Sponsored post - All opinions are my own.
With shorter daylight hours come October, one of my top priorities for the change in weather is to order my Vitamin D supplements online. It's something I've stuck to ever since I experienced a severe deficiency many years ago, that I simply never wish to repeat. It started with unexplained tiredness in the evening, then chronic fatigue, joint pain and even hair loss. But even a mild deficiency can weaken the body's defences against the common cold and viruses that are often floating around during winter, or simply cause that low-level tiredness that we so easily put down to the time of year and a lack of daylight hours.
This is why I've personally been a huge advocate of taking this vital supplement ever since, to support the body rather than to recover from a deficiency in a vitamin that is much more vital to the body than most people are aware of.
While most people know the body relies on healthy levels of vitamin D and the sun plays its role in maintaining these levels during the summer, I believe our general awareness of the benefits of vitamin D, especially in women's health, is lacking. While most are aware that vitamin D plays a key role in bone and teeth health, as it helps your body to use calcium to maintain a strong structure. The huge benefits of stronger bones, I believe, are overlooked as we age, especially as women are at higher risk of conditions such as osteoporosis and increased risk of bone fractures in older age.
But women benefit from vitamin D in even more ways. Adequate vitamin D intake has been proven to reduce the risk of many other serious health conditions, along with helping to balance hormones and can even help improve mood and sleep.
Calcifediol, on the other hand, skips that conversion step. It’s already in the same form that circulates in your blood, so it raises vitamin D levels faster and more predictably. This can be especially beneficial for people whose bodies don’t absorb or convert D3 efficiently, but also for anyone who wants to ensure the best absorption of vitamin D possible.
For me, taking a high-quality vitamin D supplement like VitamoreD isn’t just about getting through the darker months; it’s about supporting my body through the seasons. The difference in my energy levels and overall well-being when my vitamin D levels are healthy has been truly remarkable. I notice that I wake feeling more refreshed, I’m less prone to that sluggish winter feeling, and even my immune system seems stronger - I honestly can't remember when I last had a cold... but I do also put that down to being a big believer in carrying hand sanitiser everywhere I go!
Consistency is also key, one of those small daily habits that pays off in ways you might not even realise until you stop. Especially for women juggling busy lives, hormonal changes, and limited time outdoors, ensuring your vitamin D levels stay optimal can make a quiet but powerful difference overall.
If you’ve ever struggled with fatigue, low mood, or simply want to support your health more proactively, it’s worth checking your vitamin D levels and considering a supplement that gives you the best possible absorption. VitamoreD makes this easy and reliable, offering a smarter alternative to traditional D3 with its faster, more efficient results.
As the seasons change, I like to think of this as a small act of self-care - one that keeps my body strong, balanced, and ready for the months ahead.
AD - This is a paid for post however all thoughts and opinions are my own
Over the past few years, there have been certain self-care habits I have adopted that have not only really stuck but almost feel like a wellness toolkit that I can reach for when I'm having a bad mental health day, feeling run down or simple to energise myself.
Not only is it important to take 'time out' when you aren't feeling your best but prioritising self-care can help bring out the best in yourself and even fuel the good days, so to speak.
For me this comes in many forms; from keeping on top of my skincare routine and giving myself time to enjoy looking after my skin, to feeling cosy in the warmest loungewear possible! And in Winter especially, making sure I keep on top of taking supplements, along with the basics such as keeping hydrated and getting enough sleep.
Whether you are someone that can slip into a habit of putting yourself last, creating zero time for self-care to happen. Or like me, find prioritising self-care to be an essential rather than a luxury - I hope you can find some tips and tricks here, along with some amazing beauty and wellness products from Very.
Skincare
Spending time over your skin is without a doubt a form of self-care, especially if you enjoy the process. Personally, it's a time I can feel present and also mindful in the sense that I'm enjoying both the scents and textures in the skincare products I'm using.
If you are someone that enjoys skincare but often find yourself skipping or rushing it when life gets busy then I highly recommend setting aside time to cleanse and apply your skincare as soon as you come through the door in the evening. Or like me, as soon as you've closed your laptop for the day if you work from home.
Doing your skincare routine earlier in the evening not only means you will have the energy to do it but it also means your skin will be free of makeup and daily grime a few hours sooner, which does actually make a difference!
I personally like to split my skincare into two parts as I do find applying skincare just before bed to be a relaxing experience. The first part comes early evening starting with a thorough cleanse with one of my favourite cleansers; Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm which you can purchase alone or in the gorgeous Elemis English Rose-Infused Radiance Duo to take advantage of the amazing saving.
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has long been a cult classic, but for me the newer rose-scented cleansing balm is simply perfect, making for a really relaxing experience when using it. What also makes this an ideal self-care skincare item is that it is such a thick luxurious balm that when applied to the skin it melts down to a beautiful silky oil which not only removes makeup with pure ease but has a wonderful slip that makes massaging the skin a real joy, especially while breathing in the gorgeous rose scent. This is why I even use this cleanser in the evening on makeup-free days as the massaging element of the balm is beyond relaxing. As you can expect the balm also leaves the skin impeccably clean and smooth.
Later in the evening, just before bed, I like to finish my skincare routine with Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil, which again you can find included in the wonderful Elemis English Rose-Infused Radiance Duo gift set. This is a facial oil like no other, perfect for all skin types, due to the nourishing but light formula that allows the skin to retain moisture. I find not only this a joy to apply as it smells so natural but you really do see the benefits the next day with ultra-soft skin that's perfectly hydrated and nourished.
As for when I want to give my skin some self care I reach for Elemis Peptide4 Thousand Flower Mask, a velvety smooth mousse-like mask that spreads with ease over the skin. The mask works by gently exfoliating the face to dislodge dead skin and refine texture and while it contains Brazilian black clay the face mask is neither tight nor drying on the skin. As with all Elemis products, the scent is wonderfully floral and fresh which really gives a spa-like experience. Face masks truly are a way to pamper yourself and show yourself a little self-love.
Comfort
Part of my daily self-care, especially in Winter, is to feel cosy. This can of course come in many forms; from taking a long bath, reading your favourite book or feeling like your loungewear in giving you a warm hug! As you can guess I'm all about the latter with my oversized Fleece Snuggle Hoodie - the cosiest piece of loungewear I own.
As you can see this is one thick and supersoft oversized hoodie that has a warming plush fleece lining, along with cuffed sleeves that I find to really keep the heat in. If that wasn't enough the hoodie has a huge front pocket to keep your hands warm (or to house snacks?!) and an even bigger hood. This truly is my favourite item to wear around the house right now!
My other favourite comfort is slippers. Slippers truly are my 'thing' when it comes to feeling warm and cosy. Do you wear slippers? My current favourite pair are these lovely Pearl Trim Mule Slippers that are as warm and soft as they look! I'm all about a snug fit to keep my feet from getting cold and these are really the perfect fit due to the inner faux fur lining. Totally dreamy!
Bathing
Another part of my self-care routine is enjoying a long bath or shower. This for me is a time where I can fully relax and let go of my stresses and really indulge in some wonderful spa-like products.
My go-to brand for bathing is Elemis; in particular, anything with the Frangipani Monoi scent which smells just heavenly - think flowers on a tropical island and you are halfway there.
Over the years I have pretty much tried the entire Elemis Frangipani Monoi range and can firmly say the Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow is their most decadent product that feels like it should be found in a spa than your own bathroom. Not only is the Kilner-style glass jar a very generous size but this is a perfectly formulated salt scrub that contains not only mineral-rich salts but Tahitian monoi oil that massages the skin as the salts exfoliate. This leaves the skin without any redness, unlike a lot of salt scrubs, but silky smooth and soft. I also can't get enough of the lingering frangipani scent that lingers on the skin after use. If you are looking for a luxurious product to add to your own self-care routine this is certainly one to own.
Another in-shower product I enjoy using to take care of myself is Elemis Frangipani Monoi Hair & Scalp Mask which is a versatile 3-in-1 product that can be used as a deep cleansing scalp treatment, a deep conditioner and an intensive overnight mask. This is a favourite of mine due to being able to use it on my scalp as this area of the body can hold a lot of tension so massaging the silky, heavenly scented formula in really does feel relaxing. I'm also obsessed with this product as not only is it an effective hair mask but the scent lingers beyond hairstyling which you don't find with a lot of hair products and the frangipani scent is something you will want your hair to smell of!
Lastly, on stepping out of the bath or shower I like to lather myself in Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Cream, a product I've used for years and still can't get enough of. Much like Elemis' skincare, you can expect a luxurious silky formula that soaks into the skin with ease, to leave it soft and deeply hydrated. It's also a body cream that while hydrating isn't oily so within minutes you can dress - for this reason, I also love to use this body cream as a hand cream. If you want your skin to feel velvety smooth I highly recommend this beautiful body cream.
Pamper
Another ascept of self-care that I like to do on a semi-regular basis when I find the time is to truly pamper myself. The first way I like to do this is by steaming my face with the Rio Facial Sauna & Steamer before proceeding with my skincare routine.
With a full face mask the facial sauna excapulates every part of the face to open up the pores, helping to deeply cleanse this skin. This is best done after cleansing to allow the steam to really clear out the pores and to remove any impurities in the skin. This is not only a relaxing experience with the warm steam softening the skin but really rewarding when you see how clear your skin looks after the treatment.
Another way I love to pamper myself is in the evening with the Homedics Luxury Foot Spa, a relaxing way to relieve tension in the feet and to soften dry skin.
To relieve tension and for user comfortability the foot spa has a tilted base which means you aren't require to sit straight with your feet flat to the floor which I personally have really loved. The foot spa also comes with 4 removable massage rollers. For feet skincare there is also a very handy pumice stone attachment which is amazing to use after soaking your feet.
As someone with chronically cold feet, a foot spa like this feels like such a lovely treat to use in the evening while reading a book - I highly recommend it especially with the current cold weather!
Wellness
While my self-care routine contains a fair amount of pampering I truly believe in looking after yourself from the inside out. This consists of the basics of course - getting 8 hours of sleep per night, drinking enough water and getting outside. Beyond this, I'm a believer in taking daily supplements, from Vitamin D in the winter months to a multi-vitamin and good dose of antioxidants that not only promote good cardiovascular and digestive health but can combat signs of ageing.
My main source of antioxidants is Perricone MD Superberry Powder with Acai Dietary Supplement Powder. If you are a fan of skincare then I'm sure you will have heard of Perricone MD as they have some amazing topical skin care products, which is why I decided to go for these supplements over anything else. This is now a drink I make up with ice each morning to start the day with, especially as the acai provides an instant dose of energy to start the day. I'd love to know if you take supplements as a form of self-care.
Lastly, as another act of wellness, I find a fragrance diffuser a great way to alleviate dry air and to add a fine mist of natural aroma. The one I keep next to my bed, that I like to switch on in the evening is the Ellia Blossom Fragrance Diffuser with ambient mood lighting. Made with a wood base and ceramic dome this is one of the nicer diffusers I own, feeling sturdy with a large water capacity for a 12 hour run time.
To enhance a cosy evening I like to add a few drops of butter fudge scented fragrance oil and enjoy the soft aroma it produces. The diffuser is also whisper-quiet which is without a doubt an essential a lot of diffusers don't have. Do you own an aroma diffuser? I would love to know.
As you can see Very have an amazing range of wellness appropriate products that really can enhance any self-care routine.
If you have been neglecting your own self-care recently I hope this post has reminded you how important your own care and needs are.
Fee xo.
One of my most favourite topics to talk about that interests me greatly is skin. Problem skin, good skin, ageing skin (read: all skin), you name it. Give me an article about how the skin works or skincare in general and I will be reading it.
But while I like to read up whenever I can, I feel a more simplistic yet consistent approach to skin/skincare is what is generally required in order to obtain and maintain 'good skin.
As the big day rolls ever closer stress levels for a lot of people can be at their highest. From worrying about family interactions, burning the candle at both ends or simply trying too hard for that perfect Christmas Day.
However, that doesn't need to be the case, with a little less expectation and awareness of stress or anxiety levels you can have a festive break that you will enjoy. Below I've detailed a few of the ways I like to have a stress-free Christmas after battling anxiety for years. I hope these simple tips help you have a merry little Christmas.