With the unrelenting pace of modern-day life, it’s no surprise that we’re more stressed than ever before){href='http://(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/01/work-related-stress-mental-illness-now-accounts-half-work-absences/)' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' class='add-referrer-link'} From a flurry of deadlines to just a quick glance at the news, there’s a whole host of daily struggles that can leave you feeling on edge. While you may not have considered your beauty regime to be the answer to your problems, there are some products than can help ease the tensions caused by everyday life.
As April is National Stress Awareness Month, it seems like a fitting time to investigate which products are useful if you’re struggling with stress, anxiety or even lack of sleep. While these are by no means a medical solution to those problems, they can help alleviate mild symptoms. Essential oils, for example, are renowned for their restorative properties as Luke Taylor, the master blender at Aromatherapy Associates explains: “Our memories are innately linked to our sense of smell. The feelings of nostalgia conjured from a fragrance can help people take a step back from any situation and relieve stress. So, when someone likes a fragrance, this instantly raises their mood and alleviate stress”.
From lavender-infused cleansing balms to calming candles, here are the best beauty products to help you feel a little bit more balanced.
SHOP: The Best Stress Relievers On The Market
1 of 11Lush’s Sleepy Face Naked Cleansing Balm, £4.95
The fair-trade cocoa butter and French lavender infused in this fast-acting balm prep your mind and skin for a night of undisturbed relaxation. It's also part of Lush's new 'Naked' range, which foregoes any plastic packaging.
2 of 11Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, £49
By using a curated selection of natural ingredients, Aromatherapy Associates' oils are not only effective in soothing worries and stresses but can be used in a host of versatile ways - splash into your bath water, massage directly onto skin or apply straight to your pulse points.
3 of 11Sanctuary Spa Sleep Relaxing Night Body Butter, £11
Before hitting the hay, let this smooth body butter melt into your skin. The exotic combination of jasmine, ylang-ylang, sweet almond and lavender get to work on while you're on an express flight to the land of nod.
4 of 11Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer, £29.50
A daily hydrator like this one from Kiehl's not only gives a quick burst of moisture to stressed-out skin, but strengthens the skin's barrier with its protective chamomile properties. A handy one to have in your handbag.
5 of 11Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gel, £25
This promises to de-puff the area under your eyes, which can often suffer thanks to lack of sleep or extra stress. More than that, though, it just feels lovely and cooling. Put some on as you have a lovely, relaxing bath (or just watch Netflix from your sofa).
6 of 11Neal’s Yard Remedies to Roll, £8
De-stress on-the-go with this pocket-sized product. Simply glide the roller-ball over your pulse points (neck, wrists, inside of elbows, and back of knees) and breathe in the relaxing bergamot and frankincense aroma.
7 of 11This Works Stress Check Hair Elixir, £25
Stresses and anxieties don't just affect our sleeping patterns, they can also wreak havoc on our hair, potentially causing thinning, dullness and the unpleasant onslaught of split ends. Misting your hair with this elixir from We Works not only brings life back to your locks, but saves you those crucial minutes in bed when time-consuming hair treatments just aren't as appealing as your snooze button.
8 of 11Ho Karan CBD Oil Holy Flow, £27.90 (2.5% CBD) or £49.90 (5% CBD)
Described as 'yoga for the senses', the new holistic Cannabis sativa oil reportedly boosts relaxation. Responding to our body's specific cannabis receptors, this clever product hones in on sleep and appetite regulation, as well as pain and inflammation.
9 of 11Rituals of Chado Foot Set, £19.50
Nothing radiates a calm, zen ambience more than the cherry blossom gardens of Japan. Sourcing inspiration from the Japanese tea traditions, this set focuses on buffing and nourishing tired feet, which often take the strain of a busy lifestyle.
10 of 11Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist, £20
If you're struggling to switch off, try spritzing this scent of lavender and rose geranium either directly onto your pillow or just around the room. Hopefully, it will induce a restful night's sleep.
11 of 11The Beddha I AM/O AM Candle Set, £47
Scented candles are a great way to feel slightly more relaxed in an instant. The Beddha, experts in holistic beauty and home-meditation, offer a set of two 100 per cent soy wax candles that send waves of sandalwood and jasmine into any space.