My Sunday TLC Routine: A Full Day of Self-Care, Skin, and Soul
Sundays are sacred in my world. They’re my chance to slow down, recharge, and reset before a brand-new week begins. It’s the one day I intentionally carve out just for me—and trust me, I take full advantage of it.
Whether you’re feeling drained, overwhelmed, or just want to treat yourself like the royalty you are, a solid Sunday TLC routine is exactly what your mind and body need. And no, it doesn’t have to be expensive or overly complicated. My routine is all about intentional rituals, nourishing products, and feel-good habits that help me reconnect, reflect, and reset.
Here’s my full, real-life Sunday TLC routine—from morning to night—broken down step-by-step so you can create your own perfect version of it.
Over the years, my Sunday TLC routine has become something I genuinely look forward to. It’s not about bubble baths and fancy face masks (although yes, those make an appearance). It’s about mindful rituals, slow intentional living, and showing myself the kind of care I often forget to give during the chaos of the week.
Maybe you’ve been feeling a little stretched thin lately. Maybe you’ve been running on autopilot, pouring from an empty cup, or just going through the motions. I get it—we all do it. That’s why this routine matters so much. Because sometimes, all it takes is one intentional day to shift your entire mindset.
So whether you’re:
- Feeling physically tired or emotionally burnt out
- Wanting to be more intentional with your time
- Needing to recharge from a high-energy week
- Or simply craving a little quiet comfort…
A Sunday TLC routine is the ultimate act of self-love.
And here’s the best part: It doesn’t have to be expensive, elaborate, or influencer-perfect. My routine is beautifully simple. It’s built around rituals that feel good, nourish my body, calm my nervous system, and bring me back home to myself. Everything I do is meant to help me reconnect, reset, and prepare for the week ahead from a place of wholeness—not hustle.
So, if you’re looking to create your own slow Sunday ritual, you’re in the right place. Below is my real-life Sunday TLC routine—from the quiet calm of morning to the cozy wind-down of night. Every step is something I genuinely look forward to, and you can easily tailor it to fit your vibe, your schedule, and your lifestyle.
Whether you have a full day to yourself or just an hour to spare, there’s something magical about devoting even a sliver of your Sunday to intentional, nourishing, you-first moments.
Morning: Slow, Gentle, and Mindful Start
1. Wake-Up Stretch + No-Phone Time
- No screens for the first 30–45 minutes.
- I begin the day with a deep stretch in bed, followed by a few minutes of quiet breathing.
- It’s my way of easing into the day without overstimulating my brain.
2. Warm Lemon Water with Sea Salt
- A big glass of warm filtered water + lemon juice + pinch of pink Himalayan salt.
- Why? It hydrates, helps flush toxins, and kickstarts digestion.
3. Light Morning Movement (Yoga or Walk)
- 20–30 minutes of slow yoga, stretching, or a walk around the block.
- I focus on deep breathing, mindful movement, and being present.
4. Nourishing Breakfast
- I love something grounding like:
- Avocado toast with a poached egg
- Oats with chia seeds, almond milk, and berries
- Or a superfood smoothie with greens, banana, flax, and spirulina
5. Skin Prep: Gentle and Hydrating
- Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping natural cleanser (like honey or oat-based).
- Follow with a hydrating toner (rose water or aloe-based).
- Apply a vitamin C serum to brighten and protect.
- Moisturize with a lightweight oil blend (jojoba + rosehip = magic).
- Finish with mineral SPF 30+ if I’m going outside.
Midday: Detox & Deep Skin Love
This is where the real TLC magic happens—Sunday is my dedicated skin reset day.
6. Full-Body Dry Brushing
- I use a natural bristle brush in long, upward strokes before showering.
- Benefits: Boosts circulation, exfoliates dead skin, supports lymphatic drainage.
7. Warm Shower or Bath (With Add-Ons!)
- I usually do one of the following:
- A steamy shower with eucalyptus oil drops on the walls
- A long bath with Epsom salts, essential oils (lavender or ylang-ylang), and a bath soak
- Optional add-ons: Herbal tea, music, candles, journal
8. Hair Mask + Scalp Massage
- Apply a nourishing hair mask (coconut oil, argan oil, or a protein treatment).
- Bonus: Scalp massage for 5–10 minutes to stimulate growth and release tension.
9. Face Mask Ritual
- Cleanse again lightly, then apply a targeted face mask based on what my skin needs:
- Clay mask for breakouts or oily skin
- Hydrating gel mask if I’m feeling dry or dull
- DIY turmeric-honey-yogurt mask for a glow boost
10. Post-Mask Routine
- Rinse with lukewarm water and follow up with a calming mist (lavender or chamomile).
- Apply a rich serum, then follow up with Gua Sha or facial roller massage to depuff and lift.
- Seal everything in with a thicker moisturizer or balm if needed.
Afternoon: Inner Wellness + Creative Reset
Sundays aren’t just for pampering your skin—they’re for nourishing your soul.
11. Journal + Intention Setting
- I spend at least 15 minutes with my journal:
- Reflecting on the past week
- Brain-dumping thoughts or worries
- Writing down 3 intentions for the coming week
12. Creative Time (Off-Screen)
- Paint, cook something new, garden, organize, or simply sit outside with a book.
- The goal is to be present and create something without judgment or pressure.
13. Gut Health & Midday Snack
- I sip herbal tea (like peppermint or ginger) and have a snack that fuels me:
- Coconut yogurt with cinnamon and flax
- A handful of almonds and dates
- Fresh fruit with nut butter
Evening: Wind Down + Deep Nourishment
14. Early Light Dinner
- I opt for something light and nourishing like:
- Lentil or veggie soup
- Stir-fried greens with rice and tahini
- A quinoa bowl with roasted veggies and avocado
15. Gratitude & Spiritual Practice
- Whether it’s prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection, I like to connect with something deeper.
- I write down 3 things I’m grateful for, and sometimes pull a card or read something uplifting.
16. Night Skincare Wind Down
- Double cleanse if I wore SPF or makeup.
- Use a hydrating toner or essence.
- Apply a night serum (like bakuchiol or hyaluronic acid).
- Finish with a rich night cream or sleep mask.
Bonus: I do a 5-minute facial massage or lymphatic drainage using an oil-based balm to help me relax before bed.
17. Bedtime Rituals
- Screen-free zone at least 45 minutes before sleep.
- Lavender or magnesium spray on my pillow.
- Herbal tea or moon milk (turmeric + almond milk + cinnamon).
- Soft music, white noise, or guided sleep meditation.
Favorite Natural Products I Use (and Love)
Here’s a peek at some of my go-to natural self-care essentials:
- Cleansers: Raw honey, oat milk cleanser
- Serums: Vitamin C, plant-based hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol
- Oils: Rosehip, jojoba, marula
- Hair care: DIY coconut + argan hair oil, rosemary scalp tonic
- Body care: Dry brush, magnesium lotion, shea butter balm
- Tools: Gua sha stone, facial roller, scalp brush, silk pillowcase
Table of Contents
FAQ: Common Questions About My TLC Routine
Q: How long does your Sunday routine take?
A: It’s spread throughout the day! I don’t do it all in one go—it’s sprinkled between relaxing, journaling, and just enjoying my time. You can customize it to fit your own schedule.
Q: What if I only have 1–2 hours?
A: Focus on your favorite 3–4 rituals—maybe a face mask, journal session, and a calming bath. TLC is about how you do things, not how much you do.
Q: Do you use all-natural or clean products?
A: Yes! I try to use clean, cruelty-free, and mostly natural products with simple ingredients. I also DIY a lot of masks and oils.
Q: What’s your favorite step of the routine?
A: Hard to pick just one! But I love dry brushing before a bath—it’s such a small ritual but makes me feel instantly refreshed and energized.
Final Thoughts: Why Sunday TLC Matters So Much
In a world where we’re constantly rushing, multitasking, and glued to our screens, Sunday TLC has become my non-negotiable reset ritual. It helps me return to myself, clear my mind, and show my body the love and care it truly deserves.
This routine isn’t about chasing perfection or keeping up with anyone else’s wellness goals—it’s about feeling grounded, refreshed, and in control before heading into the chaos of the week ahead.
So if you’re looking for permission to slow down and prioritize you—this is it. Your body, skin, and soul are always listening. Give them the kindness they need, and they’ll thank you for it.