In a world where 11- and 12-year-olds are asking for multi-step skincare routines, it’s safe to say that beauty has become a central part of adolescence (lookin’ at you, Sephora tweens!). But beyond the bottles and brands, there’s something deeper going on: For many teens, beauty routines are about more than just looking good. They’re about feeling good, feeling in control — and figuring out who they are.

A new report from BCG and Women’s Wear Daily sheds light on teens’ relationship with beauty. The study surveyed more than 1,200 teens ages 13 to 18 across the U.S., along with 1,200 of their parents. In addition, another 700 Gen X and Millennial adults were polled to reflect on their own teenage experiences and provide insight into how beauty culture has evolved. The result is a fascinating portrait of today’s teen beauty shopper: informed, expressive, and surprisingly sophisticated.

Jenny B. Fine, Editor in Chief of WWD’s Beauty Inc., tells SheKnows, “What truly stands out in this research is how deeply engaged teen girls and boys are across all areas of beauty. Today’s teens are not just exploring — they’re shaping the category, with a surprising command of brands from CeraVe to Chanel and E.l.f. to Ariana Grande. Whether it’s skincare, fragrance, or makeup, their choices reflect both sophistication and range.”

And those choices are happening earlier than ever. According to the study, the average age for teens to begin skincare is now 12; for makeup, it’s 13; and for fragrance, just 11. This trend spans across gender lines, with both boys and girls becoming active beauty consumers at a younger age. Teen boys, in particular, are driving a surprising trend: 60 percent of them choose prestige fragrances over mass options, compared to just 25 percent of girls. (Their favorite brands? Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Dior, Chanel, and Creed.) In a SheKnows survey of boys ages 13 to 19 conducted in summer 2024, nearly half — just over 46 percent — said they spritz on cologne every day, while only a small fraction (7 percent) reported wearing it rarely or not at all.

So what’s behind this early and growing interest in beauty?

For many kids, beauty routines serve as a small pocket of consistency in a chaotic world. Applying skincare before bed or choosing a signature scent before school can feel grounding. It’s a way to care for themselves when so much else feels out of their control. And in an age where online personas are curated as carefully as real-life ones, beauty becomes another tool for teens to express their identity.

Dr. Charlotte Markey, Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University and author of The Body Image Book series, tells SheKnows, “Sometimes grooming and beauty rituals are adaptive appearance investments – they are relatively low cost (financially, time, in terms of risk) and enjoyable.” (On the other hand, she explains, maladaptive appearance investments are costly in terms of time, money, the mental space they occupy, and the risks involved.)

According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, NY-based neuropsychologist and Director of Comprehend the Mind, “Beauty rituals can serve as a meaningful outlet for teens to express their individuality, creativity, and even a sense of control during a stage of life that often feels uncertain. For some adolescents, applying makeup, styling their hair, or curating their skincare routine can offer a calming way to check in with themselves emotionally. These rituals can also help kids develop a sense of identity that’s rooted in self-care rather than appearance alone.” When parents approach these routines with curiosity rather than criticism, Dr. Hafeez tells SheKnows, they help normalize beauty as a personal and expressive practice— not a standard to be met.

Parents might assume it’s all about appearances, but for many teens, that moisturizer or perfume bottle represents something more personal. The ritual of applying skincare can feel soothing. The choice of a particular fragrance might reflect how they want to be perceived. Beauty becomes a language; one that speaks volumes about who they are … or who they’re trying to be.

Still, there can be a tipping point when interest in beauty becomes a source of more stress than empowerment.

Dr. Markey tells SheKnows that there may be a problem “when it detracts from other areas of a young person’s life — other areas that may be more conducive to developing self-esteem, like playing a sport, acting in a play, learning to play an instrument.”

Dr. Hafeez advises parents to watch for specific signs: “An interest in appearance becomes concerning when it starts to feel like a requirement rather than a choice, when a teen believes they need to look a certain way to be accepted, liked, or even feel okay about themselves,” she says. As an example, Dr. Hafeez notes, your teen might start to avoid social situations without makeup, obsess over perceived flaws, or experience intense anxiety about how they’re perceived. “In that case, it may be a sign that their self-worth is becoming too entangled with their appearance. Another red flag is when beauty routines shift from being enjoyable to feeling compulsive or driven by comparison, especially on social media. That’s when the focus has moved away from self-expression and into self-judgment.”

Dr. Markey cautions that rigidity can also be problematic — if your teen can’t let go and have fun for fear they’ll somehow mess up their looks, parents should take note. “Teens and tweens — and adults! — should be able to enjoy themselves without being so worried about their appearance that they are uncomfortable, afraid to get dirty (ever), etc,” she says.

The best safeguard to keep a healthy interest from sliding into an unhealthy preoccupation? Parents — we’re the first line of defense, folks. Beauty Inc‘s Fine notes the key role we can play in supporting healthy attitudes: “For parents, the takeaway is clear — beauty is a meaningful part of how teens express identity and care for themselves,” she says. “And while social platforms play a role, 44 percent of teens say they turn to their parents first. That opens the door for parents to engage in more thoughtful, supportive conversations around beauty and self-image.”

But how do we actually have those thoughtful conversations — and perhaps most importantly, how do we help them develop an internal sense of worth in a culture that puts so much emphasis on appearance?

“It’s important that kids learn that perfection is an illusion. No person is perfect. We aren’t perfect as adults, and they shouldn’t strive for perfection,” advises Dr. Markey.

Beyond that, the experts offered more helpful strategies parents can adopt.

Ask, don’t assume.

If your teen is suddenly into skincare or fragrance, ask them what they like about it. Their answers might surprise you. “Parents can start by asking open-ended questions that invite their child to share what they enjoy about their beauty routines, what feels fun, what makes them feel confident, what they like experimenting with,” says Dr. Hafeez. And as a bonus: “This frames beauty as a choice, not a necessity.”

Model balance — and critical thinking.

Kids absorb our attitudes about beauty and body image. Talking openly about your own routines (and your own insecurities) can help normalize imperfection. “Modeling some ‘in-between’ is probably the most effective thing we can do,” notes Dr. Markey.

And when it comes to what they see on social media, says Dr. Hafeez, pointing out unrealistic beauty standards and discussing how images are curated or altered can plant seeds of critical thinking.

Use the right language.

Dr. Hafeez suggests using language that centers on how something feels rather than how it looks. “For example, saying, ‘That color is really flattering’ or ‘You look like you’re having a great time today’ focuses on self-expression,” she says. “Sharing your routines as part of self-care can make the conversation feel mutual rather than corrective. Most importantly, remind them that who they are is always more important than how they look.”

Set age-appropriate boundaries.

It’s okay to say no to certain products or ingredients if they’re not age-appropriate — just be ready to explain why. “Social media can expose teenagers and young kids to products that might not be right for their skin type,” dermatologist-trained esthetician Shani Darden of Shani Darden Facial Studio previously told SheKnows. “It’s so important to do the research on the brands and products they’re interested in.”

Encourage intention.

If they want a new product because “everyone on TikTok has it,” explore whether they truly want it or just feel pressure to fit in.

Keep communication open.

The goal isn’t to discourage their interest in beauty — it’s to help them engage with it in a way that feels empowering, not performative.

Teen beauty habits may look different now than they did a generation ago, but the motivations behind them are often the same: the desire to fit in, stand out, and feel good in their own skin. As parents, recognizing the emotional undercurrent behind those habits can help us show up in more supportive, informed, and connected ways — but it should all start with letting our kids know they are so much more than their looks, as Dr. Hafeez reminds us: “When the family culture celebrates individuality, humor, and emotional honesty,” she says, “it becomes easier for kids to feel grounded in their worth.”

Even the pickiest teens will approve of these TikTok-viral makeup brands.

In South Korea, where I was raised, women stop being referred to by their names. Instead, they are called “Mother of _____,” insert the name of one of her children. This is a term of respect. A title mothers wear with pride, just as I did when I became a mother and someone called me my son’s Umma for the first time.  

At seven years old, I remember being at a family wedding where a tiny baby was crying. No one could make her stop. The mother was frantically preparing a bottle. I asked to help and was handed the baby. I held her snug and warm and tickled her chin. The baby calmed immediately and happily sucked down the bottle in my arms. The adults around praised me for being a natural nurturer. I beamed, taking pride in my ability to comfort this little soul. That was the moment I was struck with the calling to be a mother myself one day. 

But does being a good mother mean I must make my own needs disappear? The question seems ludicrous, yet I encounter it again and again in the societal expectations and demands for mothers to be selfless.

In season 2 of Netflix’s hit reality show Love is Blind, every time the most problematic cast member, Shake, was asked what he loved most about Deepti, the lovely woman he matched with, his answer was consistently that she was so “selfless.” It was not her kindness, warmth, intelligence, generosity, compassion, ability to listen, or even beauty. No, he answered repeatedly that he loved her because she was selfless.

He was casting her in a role of the future wife who will support his dreams while he puts his career first. She was not going to have any demands or needs of her own as they began their lives together. This offended me in a way that I did not see coming. I wanted to scream, “Selfless” is not a compliment. We must stop mistaking it for a virtue.”

Jenny T. Wang, a clinical psychologist and national speaker on the intersection of Asian American identity, mental health, and racial trauma, encourages readers to question invisibility and humility as virtues in her book, Permission to Come Home. Wang says when we talk about being selfless, what we are giving up is essentially our boundaries, which protect our resources— time, energy, and finances. 

“When we assert our boundaries, we are saying, ‘Yes, you matter, but I matter too,’” writes Wang. “Holding our boundaries becomes an act of self-love, reinforcing to ourselves that we are worth protecting and our resources are valuable.”

This is why audiences the world over rejoiced when Deepti said no at the altar on her wedding day with Shake. “I choose myself,” she reclaimed, as she proudly walked away.

“As an Asian American woman, I have been taught my entire life to exist in the margins,” Wang writes. “Succeed, but don’t become too visible. Excel, but don’t take up space.” She asks her readers to challenge this concept of remaining hidden to stay safe, whether this helps us achieve our goals, just as Deepti had in rejecting a life with Shake.

The pre-eminent modern-day warrior against female selflessness, Glennon Doyle, writes in her book, Untamed, “We do not need more selfless women. What we need right now is more women who have detoxed themselves so completely from the world’s expectations that they are full of nothing but themselves.”

Doyle explains that a woman who is “full of herself” knows and trusts herself enough to say and do what must be done.

The bestselling author also warns against mothers martyring themselves for their children. “Mothers have martyred themselves in their children’s names since the beginning of time. We have lived as if she who disappears the most, loves the most,” Doyle writes. “We have been conditioned to prove our love by slowly ceasing to exist.”

She concludes that it is a terrible burden for children to bear, to force them to be the reason their mother stopped living. “When we call martyrdom love we teach our children that when love begins, life ends.”

What Doyle writes resonates deeply because I am one of those guilty daughters who carries the burden of my mother’s lost self. My mother is the epitome of a model, selfless nurturer that society raised her to be — one who disappeared into her role. I began probing for her interests when I was a teenager— a favorite book, song, food, anything? I wanted to know her, but I was too late.

My mother insists she likes whatever I like. She loves whatever we love. She defers all decisions — and is debilitated by the choice of chicken or fish for lunch. I love my mother, yearn for a version of her I never met, and mourn the loss of her identity beyond wife and mother with an intensity I cannot verbalize.

That is why this Mother’s Day and every day, I refuse to disappear — for my child, my partner, and myself. I refuse to perpetuate the cycle of martyrdom and self-sacrifice. The legendary Audre Lorde made famous the concept of self-care as a radical act and it has allowed us to progress. Now, it should no longer be radical for women to practice self-care. Prioritizing themselves should no longer be stigmatized as something only a “bad mother” would do. I will continue to uphold my boundaries, care for and prioritize myself to thrive — and that makes me a better mother and partner. My family will have all my love and nurturing, but they will also feel my power. They will know me as the individual — the dreamer and fighter —  as well as the mother and wife. I refuse to forfeit myself. I refuse to be selfless.

Motherhood is one of life’s greatest joys. However, amid all the appointments, play dates, and enrichment activities, it can eat up your entire day. That’s why actress Jamie Chung is reminding fellow moms to take a step back and give themselves some much-deserved self-care.

“I became a mom three years ago, and often I lose myself on getting everything else done, [and] taking care of everyone else. [Then] I’m kind of left feeling not the best,” Chung told SheKnows, explaining why she partnered with Olay for Mother’s Day. “It took me two years to really find this balance: I need to take care of myself because I can take better care of my kids if I’m feeling good about myself and I’m feeling 100 percent.”

When approached by Olay for their Olay Super Serum Body Wash, they told her something that instantly resonated. “They said, ‘It has five plus skincare ingredients that give you five benefits, and it’s really great for moms on the go.’ And I was like, ‘Enough said,'” she joked.

This Mother’s Day, Chung wants fellow mamas to know that self-care isn’t selfish: it’s an essential part of being a mother. “I love this campaign … it’s a gentle reminder for moms that it’s okay to take a little time for yourself. Not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.”

During Chung’s chat with SheKnows, she couldn’t help but beam when talking about her children, twin sons born in Oct 2022, and how they’re already such imaginative, wonderful human beings.

Whether she’s discussing motherhood or breaking generational trauma, Chung speaks with care, pondering each word. She’s not afraid to get vulnerable or go in-depth on any topic, despite having spent more than 20 years doing interviews as an actor.

Below, see what Chung had to say about being a twin boy mom, how she’s teaching them self-love, breaking generational patterns, her acting roles, and more.

“My kids are 3, and it really is like the golden age of their childhood. It’s such a fun age because you really see their perspective, their imagination, and their growth, and all the foundational work that you’ve done being reflected in your kids. You don’t wanna miss out on that,” she reflected when asked about how motherhood is going. “So it’s important to be able to have these special moments individually with my kids, because they’re very different. One of them loves building things, so we’ll do the magnified build blocks. The other loves making music and singing songs. They both sing, then the songwriter loves to dance.”

She tries to carve out time for each child — even if it’s just “10, 15 minutes”— to make sure they feel seen. “[So] they don’t feel neglected or left out, and they do feel like their different hobbies and interests are recognized, validated, and supported.”

Chung added, “I’m really trying to lead by example. I feel like parenting is just really doing the work on yourself.” And for her, that includes breaking generational patterns.

The Big Hero 6 star is a second-generation Korean American whose parents moved to the US in 1980 for a better life. “My mom worked all the time when we were growing up. God bless her. You know, I don’t know how she did it. Barely speaks English, ran a store, had a mortgage, came from Korea, raising two kids, no babysitter. I don’t know how she did it,” she reflected.

Remember how Chung referred to finding that balance in parenthood? “I don’t think my mom was able to find that balance and I feel so bad because she worked her [butt] off to ensure that we were safe and fed,” she said. “It’s not trauma necessarily, but we’re kind of breaking these generational patterns to really take the time for yourself, for self-care, your mental health, and ensuring that you harbor each relationship because it’s unique.”

However, Chung isn’t on her own when it comes to harboring relationships — she has an amazing support system, with her husband of 10 years, Bryan Greenberg, at the forefront.

Chung also revealed that in their house, the hour between 5 PM and 6 PM is something they call “the witching hour.” And during this time, “My husband and I will look, we’ll give eyes. If I’m having a meltdown personally, he’ll tap me out. He’s like, ‘Go take a shower.’ And I feel like when you take a shower, you kind of like it’s kind of a reset. It’s time for yourself.”

“Bryan’s always pushing me, and that’s what makes a really strong partnership. We don’t want to yell at our kids, and we don’t wanna yell at our partners, and we all have our tipping points. So it’s nice to always kind of check in on each other, [and] to ask, ‘Are you doing okay? Do you need a minute? I’m gonna tap you out,’” she said. “It’s so important to be [on the] same team because then you won’t feel so guilty when you do need a little bit extra time to yourself.”

Self-care is a fluid concept, with one practice being perfect for one mom and another mom needing something entirely different. For Chung, that includes Olay products — but also style and … true crime?

“In terms of style, you really have to remind yourself to take that extra time because I do feel better when I take a shower, when I put on a little blush, and my skin’s feeling good. It’s kind of changing. A little effort goes a really long way,” Chung says. And though your style evolves, she added, “It’s nice to go back to things that make you feel really good. It is a form of self-expression. And so if I’m feeling good, then I’ll be able to dress up.”

And as for true crime? “People are like, ‘Why do you listen to murder mysteries?’ Because I would love to know how to take action. Had it happen to, God forbid, my family or someone that I know and love, how do you protect yourself? How do you empower yourself with this information from previous mistakes and cases?” she said.

This mindset helped prepare Chung for one of her latest projects: playing Officer Corvette in Stone Cold Fox. “The character really navigates through a profession that’s dominated by men,” she said. “If you become the whistleblower to protect other women in your field, the consequences is a double-edged sword, right between what it’s like to be a man and what it’s like to be a woman in that field as a police officer.”

She’s also starring in I’m Beginning to See the Light, a drama centered on grief and self-discovery.

“I play a mother who’s stuck in a tough spot. She has to deal with all the stress of raising a child and supporting the life and dreams of her artist husband. The reason why she fell in love with Ezra (played by Jack Huston) is because he was a jazz protégé, something that he loved. She wants to nourish that, but also, at a certain point in your life, you have to make sacrifices and get a different line of work in order to help allow yourself to do all the creative things that you do love,” she said. “It’s two artists in the household and, how we manage what it’s like to support a family and ensure their safety and well-being, while also honoring your passion.”

Whether she’s playing a mom onscreen or being the best mom she can be at home, Jamie Chung continues to find ways to be her best — for her kids, her partner, and most importantly, herself.

Before you go, click here to see all the celebrities who are the parents of twins. 

Kardashian and her 11-year-old were spotted leaving PureLux Scalp Spa in Los Angeles over the weekend. The pair wore matching pink-and-white-striped pajama sets, and we are dying to know how the TV personality got her tween to twin with her. Perhaps the nearly $200 scalp massages that the spa offers did the trick! (See photos from Page Six HERE.)

Outlets are reporting that North — who Kardashian shares with ex-husband Kanye West, along with kids Saint, Chicago, and Psalm — is now taller than Kardashian. Though we can’t say for sure in these photos (the perspective could be misleading and North’s shoes are thicker), we won’t be surprised if she surpasses her 5’2″ mom soon.

When the duo wasn’t getting zen, they were apparently letting their pent-up anger out. “After the scalp spa and still in our pajamas we went to a rage room,” Kardashian wrote on her Instagram story alongside a selfie of her and her daughter posing in their protective helmets and jumpsuits. ENews has screenshots of the since-expired Story HERE. We have to imagine the two smashed a lot of plates in there.

Kardashian could also be feeling rageful given the ongoing (never-ending?) drama with her ex. Earlier this month, West went on another Twitter tirade to say Kardashian has “taken” his kids from him and to call out A-listers and politicians who have not spoken up.

“Why is the celebrity world. Jay Z Beyoncé Kendrick Rihana [sic] [A$AP] Rocky included Trump Elon Why are you all watching and letting Kim take my kids from me in real time?” he asked on X. “Yall wanna say I’m acting out cause of things in my childhood But I don’t get to be a dad.”

He also tweeted, “I HAVE TO SUPPRESS THE FACT THAT MY KIDS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM ME AND EVERYONE JUST WATCHES.”

The rapper also claimed he hasn’t been allowed to see his eldest son “this year” despite being photographed with Saint in January.

A source close to Kardashian then told the Daily Mail that West had recently seen all his kids. “Kanye can see the kids anytime he wants, there are no limitations, but Kim is very careful also to not put them in situations that are chaotic,” the insider said. “Protecting her kids [is] first and foremost.”

Sometimes protecting your kids is about more than just their physical safety. And so, sometimes a scalp massage and rage room to protect their mental health is in order.

Before you go, check out Kim Kardashian’s best quotes about being a mom.

When elf Cosmetics first came onto the scene, it was an affordable makeup line full of hidden gems at the drugstore. In middle School through college, they were the brand we would go to if we needed a quick pick me up or only had $10 to our name. Fast forward to 2024, and e.l.f. Cosmetics has officially changed the beauty game. While e.l.f. Cosmetics is still quite affordable, with most products under $15 to $20, they’ve gained somewhat of a reputation. They have become the brand that makes lookalikes into really expensive best-selling products.

In recent years, e.l.f. Cosmetics has widened its product line to include different types of makeup, skincare, and more. Within the past few years, when they release something, fans instantly notice that the new product is either a lookalike of an expensive product in either the packaging, the product itself, or both. For instance, when the e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine came out, TikTok and Shoppers all agreed that it was insanely close to the legendary Clinique Black Honey Lipstick. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! We have gathered 20 instances where Elf Cosmetics has made an insanely affordable and insanely similar look-alike to best-selling products from premium brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Tatcha, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and more.

Now, you may be wondering: “How do they have so many cheaper alternatives?” Well, e.l.f is actually highlighting that with their new campaign, the “Dupe That” initiative, which is all about making quality beauty products accessible. In fact, along with their initiative of democratizing access to the best of beauty, they donate at least 2 percent of previous-year profits to initiatives. So quality from a brand that does good? Sign us up, seriously.

Below, check out the e.l.f. Cosmetics lookalikes you need to know about, and what shoppers say about them.

But, like all moms do, I got up in the morning as if I were refreshed (ha!) and tackled my daily to-do list. And when you’re the person predominantly responsible for managing children and a household, that list is never complete; it just keeps growing, no matter how much you manage to whittle it down. It feels like you’re building a sandcastle that the waves keep washing away before you can get it finished. We won’t even talk about the feeling of abject failure at the end of one of those days when you’ve been busy every minute, but have very little to show for it — every mom knows this feeling, and it sucks.

In light of this, we need a refresher course on what constitutes getting a “break” for moms. Because, partners of the world, there seems to be some sort of misunderstanding.

Going to the grocery store alone is not a break.

Just because we aren’t with the kids doesn’t mean we’re not still stressed to the max. We’re juggling the mental load of remembering what we need, deciding what we can afford, attempting to stick to a meal plan (that we had to plan in the first place), feeling guilty for everything we put into our carts that isn’t organic or a vegetable, and trying to recall which kid is refusing to eat what this week.

Going to Target with the kids in tow is not a break.

Sure, Target is a mom’s happy place, and we can get a coffee while we’re there. But taking the kids on a Target run is not like some gleeful shopping spree. Because kids. They want this and that, they wanna use the restroom, they whine and fidget, they don’t want to ride in the cart.

Cleaning the house alone is not a break.

Thanks, honey, for taking the kids to the park so we can clean with nobody coming along behind us and immediately messing it up. However, we’re still cleaning. Scrubbing pee off toilets and tossing socks into the washer and wiping up unknown crusty substances is NOT. A. BREAK. If we asked you to clean the entire house, would you consider that relaxation mode? Nope, didn’t think so.

Playing with our children is not a break.

Playing with kids is fun. For the kids. And yes, we like to watch their little faces light up as we make the doll say exactly what they instruct us to, or get jabbed repeatedly by a “doctor” giving us a “shot.” But while we’re pretending to eat imaginary food or snapping tiny accessories onto an action figure for the umpteenth time, we are counting down the seconds until we can get back to those nagging to-do lists … because nothing is completing itself, unfortunately.

And while we’re on the subject? Taking the kids to the playground isn’t a break either, even if we are just sitting on a bench. We’re too worried about them getting hurt, hurting someone else, or the scathing judgment of the other playground parents.

Basic self-care is not a break.

For the love, can we pleeeeeease stop referring to simple acts of personal upkeep as “breaks?” Taking a shower or a bath is not a break just because we’re not bathing someone else at the same time (and everybody knows that no one leaves Mom to take a shower in peace, anyway). Spending five extra minutes to shave or condition? Not a break. Exercising? Not a break. Pooping with the door closed for once? Not. A. Break.

In a nutshell, folks, we need to redefine what a break means for moms … because we are really getting the short end of the stick here. It’s unfair to expect us to count household chores and basic hygiene as some sort of relaxation time simply because we aren’t simultaneously wrangling kids.

You want to give us a break? Take something — anything! — off of our perpetually-overflowing plates. Tell us to get out of the house and enjoy ourselves, by ourselves for a few hours … and then make sure there aren’t things piling up in our absence, because nothing is worse than taking some time for yourself and then paying for it by scrambling to catch up later. Let us close the bedroom door and read, or watch trash TV, or take a nap uninterrupted. 

Yes, giving moms an actual break means more work (temporarily) for our partners as they shoulder the load usually reserved for us. But consider it an investment in the wellbeing of the entire family. Because when Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy — and when we’re expected to be grateful for the basics that everyone else gets to take for granted, the only thing breaking is our sanity.

With the holidays fast approaching, you might be wondering what to get your stressed-out and anxiety-riddled friends and family members. Or hey, maybe you’re looking for some pre-holiday self-care gifts for yourself. We don’t blame you — everyone needs a little treat this time of year! Self-care might seem like a luxury, because self-care gifts sometimes come with a higher price tag, but we’re here to tell you that these gifts don’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful. And just because self-care has “self” in it, doesn’t mean that it’s selfish to pamper yourself or encourage your friends to do the same! Giving someone a gift you know they’ll enjoy, and that might make their life a little better and more comfortable — or indulging in the same for yourself — is a pretty great feeling. 

Unfortunately, many of us aren’t able to whisk our friends and family away to an exotic spa vacation to unwind. But we’ll tell you a secret: the best self-care gifts out there are affordable because the last thing little luxuries should do is stress you out when the credit card bill comes in. We’re talking $50 or less, to be exact, and that’s totally worth it if you ask us. 

Here is a list of the best self-care gifts under $50 that you can give at any time of the year. Yes, that means birthdays, the holidays, when someone isn’t feeling well — any time they can use a little extra TLC. The only problem? These self-care presents are so affordable you might wind up keeping them for yourself. Consider yourself warned! From the chicest period products to some luxe skin-care items, your life is about to get a whole lot more chill. Of course, that’s totally fine and you deserve it — so maybe just order a few to begin with. 

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Tru Niagen and Love Wellness are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

“The final words my mama said, which I didn’t know were gonna be the final words … I was going to get on a plane and go back to see her. And she was like, ‘Maybe wait a minute because I think you just need to take care of yourself right now, Nicky,’” the Oscar winner said.

It’s a profound final message that Kidman — and certainly others need — to hear. “So, I’m doing that more,” she continued. “And I say that to other people in the world, and particularly women. I think we tend not to take care of ourselves.”

And she’s not just taking care of herself to honor her mother’s legacy. She’s doing it for her kids. The Big Little Lies star shares adult kids Isabella and Connor with ex-husband Tom Cruise and teen daughters Sunday and Faith with husband Keith Urban.

“Obviously, I’m an older mother so I want to be around for a long time for my girls,” the 57-year-old said. “They’re amazing girls and I’m lucky to have them. So taking care of myself means so that I can take care of them.”

Sadly, Kidman learned of her mother’s death soon after arriving at the Venice International Film Festival where she won best actress for her role in Babygirl.

“Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,” said Kidman’s statement that was read by director Halina Reijn. “I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, she guided me and she made me.”

“I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina,” the statement continued. “The collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken.”

In October, Kidman told The Hollywood Reporter that losing her mom has been hard.

“It’s a hard road. I’m hanging in there,” she said. “I wish my mama was here … Everything is great with work but I wish my mama was here.”

And we have no doubt that desire and grief will follow Kidman and her family, but while she takes care of herself as her mother asked, we hope she also takes time to do as her late grandmother asked in her last words: “Be happy.”

Before you go, check out how these celebrity parents are teaching their kids self-care.

Every year, I promise myself I’ll make a “significant” change in my life — from reading a large number of books and saving a certain amount of money to finally being a person who works out consistently. And while all of that relatively sounds achievable, I always fall short usually during the back half of the year — especially regarding fitness. And while I’ve maintained some of those goals so far, I’m working on staying consistent with my journey for the rest of the year — which is why I love using ClassPass.

In case you’re unfamiliar, ClassPass is a fitness and wellness platform offering thousands of gyms, studios, spas, salons, and more worldwide. Through the app, you can try out and attend numerous group fitness classes, book a massage, or anything else that pertains to wellness or self-care for a fraction of the price. With ClassPass, you pay for a certain amount of monthly credits that you can use anywhere to try and discover new things and activities without having to commit to a membership or annual fee at one place.

As someone who used to work at a gym in college, I can tell you memberships can be such a waste of money, especially if you’re not consistent (hi, that’s me!). Plus, the best part is that your first month is free when you sign up, so you can really find what works for you without spending a lot — see, we’re saving money already!

ClassPass Membership

$0 Free First Month $89 100% off

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ClassPass offers five different plans that start at just $19 a month. You get eight credits to use for that price, which, depending on where and what you want to do, can cover one to two activities. This is a good option for someone just starting out or with little time on their hands. After that, it’s $55 a month for 26 credits, $89 a month for 43 credits (the default for your free trial), $159 for 80 credits, and $199 for 100 credits. You can also buy credits separately if you need more for extra things. 

Over the past couple of months, I’ve found and tried different gyms, group workouts, wellness classes, and a ton of other stuff. But more importantly, I was able to get back into something I loved doing as a child: ballet. I’ve had the urge to get back into dancing for a very long time, but the work of finding a studio and committing to membership fees has always deterred me from attending a class.

With ClassPass, I was able to find a bunch of beginner adult classes around my city. I could narrow down which studio I wanted to attend and how many classes they offer daily and find something that fits into my schedule. And since I’m not paying for a membership with the studio, for the few times I don’t want to go, I don’t feel guilty for missing class. Instead, I just use my ClassPass credit on a facial or massage. Getting back into ballet has been one of the best things for me physically, emotionally, and mentally — which is self-care at its finest, if you ask me, making me happy and healthy. 

If you’re ready to tackle your New Year goals or want to try something different when it comes to wellness and fitness, I highly recommend giving ClassPass a try. You can sign up here now and get your first month free!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Sometimes, you deserve to treat yourself to something a little extra. And if that something extra is nearly 45 percent off on Amazon, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t treat yourself. Right now, you can grab a towel warmer for just under $60 and give yourself a spa-like experience every single day — your self-care days just got a lot more relaxing.

The FLYHIT Towel Warmer ($54), normally priced at $100, is a large-capacity towel warmer that heats up your linens with a single touch of a button. Just toss your towel, robe, pajamas, or favorite throw blanket into the barrel, and press the “Work” button. You’ll have warm and cozy linens or clothes in just 25 minutes — or, set the timer to keep your towels or blankets warm for up to four hours.

During a Lightening Deal happening on Amazon right now, you can save 46 percent on the FLYHIT Towel Warmer. Only 26 percent of the offerings have been claimed, so hop on the savings now to score yourself a never-ending spa day.

FLYHIT Luxury Towel Warmer

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“Great quality, warms up towels quickly and [I] really like the sleek look of it,” one five-star reviewer wrote on Amazon. “There is a light that indicates that it’s still hot which is helpful to remind the little ones not to touch it. Def recommend!! Will have to get another one for our other bathroom!”

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Another person added, “I’ve been wanting a towel warmer for a while now and I finally decided to buy it myself as a Christmas gift and it is easily the best purchase I’ve made in a long time. It gets soooo warm and cozy! Perfect for cold weather. And it’s so relaxing after you get out of the shower! … Highly recommend!”

It’s important to note that only fabrics made with natural fibers (cotton, linen, and silk, for example) should be placed in the warming chamber. Otherwise, you may have a mess on your hands!

Never deal with the chills stepping out of the shower again. Grab this towel warmer from FLYHIT while it’s marked down and treat yourself to a bit of daily luxury.

Before you go, check out all of the cloth face masks available online in the gallery below: