Self-care is one of those things that everyone preaches about but rarely gets right—because let’s be real, an elaborate 12-step routine is just not happening when you’re juggling a million other things. What it seems like we really need are less grand plans and more micro-moments that can enhance your wellness or give you a glow.
Enter: the power of the right pairings. Think of this as the capsule wardrobe version of self-care—streamlined, effective, and actually making a difference. By finding the right pairings of things, and easy ways to work them into my daily routine, I’ve been able to make more progress against those wellness goals.
Here are eight game-changing product combinations I’ve been loving lately – could these pairings have a space in your own life?
1. Gut Glow-Up: Apple Cider Vinegar + Organic Ginger Powder
If you’re not already on the apple cider vinegar train, let me introduce you to the easiest way to level up your digestion. All my life I’ve struggled with sluggish digestion and bloating. There was a time as a child where I had to take a lot of antibiotics, which I believe really had an effected on my microbiome.
Our gut systems are now recognised as a ‘second brain’ where hormones are made and they can have a massive effect on our overall health. So I’m all about trying to reintroduce balance to my own, in an easy way.
A splash of Osu Apple Cider Vinegar (the best tasting one I’ve tried!) in warm water, with a dash of Sevenhills Organic Ginger Powder, is basically a morning tonic for happy gut vibes. It helps with bloating, stabilises blood sugar, and gives you that inside-out glow. Bonus: it actually tastes decent with a little raw honey or agave syrup.
2. Youth-Boosting Facial: Gua Sha + Rosehip Oil
Gua Sha is one of those wellness things I initially thought was a fad, but oh my god—this combo works. I’ve even managed to convince my husband of the benefits of facial massage for getting the blood flowing, promoting natural collagen production and ironing out fine lines and puffiness.
The Face Gym Multi-Tool sculpts and de-puffs like magic, especially when paired with Ellipsis Labs Organic Rosehip Oil – that repairs the skin’s natural barrier against daily pollutants – for that ultra-hydrated, fresh-from-a-facial glow. Do it for five minutes in the evening, and you’ll wake up looking like you’ve actually had eight hours of sleep.
3. Beauty From Within: Collagen + Superfood Protein Powder
If there’s one supplement duo I swear by, it’s this. Taking collagen as a supplement rather than relying on topical creams can have a big effect on your skin. Dose & Co Beauty Collagen keeps skin plump and hair thriving, which is something I’ve needed help with lately. It gives a blend of collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C, and it’s unflavoured.
I like to combine this powder with the Form Superblend Protein to add that extra protein boost (without tasting like chalk).
Superblend contains 20mg of organic pea, brown rice and pumpkin seed proteins. But the goodness doesn’t stop there – it also has maca, flaxseed and a blend of greens for even more of a nutritional kick, and a dose of fibre and prebiotics as well (more greatness for your gut!). But let’s be real, aside from the fact it’s a great formulation, I just like the fact it actually tastes good.
I’m always in a rush in the mornings, so I like the convenience of adding a scoop of each of these, a handful of frozen fruit (my go-to’s are the frozen mango chunks, frozen mixed berries and frozen banana), and a dash of unsweetened almond milk into my Ninja Blast and running out the door sipping.
Blend them into your morning smoothie, and suddenly you’re the person who “has their life together” before 8 AM.
4. Energy and Appetite Balance: GLP1 + NAD Supplements
Wellness but make it effortless. After a recommendation from a friend, I’ve fallen in love with the stick-and-go ethos behind Kind Patches, which deliver all kinds of physical and mental health supplements via transdermal delivery – a sticker that you pop on somewhere innocuous like your inner arm, and just go about your day.
There’s a massive range of them available to help with everything from energy and sleep to mood and the GLP-1 ones are focused on helping to manage weight.
They support blood sugar regulation and dull sugar cravings (hello, snack control). Having something to help with more mindful eating, that is so easy to use, has been a game-changer for me. I admit I was a little skeptical when I first ordered them, and although they aren’t a magic bullet along the lines of Ozempic, I do believe they’ve taken the edge off. The fact that these are constantly sold out is a kind of testimony of it’s one (life hack: you can set up a monthly rolling delivery to avoid running out.)
Meanwhile, NAD+ is apparently what all those Hollywood nepo babies are hooked up to via drips. This supplement supports cell regeneration, protects from oxidative damage and enhance energy and collagen production. I think of them as part of my anti-aging skin routine, and an all-natural energy booster without the 3pm crash. If you struggle with feeling sluggish midweek, this combo is a game-changer.
5. The Ultimate Beauty Sleep: Satin Pillows + Slumber Spray
This one’s all about maximising sleep quality. We know how important it is mentally and physically for us all to get good rest. After being a fairly good sleeper for years, I’ve really been struggling lately with getting enough rest, and often wake up during the night.
The Kitsch Satin Pillowcase keeps skin and hair happy—no frizz, no creases. The ‘slip’ factor of the satin helps to prevent wrinkling and hair breakage, plus it just feels so good, I don’t think I could sleep without it now. I actually take one with me when I travel.
Meanwhile the Solstice Slumber Spray (a blend of lavender, chamomile, and a little sleep magic) helps you drift off fast. It just sets the tone and gets you into relaxation mode. After using it for a while to mist the pillow before going to sleep, I actually now just have a Pavlovian association where as soon as I smell it, my lids start to get heavy.
A solid eight hours never looked so good.
6. Caffeinated Self-Care: Collagen Mushroom Coffee + Coconut Oil
A daily collagen boost and a coffee fix all in one? Yes, please.
I say my world as a mama with a career trying to hold it all together wouldn’t function without coffee and dry shampoo. Caffeine is sort of a non-negotiable in my life. But at least my coffee can do me some extra good in the mornings, right?
The Reformed Collagen Mocha is a silky-smooth, gut-friendly coffee alternative that tastes like a hug in a mug. It helps to support collagen production (that again – can you tell I’m a little skincare obsessed?) and muscle recovery with a tasty blend of delicious Colombian coffee beans, collagen, protein and 21 vitamins and minerals.
There’s also the mushroom magic. A dose of Lion’s Mane in the coffee helps to sharpen my focus and brighten my mood – bye-bye, brain fog! There are also Black Coffee and Matcha versions available.
Stir in a spoonful of Naissance Fractionated Coconut Oil for extra creaminess (and healthy fats that keep you full longer, also helping to support appetite and energy). It’s basically the upgraded version of your morning latte.
7.Depuff & Hydrate: Bakuchiol Eye Cream + Undereye Masks
If you wake up looking more exhausted than you feel, this is the fix.
The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Bakuchiol Eye Cream hydrates and smooths without irritation. The anti-aging properties of bakuchiol are getting quite popular, as it promotes firm, smooth undereyes, while the centella calms down inflammation and improves the skin’s defence system by improving moisture absorption and restoring damaged barriers.
To take this to the next level, I like to lock it in with the Dieux Skin Forever Eye Mask. Made with reusable medical-grade silicone, it holds your cream or serum close to the skin for maximum effect and lets the benefits fully penetrate to help you look better rested and ready to go. They help to plump out fine lines and boost hydration, which my tired, baggy undereyes definitely need. You can also keep them in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
It’s a simple, low-cost addition to my skincare routine to help enhance the effects – and for that, I think it works.
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These pairings have slotted seamlessly into my routine—minimal effort, maximum impact. And because they actually work, I don’t have to waste time (or money) cycling through endless new products. Self-care, streamlined.
What’s your go-to self-care duo? Let me know in the comments!
