask has absorbed the goodness. The hydrating mask has been designed to leave skin feeling soft, supple and refreshed by using ingredients such as; Shea Butter and Coconut Oil.

Despite being an avid Sheet Mask convert I still do use the occasional Mud or Clay mask when I have the additional time. I was really pleased to receive the anti-pollution mud mask. The mud mask has been designed for a quick 10 minute treatment, to leave skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Enriched with multiple active ingredients, to protect our delicate skin from pollution, Raspberry, Blackberry and Vitamin E have anti-oxidant properties to leave skin conditioned and cleansed....and most importantly was easy to remove - with no mess for me to clean up after.

Lastly included in my pamper box were both the Skin Academy Exfoliating Foot Socks and Moisturising Hand Gloves. I was always a little hesitant to these sort of products and it was Mamma-Writes that introduced me into various brands. Foot Masks are actually a brilliant invention and one that is easy to incorporate into your pamper routines. After a long day OR you've a holiday planned, with your feet needing a little TLC - foot masks/socks are perfect for popping on and unwinding by watching a box set on Netflix. Each treatment is designed to be left on for 40-45 minutes, before being removed and a moisturiser popped on for optimum hydration. I received the Tea Tree and Peppermint Foot Socks, which remove dead skin by exfoliating feet, to reveal soft, smooth skin underneath. Long gone are tired feet, you'll be ready for Summer in no time. 

Hand Masks are a product I want to use more so in 2020, I have always suffered with dry hands but team with Dog Walks on frosty winter mornings and having to use a lot of hand-gels at work, my hands are often left feeling dry or sore. Skin Academy's Hand Gloves are enriched with Rose Flower Oil and Pomegranate to nourish and moisture intensively. Simply pop on that Netflix Box Set you've been meaning to start, ignore the door and leave on for a good 20 minutes.

What self-care habits are you introducing in 2020? You can find Skin Academy products online at Feel Unique OR by popping into your local Beauty Outlet. Lucy x

Disclaimer: All products featured have been sent for review purposes.