It can be exhausting going back out into the world - with everything open up again after a year of being indoors, our self-care can take a backpedal.
The whizz of going out doesn't have to take over, and self-care should be part of your everyday routine. Luckily with all the products out there, it can be easy to find things that will make you feel good.
What is self-care?
Self-care is really important for your mental health to stay positive, keep motivated and avoid burnout.
It's no doubt that self-care is different for whoever you are. Some people might see self-care as taking a second out to pamper with skincare and haircare, others may see it as a chance to really get stuck into their hobbies like gardening or cooking.
Whoever you are, self-care is a chance to do what you really want to do for a second. Take a moment to stop any work or other priorities and focus your whole mind and body on one project - all for you.
How do I self-care?
You might be here asking yourself: what's the best self-care routine for me? It's great to test and trial things that work for you, especially if you aren't too sure.
Here are some ideas of the things you can include in your self-care routine:
• Hobbies: gardening, crafts, DIY, games, baking
• Creativity: painting, journaling, scrapbooking
• Exercise: running, gym, walking, team sports
• Beauty: skin care, hair care, supplements
• Mindfulness: meditation, yoga, affirmations
Remember, these are just some ideas and you don't have to tie yourself down to anything. One week you can focus on creativity and the next you can focus on exercise - it depends on what you want for yourself!
We've split it up for you so you can find the best easy-to-use and efficient products that can assist you with your self-care. Whether you're looking for women's self-care or men's self-care, here are our highlights.
The best women's self-care products:
The best self-care product to start with: The Complete Guide to Self Care: Best Practices for a Happier and Healthier You
The best hair self-care product: The Essentials Set - Watermans Grow Me Shampoo and Condition Me Conditioner
The best skincare self-care product: FOREO UFO2 Smart Mask
The best self-care beauty box: Glossybox x Yours Limited Edition
The best self-care product for journaling: The Wellbeing Journal: Creative Activities to Inspire
The best self-care product for gardening: Jardineer Garden Tool Set with 8 pieces
We’ve also selected the best men’s self-care products:
The best men’s self-care skincare product: Brickell Men's Daily Advanced Face Care Routine
The best self-care book for men: Notes On A Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
The best self-care subscription box for men: Three Month Curry Subscription by THE SPICERY
See our full breakdown of these self-care products below.
Our top picks of the best women's self-care products
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
Best self-care product to start with
AmazonDon't know where to begin with self-care? This is the perfect bookto start your self-care journey with. This Complete Guide includes 100 activities to get you in touch with your body, mind and spirit.
This book lays out all of the possible self-care avenues you could go down - from yoga to dancing, it shows you examples and how to do them. Perfect for someone seeking some guidance or a gift for someone who may be into mindfulness.
How to use it: Read the book and pick out some activities you'd like to try, follow the guide and finish activities as you go through.
Review: "The PERFECT book for right now at an incredible value. It has given me the tools needed to take this time for healing. It is gorgeous on my coffee table! I bought one for my Mum and recommend it as a gift for anyone who is constantly putting everyone before themselves. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like she truly cares about helping you fill your cup. This book is a warm hug from a friend."
Best hair self-care product
watermanshair.co.ukwww.watermanshair.com
Formulated with premium natural ingredients, this set of shampoo and conditioner helps to moisturise hair, prevent breakages and smooth down cuticles. Perfect for a shopper looking to thicken and strengthen their hair.
Watermans focuses on hair-growth products and is based locally in Yorkshire. After suffering hair loss, this was their solution: an everyday set that focuses on growth and has a beneficial formula. They also have elixirs and a hair set focused on afro & curly hair. What better way to give yourself some self-care than with a hair treatment?
How to use it: Simply incorporate into your everyday hair cleaning routine - or use it as a luxurious pamper.
Review: "After a prolonged illness my hair was starting to fall out. I bought Grow me Shampoo and Condition Me Conditioner and found after a couple of weeks my hair was in much better condition. I use the shampoo all the time now together with the serum. I am loving the results."
Best skincare self-care product
foreo.comwww.foreo.com
This sonic powered smart mask from FOREO is like a little spa you can use at home. All you need to do is grab the device, attach a face mask sheet, switch it on and off you go.
Using the UFO's Hyper-Infusion Technology with warmth and cooling power, LEDs and T-sonic pulsations, this UFO Smart Mask has optimized treatment routines that are perfect for all skin types. You can even use the app to control which treatment you want.
You'll have to buy the masks to put in the device too - we recommend the Manuka Honey mask and the Make My Day mask to start with. It's not the cheapest self-care product but it is luxurious and perfect for those looking to splash out on their self-care.
If this isn't in your price range, you can grab the UFO mini 2, or LUNA collection for a slightly cheaper alternative.
How to use it: Simply pop in a face mask, press the button and glide around your face for an ultimate spa treatment. You can also download the FOREO app to control your face mask experience.
Tried and tested by Commercial Content Writer, Caitlin Casey:
"This FOREO device is an absolute game-changer for face masks and self-care treatment - every time I have a hard day I just want to run to my UFO 2 to chill me out. Sometimes with face masks, I feel like they're a bit of a task to do but with the FOREO device, it feels like real luxury so I'm always looking forward to it.
"Not just for this but the masks are also really well made and smell fantastic. I was able to try out the Coconut Oil masks and the 'Make My Day' masks, both of which had a moisturising but energizing feel. You have to try the different settings and find out which one is for you - mine is the 'Call it a Night' treatment after a bath."
Best self-care beauty box
GLOSSYBOXwww.glossybox.co.uk
We couldn't make a self-care list without recommending our own Yours x GLOSSYBOX Beauty Treats Limited Edition box. Filled with a variety of luxurious beauty items, this is perfect to give your skin some relief.
Including top picks from ESPA, Avant and Illamasqua worth over £175, this is a steal with everything you could possibly want. We love GLOSSYBOX and you can even subscribe to their monthly plan so that you're treated every month - making self-care easy.
How to use it: Use the skincare, hair care and makeup goodies included as often as you like.
What our Beauty Editor, Michelle Nightingale had to say:
"I’m so excited that Yours magazine has teamed with Glossybox to bring you a box brimming with beauty goodies. You’ll find some amazing products carefully chosen just for you, plus two extra treats included for good measure. We really hope you love it as much as we do!"
Best self-care product for journaling
AmazonIf you're a writer or want to let your feelings out with some writing and drawing, this wellbeing journal in partnership with mental health charity Mind is perfect to let your creative juices flow.
The bright colours and illustrations make a really beautiful book and you can draw all over it as you wish, letting your inner child out! With reflective activities as well as drawing prompts and quotes, you can put yourself at the centre of this journal.
How to use it: Grab some colouring pencils, pens or whatever you have laying around and get creative.
Review: "This journal is BRILLIANT. It allows you to take some time out and make space for your thoughts and creativity. I like to enjoy my journal on evenings after work, with my surroundings in chill/zen mode (candles lit, house clean, soft music on). The art in this journal is delicate and beautiful and the fact it supports a good cause is a bonus. Highly recommend!"
Best self-care product for gardening
AmazonSometimes the best medicine is going outside and getting a breath of fresh air. With summer coming up, what better way to get outside than to treat yourself with gardening?
It's proven that gardening is good for the soul and we recommend this gardening set with everything you could possibly want - including a heavy-duty bag to keep everything organised!
With eight tools, this is a great set to give your hobbies a self-care update, whether you're an avid gardener with green fingers or a beginner looking for a new way to keep occupied.
How to use it: Get stuck in and use this all around your garden
Review: "Lovely large bag plus good-sized pockets for the tools. Quality finish. Plenty of room for gloves and other useful items inside the large middle compartment."
Our top picks of the best men's self-care products
Are you looking for the best men's self-care products on the market? For a partner, friend, or yourself? Look no further as we have the best self-care things for men to keep them feeling inspired.
Best mens self-care skincare product
Men need a great skincare set too and this is our pick - an easy, set of three with a moisturiser, face scrub and face wash. What more could you want?
Made by Brickell, this kit focuses on cleansing the face of oils and impurities, to have you feeling more hydrated and moisturised. Easy-to-use, this is perfect for any man looking to focus more on their self-care through skincare.
How to use it: Use daily before bed or when you wake up for ultimate moisturising effects.
Review: "I have been using these products for some time now, and repurchased as I love them so much. I initially used them as a 'treat' once or twice a week, but they had such a great effect that I use them daily now and the results are tangible. I get lots of great comments on my complexion. The products are expensive but if you can afford them you won't be disappointed. Also, they go a lot further than you think, the bottles last me a long time."
Best self-care book for men
AmazonMatt Haig is a bestselling author known for both his fiction and non-fiction books being honest about mental health. This non-fiction Notes On A Nervous Planet focuses on the anxiety of society today and how we live.
It's an honest look into our everyday anxieties and a great choice for anyone who enjoys reading about modern life. We also recommend his memoir Reasons to Stay Alive, or if you're looking for something more lighthearted, read his fiction book The Midnight Library.
How to use it: Read through chapter by chapter to find out how to be calmer and happier
Review: "I found Matt's previous book, Reasons to Stay Alive, such an invaluable resource - I truly believe it should be given free on the NHS. Now, he's doing the same for anxiety - a brilliant book for dipping in and out of, always something useful to read. No nonsense common sense with a good side order of good humour."
Best self care subscription box for men
notonthehighstreetwww.notonthehighstreet.com
This Three Month Curry Subscription box by THE SPICERY is perfect for any curry lover to treat themselves, and even better, you'll be stocked for three months with this subscription.
Food is a great way to treat yourself because eating is good for the soul. If curry isn't your thing, you can also grab a three-month pancake subscription by The Little Pancake Company or Coffee Club subscription by Coffee Factory Ltd.
How to use it: Send it to yourself, redeem your voucher and create your delicious food each month.
**Review: "**High quality, the item looked and felt like a good quality item. Receiver very happy with it so no complaints and would recommend based on service and quality."
What are the best self-care quotes?
We love using self-care quotes to keep ourselves motivated and inspired. You can even write your own affirmations to tailor to your own needs.
Here's some of our favourites across social media at the moment.