January Self-Care Routine

- This is a paid collaboration with Very.co.uk - 

In January, I love to focus more on self-care, creating a relaxing routine and setting time aside to spend it on myself. With the cold weather and the dark evenings, I like to make the most of cosying up indoors by giving myself a pamper and I'm very grateful to have added some new beauty products to my routine that I think you'll also love. 

Just like many other people, a full bath routine is an essential part of my self-care. I personally love to go all out with candles, luxe feeling products and setting the mood with music and a book. I've got some new products to try out around my bath including the Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow Scrub which smells like a spa and feels lavish to use. For my face, I pop on the Elemis Superfood Vital Veggie Mask which is an absolute dream to use as in just 10 minutes my complexion is transformed, feeling much softer and smoother. 

After getting out of the bath, I like to lather on a thick body cream and finish off the rest of my skincare. The Elemis Superfood Facial Oil has made it's way into my regime as it doesn't' feel too heavy on the skin, but helps to replenish my skin after a hot bath. Once all clean, I like to have a fresh pair of pyjamas which have been warmed up on the radiator waiting for me. V by Very have a lot to offer, but I chose the Star All Over Joggers as they're super snuggly and great for cuddling up with a cup of tea. 

One of the items I've added to my daily routine is the Centred Tender Love and Hair Suppliments which I have been trying out to assist the growth of my hair and the condition of my skin especially in the Winter when I struggle the most. These supplements also promise to help boost energy levels, which I'm all for in these colder, dreary months. 

Something a little different that I'm trying out to elevate my self-care routine even more is an Ellia Blosso Fragrance Diffuser which helps to create a relaxing environment not only with mist and aroma, but also with a soft light. I particularly enjoy using this in the evening when I'm settling down with a cup of a tea and a good book. 

What are your favourite ways to relax in January? 

Winter Dark Academia Outfits

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -

Dark academia is an aesthetic that is highly popular in the Winter months due to it's earth tones and cosy feels. With literary influences, you can see why the dark academia style can be romanticised and used to brighten up dull Winter days. If you're looking for inspiration or you're struggling to know where to start when exploring this new aesthetic, then I hope you this post helps you out. 

Oversized Collars 

Ruffle blouses and shirts with oversized collars are featured heavily in this aesthetic especially when tucked into a pair of plaid trousers or worn underneath an argyle sweater vest. Although they're not for everyone, I love how they add a dramatic effect to an outfit and I've actually grown to feel rather comfortable in them. 

Plaid Patterns 

If there's one element of dark academia that I love the mosts, it's the plaid and checkered patterns that prove quite popular with the aesthetic. I wear these patterns throughout Autumn and Winter as they're a great way to jazz up an outfit. You can experiment with dresses and lace up boots, opt for a jumper tucked into a skirt or just simply wear a classic pair of checkered trousers with your favourite tee. 

 

Brown Tones 

The brown tones of the dark academia style seriously reminds me of Autumn which I think is the reason why I love it so much. Different shades of browns, beiges and even burgundy hues can be used to compliment each other. A Beige Trench Coat seems like one of the biggest essentials as it can be worn with trousers, skirt or dresses and feels like a well put together outfit!

 

Accessories 

When you think of dark academia accessories, your mind probably wanders to hardback books, candlestick holders and faux glasses, but they can be easy to wear also if you pick out the right accessory. Leather Satchels with gold details always looks good with any outfit and for your hair, you can simply wrap a singular piece of ribbon in your hair or go all out with an Oversized Velvet Bow.