Oh, Mr. Raymond...

I love having 'me' time. I think it is an essential chore taking time for yourself. You need to take care of yourself before you attempt to take care of anybody (or anything) else. Can I get an amen up in here? I like the idea of having a self-care routine that also gives you time to unwind and relax. Sometimes at work I feel like I wanna slap a bitch, so these moments alone with myself, not having to think about people's fuckery or their deep stupidity, make sense to me.

Now, my routine is not as complete as Usher's because I do not use the warm washcloth or the hand sanitizer, but I love the idea of a scent? Yes, I do. I think I may include a candle or incense in my routine some days. It can only help, because I do love me a nice scented candle. My fav? Ikea's Skruvpil candles. Yes. 

Also I did not know that Black men are very peculiar about their hairline?? But I do love rosewater because my granny used to spray rose water on her face and swore by it. Even during her later years, it was the one thing she did every morning. I use Trader Joe's Rosewater. Affordable and delicious. 

And my routine is different to Usher's even though we do use the same products: I first use the cleanser (I realized that both Jimmy and I love Cerave, that was recommended to me by a friend who SWEARS by it. It's also very affordable) and then I spray the rose water. I don't know if it makes any difference but I like the idea of letting the rose water dry on my skin. It also helps me after shaving. It kind of calms my skin because the electric razor can be a bitch sometimes. 

Now, the eye mask?? I need to try that. Even though I don't go out at night as often (and stay as late) as I used to, that should be nice. Sound in the comments if you have used an eye mask. I think I should start using one. Hey, if it works on Usher... Same with the antioxidant/vitamin C. I don't use one but I use the oil-free Nourish moisturizer from Trader Joe's (honey, I practically go there every weekend, so it checks). It's light and fresh, so I like it. 

I don't do a face spray (I only do the rose water) but I love me a good lip balm. Currently I use the E.L.F Squeeze me lip balm and it's fabulous. It keeps my lips soft even in winter, natch. I do not reapply lip balm too much throughout the day, but maybe I'll do like Usher and keep one lip balm with me. One never knows when one's gonna be kissed, right?

Now, I was not the kind to use a hand and body lotion, but this summer I got into Trader Joe's Coconut and Lemongrass Body Oil and honey, what a difference! My skin feels nice and it smells fantastic. Totally recommend. I'm wearing shorts every day, so this makes my legs look nice. I'd show you, but you'd have to pay. Like my milkshake, things cost money.

And that's it. I applaud Usher for doing this, btw. To me, he's kinda of a guy's guy: not into too much frill and thrill. And then he comes up with this? Who the fuck knew? And I think I'm going to do the eye mask thing. Why not? I'd do it for special occasions, though. I think that this process should not be rushed. Remember, it's self-care, babes. And you? Are you still a water and soap kinda person? Come on, live a little! Even the Marlboro man probably kept some lip balm handy...

So spill it, what's your routine? Just between us squirrelfriends and the internet...

XOXO