5-Minute Self-care: Affordable Beauty and Skincare Product Recommendations to Help You Find Your Zen
- Julia Flaherty
- Jul 21
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 12
If you've been following me on Instagram, you know I love a good self-care moment. I firmly believe that making it a ritual and making time for it for just five minutes in the morning and evening can hugely positively affect your mental health. Sometimes, that's all you have! (Though, I hope you get full days of indulgence here and there.)
As a person living with type 1 diabetes and as someone who's working towards becoming board-certified as a health and wellness coach, integrating aspects of my health is wildly important to me.
In this post, I'm sharing some products I love that support these moments of self-care! As always, I prioritize quality ingredients and affordability. You'll find a range of price points and product variety.
Here are some affordable beauty and skincare products that may help you find your zen...
Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
My hair has never smelled better or been more hydrated than when I use the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Hair Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Mask. As someone who regularly dyes their hair blonde, hair masks are a must in my hair care routine. This one is currently on sale at Target for $11.69, down from the regular price of $12.99. It contains no parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and it is not tested on animals—plus, it has no petrolatum.
The jar lasts a long time since I typically use it only once a week at most. Usage may vary depending on your hair type and needs. I have fine hair that is currently cut into a bob, so this product will probably last longer for me than it would for someone with long, thick hair. Still, I think it's a fantastic deal for the quality!
To use, leave the mask on for five minutes in the shower and rinse it out. I promise you'll feel like you're in a hair commercial all day!
CALA Moisturizing Foot Masks
I bought these CALA Moisturizing Foot Masks from Marshalls. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a link to share with you, but if you spend some time perusing their hair care, skin care, and makeup section, you're bound to find this product, if not a similar one!
I always make the effort to get to Marshalls to buy my foot masks because they're the best deal for the quality. I think I paid $5.99 for three masks. I love how they feel on my feet and how they make my feet look. They are wonderful for upkeep in between pedicures!
You have to leave these on longer than five minutes, though. I believe it's at least 30, but I can't confirm! Always read the product packaging on your foot masks to understand how long you should leave them on before rinsing off the extra residue. Read a book while you wait! It's a relaxing experience to just prop your feet up in bed while you let them do their magic.
Note: I cannot be held responsible for all of the other goodies you pick up at Marshalls along the way.
ZUM Sea Salt Hand Soap
I’m featuring the ZUM hand soap today, but honestly, I love the entire ZUM line! I usually grab it at Woodman’s near me, but you can also find their products online. I recently finished the Frankincense & Myrrh hand soap, and wow—the scent is next level. It’s not artificial or overpowering like some brands. Instead, it leaves a soft, natural aroma that feels like aromatherapy throughout your day.
Now I've moved on to their Sea Salt and hand soap, and wow! It is just as impressive. It's not overpowering, and there's nothing artificial about it. What I love most about the Zum line is that it feels like having a spa right at home.
I couldn’t find the soap version on my LinkTree, but if you’re curious about this scent, you can try their room mist or body spray on Amazon for $12.75. They’re just as dreamy and a great place to start if you can’t find the full line nearby!
Bath & Body Works Mineral Stone Spa Collection
I'm really disappointed that Bath & Body Works discontinued their Mineral Stone Spa collection because it was a must-have in my routine. I love the feeling of being in a spa, and this body wash was priced at around $18 at the time. It's a huge loss for them to get rid of it! Their aromatherapy collections always resonate with me, though. I guess I'll have to try their True Blue Spa collection next to see if it serves as a suitable substitute.
Acure Juice Cleanse Supergreens & Adaptogens Conditioner
Acure is a brand I keep coming back to for its clean ingredients and refreshing scents. I use both their skincare and hair care products, but today I’m highlighting their new Juice Cleanse Supergreens & Adaptogens Conditioner. It leaves my hair feeling soft, nourished, and the scent is light and uplifting—definitely a win in my book.
It feels like a dose of wellness for your scalp! This product can be found at Target. The 8-oz. version is just $8.99 right now.
Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray and Treatment Oil
I've been obsessed with Moroccanoil's Treatment Oil since high school. For my fine hair, I’ve never found an oil that works better. I always apply it to my hair when it's wet and then gently dry it with my hair dryer. I do the same with the conditioning spray. Since my hair is fine, I usually don’t use them at the same time. My hair often needs extra nourishment because I dye it and sometimes put it through a lot. These products smell amazing and leave my hair looking like I just stepped out of the salon.
These products are slightly more expensive than the others mentioned in this post, but they are a worthwhile investment for your hair care routine! Since my hair is short and fine, these products tend to last a long time for me. It's important to note that usage may vary depending on your hair type and texture. They also offer mini versions if you want to try them out before committing to the full product line. The Protect & Prevent spray retails for about $32, while the oil usually costs around $48.
They never leave a buildup and always leave my hair looking salon-fresh. A little goes a long way with both products pictured!
Body Restore Lavender Shower Drops
As you can probably tell, I’m always chasing little moments of zen. Taking time to unwind is so important to me, and one of my favorite nighttime rituals is tossing a few of these essential oil shower drops—found at Marshalls—into the steam. They’re subtle, not overpowering, and deliver just the right touch of aromatherapy to help ease into relaxation mode.
I originally grabbed a 15-pack at Marshalls for about $15.99, but I also found a trial pack on Amazon for $16.99 if you're curious to try them out.
Que Bella Lavender Mud Mask
This mud mask from Que Bella is the perfect little pick-me-up after a long week! Now that I’m in my 30s, my ideal Friday night looks more like a spa night than a night out—or maybe a glass of wine then a spa night. Either way, I’m not complaining! At just $1.99 at Target, this mask makes self-care both easy and affordable—a well-deserved moment of relaxation without breaking the bank.
And I'd leave it on longer than five minutes. Read the instructions on the back to get the most out of your Que Bella Lavender Mud Mask! If you don't like lavender, I believe they have other scents at the same price point.
Coffee Cloud Perfume
Last but definitely not least—my travel-size Coffee Cloud perfume from Target deserves a shoutout! I’m obsessed with this warm, cozy scent. It’s not overly sweet, but it still gives off that dreamy amber glow. With notes of bergamot, espresso, and cedarwood, it strikes the perfect balance between comforting and sophisticated. If you fall in love with it like I did, the full-size version is just $26.99—a total steal for such a luxe-smelling fragrance.
The travel-size version is just $12.99.
Enjoy!
I hope these affordable beauty and skincare product recommendations help you find your zen this summer and beyond. Let me know what you think of them if you give any of them a try! I hope they put you in your happy place like they did for me.
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate and referral links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
