If you, too, are desperately in need of a self-care day, I highly recommend taking a lap through Ulta’s Wellness Week sale, which just started yesterday. Over 300 products from several of our favorite beauty brands like Briogeo, Solawave, and Tula are 30 percent off. (That’s my threshold for a really good deal.) There are plenty of pampering items to choose from, including an exfoliating scalp scrub, foot masks, and satin pillowcases. I also spotted some Strategist–approved vibrators and lube on sale, too, if you are in the market for that kind of self-care — or are on the hunt for Valentine’s Day gifts that you and your partner can both enjoy.
Like most one-week-only sales at Ulta, the deals end on Saturday night, so you have time to browse. Be aware, though, that sometimes popular items will sell out early. As always, if you want to get up-to-the-minute updates on actually good sales going on across the internet, make sure to sign up for the Strategist Sales Alert newsletter.
I was delighted to find this roll-on perfume that was included in our under-$25 Valentine’s Day gift guide. I have had mine for just over a year and remain obsessed.
Infused with magnesium and L-theanine, this relaxation-enhancing powder from Moon Juice can help add calm and comfort to your bedtime routine. It’s been recommended to the Cut many a time (by Paulina Ortega, Mali Magic, Megan Roup, and more).
Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens is a big fan of the brand’s natural electrolyte powder, Mini Dew. “It’s so good, somehow I end up gulping down an entire 32-ounce Ball jar in one go,” Kitchens says.
This intense foot exfoliation mask, which New York Times book reviewer Molly Young once called a “podiatric miracle,” is the cheapest I’ve seen it in months. Stock up now so you’re ready when summer comes.
The version “for men” is identical — it just smells like mint instead of lavender.
Strategist columnist Rio Viera-Newton prefers Patchology’s foot mask over Baby Foot, which she found too intense. This left her skin “absurdly, silkily smooth, with no cracks or dry patches at all,” after about eight days of shedding.
If you’re looking for a lightweight winter moisturizer, Tula’s “absorbs super quickly and makes your skin look nice and quenched without appearing greasy,” according to Viera-Newton.
The matching cleanser is flight attendant-approved.
An exfoliating shampoo can remove product buildup without adding an extra step to your hair-care routine. This one from Briogeo is also gentle enough that it won’t irritate sensitive scalps (especially if you have dandruff), and it contains moisturizing coconut oil.
Former Strategist senior editor Tshepo Mokoena recommends this deeply calming candle. “You end up with an enveloping scent, but it doesn’t do that thing where it catches in the back of your throat after a deep inhale,” she says. It would make a cute gift too.
If you haven’t yet joined the silk-pillowcase club, you can test the waters with a satin pillowcase — which is far cheaper but still boasts the same hair-smoothing benefits. This one by Kitsch (which also makes some of our favorite hair towels) is on sale for just $13.
Sacheu’s stainless-steel gua sha is on sale again. It is self-cooling (making it particularly excellent for combating puffiness) and very durable. Plus, it has antibacterial properties, which is great for those who are acne-prone.
The Solawave is on sale again, too, (this time for a not-half-bad 35 percent off!) and is again just a little cheaper on the brand’s site.
One of our best-in-class bikini trimmers is Bushbalm’s aesthetically pleasing Francesca. It is cordless and waterproof and has an extra-long battery life (up to five hours).
All six experts we spoke to about the best travel-friendly sex toys mentioned Crave’s Vesper bullet vibrator, which is so discreetly designed, it can be worn as a necklace.
Another fancy vibrator that we recommend is this one from Smile Makers. Our verdict: It’s a great entry-level vibrator that’s got a little extra going on, with an unassuming form that’s actually quite nice to look at and hold in your hand.
This is our pick for strong vibrations and multiple points of stimulation on a budget. (It’s actually a teeny bit cheaper at Amazon right now, so I’ve linked to both retailers below.)
Unbound also makes our favorite flavored lube. It’s a water-based vegan formula that is lightly flavored with food-grade vanilla and lemon flavoring.
Kate Miller, a co-founder of CBD brand Miss Grass, says Foria’s Awaken Arousal Oil can “promote relaxation, stimulate blood flow, and increase your natural lubrication, all of which can lead to way better orgasms.” (Whitney Cummings is also a fan.)
I’m skeptical of supplements in general, but both my sister and I conked out immediately after trying these, if that means anything to you.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
