The Beauty Products That Help Soothe and Calm My Busy Mind

I have suffered from high-functioning anxiety for as long as I can remember. Anything from a chaotic work schedule to a last-minute cancellation of plans is enough to induce sleepless nights. It is therefore fair to say that over the last 20 or so years, I have dedicated a huge amount of time to finding small ways to help ease my anxiety, even just by a little.

And while by no means have I found a permanent solution, I have fine-tuned a number of rituals to help me deal and cope with everyday stresses. As a beauty editor, I’d go as far as to say that about 80% of my time is spent thinking about beauty products. There are lotions and potions virtually everywhere I look—each one needing to be tested and trialled. It makes sense, therefore, that beauty has a huge role to play when it comes to managing my anxieties.

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(Image credit: @JOSEPHINEBREDSTED)

It might seem a little surface-level at first, but it turns out that actually there is a huge amount of evidence that shows channelling some form of self-care through your beauty routine can have impressive emotional benefits, both through aroma and touch. Dr Tara Swart, neuroscientist and Aromatherapy Associates spokeswoman explains, "The connection between aroma and channelling the power of your brain is incredibly strong since the olfactory nerve connects the nose directly to the limbic system—the intuitive, emotional pathways of the brain. Triggering your olfactory system can alter your overall wellbeing in a positive manner both emotionally and physically.”

And it seems it’s not just scent that can help calm the mind. Kirsty Eaton, national trainer at Skin Regimen says, "The power of touch can reduce stress and anxiety even when massaging your own skin. Follow more of a mindful massage approach by slowing down and really experiencing the pleasing textures and sensations from applying your products.”

So without further ado, keep scrolling to discover some of the beauty products that I use for their soothing effects.

Next up, six simple morning rituals that can make you feel more productive.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.