It's easy to forget to take care of yourself after the whirlwind that was Christmas and the behemoth of a challenge that is the new year. There's so much to do and so little time, and very quickly you'll realize that after a relatively tiring back-to-back reunion special, you're once again back to the hustle and grind. Resolutions are an effort to start the year on the right foot and while everyone has a different set of goals, it doesn't hurt to physically pamper yourself and begin another 12 months of adventure with a rejuvenated mindset.
READ MORE: Hey, Cosmo Girl! You Are Our New Year's Resolution Accountability Partner
We take these self-care services so seriously that we often come out with lists detailing which places to visit for specific types of treatments. If you're a beginner, or you just don't have the time to select the most suitable one, we laid out the groundwork for you.
READ MORE: What *Real* Self-Care Looks Like If You Want To Be 'That Girl'
Pamper yourself with these must-try services:
Manicure
There's nothing quite like taking a pause from both the real and digital world and getting your nails done. Whether you're all about nail art and extensions or you prefer it bare, getting your digits clean at the start of the year just feels right. You can pile on other services like a massage, intricate nail designs, or a pedicure.
Nail Tropics has branches in Quezon City, Makati City, Parañaque City, Taguig City, San Juan City, Pasig City, Mandaluyong City, and Muntinlupa City.
Pedicure
Speaking of pedicures, your feet need some love, too. Your hands are getting more action and visibility, no doubt, but your toes should be just as clean and polished be it for every day, long travels, or for that special event. Squeeze in a scrub and massage if you're really looking to de-stress and reset your canvas before things start getting hectic again.
Posh Nails has branches in Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, Makati City, Taguig City, and Manila City.
Facial
Consistently following through with a morning and nighttime skincare routine might be part of your New Year's resolutions. After all, it pays to take good care of your skin both for health and aesthetic purposes. Having that time to yourself is therapeutic, but we won't say no to a good facial from a skilled aesthetician. Lay back, relax, and drift off to dreamland as your skin is treated. If you're new to facials, we recommend the Nano PowerPeel treatment at Flawless Face and Body Clinic.
See a list of Flawless branches.
Spa
Rest and relaxation take on a tangible form on a spa bed. We love a good full-body massage but now's also a good time to indulge in services that target specific pain points. Take your pick from oil-based massages, or you can also go for a dry one if that's more your style.
Rates start at P1,122. See a list of The Spa Wellness branches.
Full-body scrub
The skin is the largest organ in the body so it only makes sense to take care of the surface area below the delicate facial skin. Melt away all the dead skin with a good full-body scrub. Don't know where to get one? Chances are high your favorite spa place has it on the menu. You can get a massage afterward, too, like at Aramesh Spa in Makati City.
Aramesh Spa is at Heart Tower 108, Valero, Makati City.
Prophylaxis
When was the last time you went to the dentist? If it's taking a while to remember, then it's been way too long since you've last sat on the chair for a tooth inspection. Though teeth are strong and can outlast most anything, it's still prey to bacteria you won't even know is already causing decay. Do yourself a favor and visit the dentist for a check-up and a good prophylaxis-just be sure to come back six months later.
Teeth Whitening
Though less about dental health and more about aesthetic, white teeth can seriously boost your confidence. A bright smile can do wonders, as long as it's done by a professional with proper training and certification. Your dentist is your best friend in this department, but you can also avail the dental treatment from specialists offering the service.
See list of The Smile Bar branches.
Eyelash extensions
Yes, kilay is life, but if there's anything years in masks taught us, it's that eyelashes are life, too. There's just something about waking up to a fresh, always-ready set of wispy lashes. Maybe it's the time saved in your makeup routine, or it's that natural upgrade peepers upgrade that amps up your features without going overboard. People might not know exactly what you changed, just that you look better. Now who wouldn't want that?
See a list of NÉW Lounge branches.
More complicated procedures or services
Some services and procedures are intimidating. Several come to mind: injections, temporary fillers, face sculpting, microblading, and even a Brazilian wax. Maybe you've never tried it before, or maybe you don't know anyone who has and it's really keeping you from taking the plunge. If fear is the problem, we totally get it, but we're also here to tell you to go for it—with caution, of course. Look up the clinic or center and read as many reviews as you can before you push through with it. And while we think the new year is the best time to bring forth a new you, take your time and proceed at your own pace.
Recently, we tried facial contouring at Stesso Clinic. It's a bit different from most usual treatments and leans on the pricier side, but it sure gave one of our writers a confidence boost so it was well worth it.
Stesso Clinic is at Unit 203 2/F, Toyama Group Center, 22 Timog Avenue, Quezon City.
