For me? I shouldn’t have!
( Samantha Redditt / Rowdy Magazine Online Writer )
As Carrie Bradshaw once famously said: “The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you that you love, well, that’s just fabulous”.
Whether you are riding solo or practicing a socially distant celebration with a partner, this year calls for some serious self-care. On Feb. 14th, I challenge you to love yourself using your specific love language.
Author and relationship counselor Dr. Gary Chapman wrote his first book on the concept of love languages in 1992 after noticing how different people express love in about five different ways: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, or physical touch. How we give love and how we desire to receive love tend to fall into one of these categories.
I’m a big believer in how we feel about ourselves on the inside easily reflecting on our outside appearance. Read on to find out how to give yourself some much-needed appreciation featuring some goodies from my latest Target run!
QUALITY TIME
One thing is for sure, we have all spent a lot more time with ourselves over the past year due to the worldwide quarantine. However, how much of that time in isolation was truly high-quality, focused on getting to know yourself better?
If you feel most loved when people go out of their way to spend time with you, I recommend enjoying your own company with:
A Long, Hot Bath
No need to call the Love Doctor, just make a house call to Dr. Teal (well, Dr. Teal’s Bath Salts anyway)! I love the Calm & Serenity Pure Epsom Salt Soak with Rose & Milk ($5) since it helps soften your skin while making you smell like a sensual goddess. Light a scented candle or two and feel at one with your body.
A Nourishing Face Mask
Throw on a face mask, like Pacifica’s Disobey Time Rose & Peptide Facial Mask ($4) or Eye Bright Undereye Vitamin C Spot Serum Mask ($5) to rejuvenate your complexion. While it’s working its magic, be present in the moment and notice your favorite features in the mirror. Appreciate the unique features that make you beautiful!
(Samantha Redditt /Rowdy Magazine Online Writer)
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Positive, uplifting language gives some of us the validation that we are loved, thought of, and cared about. This is also my love language of choice!
There isn’t always someone there to talk us up when we need it most. That’s why learning how to banish negative self-talk to create a mental sanctuary of positivity and kindness to yourself is so important for those fluent in this love language. There’s nothing more lovely to see than a smiling face and self-assured eyes. For my lovers of smooth-talking, I recommend:
Sweet Music
Create a playlist for yourself with your favorite self-love anthems. Use positive lyrics as mantras or affirmations as you sing. Don’t just focus on verses that make you feel confident and sexy, include songs that make you feel understood, accomplished, and strong.
A Good Book
For motivation and confidence that shines from the inside out, I recommend Single on Purpose by John Kim ($17) or You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero ($9).
RECEIVING GIFTS
Getting a few heart-shaped notes or a bouquet of roses is the hallmark of a classic Valentine’s day, but who says you have to wait around for someone else to send you the V-Day goods?
Wine & Chocolates (obviously)
I treated myself to some merci European chocolates ($7) and the new La Marca Prosecco Rosé ($17). Throw a strawberry in the glass if you’re feeling boujee!
If you need an excuse to pop the bubbly, remember that red wines and rosés contain antioxidants from the skin of the grape (specifically resveratrol) which is beneficial for its anti-aging properties. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidant properties, such as flavanols and polyphenols, that help counteract free radicals and inhibit oxidative stress.
o Seeking more of a dry Valentine’s day? Swap out the rosé for a detox mocktail by infusing lemon water with chopped strawberries and mint leaves for a kick of antioxidants that your skin will thank you for!
New PJ’s
Nothing makes me feel more like a girl who’s got her life together than a set of matching pajamas. No hate on the old-t-shirt-and-sweatpants combo, but this super cute Stars Above Satin Pajama Set ($25) is giving me femme sleepover vibes. Plus, the silky eye mask it includes can help prevent creases and surface wrinkling around the eyes and above the brow while you’re sleeping. Talk about a dream come true!
(Samantha Redditt /Rowdy Magazine Online Writer)
ACTS OF SERVICE
Those of you who appreciate acts of service the most will feel truly adored from things as simple as someone doing the dishes for you or helping you run errands.
Doing beneficial things for yourself, such as keeping your environment tidy or going on that jog you’ve been putting off, can liven up your spirits when you’re feeling low.
Chef It Up
Even if it’s a dinner for one, hold off on the UberEats and serve yourself a meal that would give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money. This baked feta pasta meal went viral on TikTok for being easy, affordable, and delicious. Pasta not your thing? Find any recipe that fuels your individual nutritional needs.
Make a New Healthy Habit
Take some time to reflect on your current daily to-do’s and come up with a new daily staple that will have you looking and feeling spectacular. My latest addition to my daily routine is going to be adding Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides ($25) to my morning coffee. I’ve heard that increasing your collagen intake can be a game-changer for healthier skin, hair, and nails.
PHYSICAL TOUCH
It may seem counterintuitive to spend this lovey-dovey holiday feeling starved of human contact (not to be dramatic or anything). Believe me when I say you are not alone in this.
If warm embraces, hold-holding, and massages are the way to your heart, try showing your own skin some devotion!
Get Skintimate
After a gentle exfoliation in the shower, dry yourself off with a clean towel fresh out of the dryer. Then, massage Dr. Teal’s Nourishing Coconut Oil Body Lotion ($5) into your skin and top it off with Pacifica’s Ocean Citrus Body Oil Shimmer ($12). Not only will you smell like a seaside cocktail, your body will be glowing like a #GoldenHour selfie.
Manicure
No nail salon? No problem! Give yourself a new set of claws with an at-home manicure. My go-to is a set of imPRESS Press-On Nails ($8). They’re way faster and less expensive than a trip to the nail spa, they don’t damage your nail beds, and they can last up to a week!
(Samantha Redditt /Rowdy Magazine Online Writer)
Whether you’re single, simping, or sick of this upcoming red-and-pink toned holiday, I’m wishing you lots of love and peace from my side of the screen to yours. Happy Valentine’s Day, from your eternally dedicated online beauty writer. Cheers! 🥂
Samantha Redditt is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. She enjoys long, romantic walks to the nearest coffee shop and roller skating to obscure Spotify playlists. You can reach her on Instagram at @samantharedditt for more information.