This time of year is always a little gloomy. The holidays are behind us, it’s freezing outside, and if you’re anything like me you’ve already given up on some (all) of your New Year’s Resolutions. There are literally places in the U.S. that are colder than Antarctica this week, so it’s safe to say we all need a little warmth in our lives. For some of you lucky ones, spring break might be right around the corner, but if you’re not escaping to a tropical island anytime soon, we’re going to help bring spring break to you.
So, if you live in a place where the wind hurts your face when you go outside, treat yourself to an at-home spring break experience. Bronzing products, adorable home décor, and scented candles can transform your cold apartment to an island paradise, and we have some suggestions to help you create your own little oasis.
The cold winter air is probably making your skin dry and cracked, so the first step to hydrate and lift your skin with the Bum Bum Cream from Sol de Janeiro. The heavenly scent will transport you to the beaches of Ipanema while ingredients like guarana and coconut oil will firm and condition your skin. If you love the salted caramel and pistachio fragrance, try the Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist.
Sunbathing is the last thing on our minds in this cold weather, so to get a natural glow the Coconut Body Glow by Kopari is ideal. You can apply this shimmery coconut oil all over your body, or add a few drops to your cheeks and collarbones for a subtle highlight. If you are lucky enough to go on spring break this year, take a bottle with you and mix it with sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
The entire Tutti Frutti line by Too Faced will add a tropical twist to your beauty routine. Bright colors and dewy products will make you feel like you’re sipping a piña colada straight from a coconut, even if hot chocolate is more appropriate for the winter. The Juicy Fruits Comfort Lip Glaze comes in 12 fun shades that will totally cheer you up if the weather’s got you down.
We can’t forget the iconic Benefit Hoola Bronzer, the best matte bronzer that will truly give you a ~sun-kissed glow~. This cult-favorite product will make people think you spent all day in the sun, and you don’t have to worry about that artificial orange that happens with some bronzers. If the original shade is too deep for your skin tone, there’s also the Lite Matte Bronzer, and if you want to feel really tropical you can use their bamboo Bronzing and Contouring Brush.
MAC’s Summer 2017 Fruity Juicy Collection may be long gone, but the Coconut scented Prep + Prime Fix + really stood out. Fortunately, they knew how great it was and added a Prep + Prime Fix + in coconut to their permanent collection. It smells amazing and isn’t too overpowering or artificial, and you’ll love to spritz some on before and after applying makeup, and a few times throughout the day to freshen up your look.
With these beachy beauty products, we’re one step closer to a spring break at home, but there are a few more things we can do to make it feel more real. This Monstera Neon Light is adorable and brings beach bar vibes to your home, but there’s also a Mermaid version if that’s your more your thing.
Scented beauty products will only get you so far, so to really feel like you’re on a faraway beach, you’ll need something stronger. Voluspa has trendy luxury candles, but their room and body spray will be even more effective in making your home rival a spring break destination. With notes of velvet sand and dazzling azure seas, the Laguna scent is perfect for the occasion.
If you struggle to keep houseplants alive, there’s always fake plants, like this adorable mini cactus set that will make you forget about the snow. A touch of greenery will boost your mood and remind you that spring is just around the corner, even if it doesn’t feel that way.
Now that your skin is glowing and your home smells like the ocean, there’s just one last thing to do. Make yourself a tropical drink and get cozy on the couch with this fleece blanket adorned with pineapples and a positive message.
by Clare Saxton
cover photo via instagram
