What comes to mind when you hear the words “luxurious life?”
Perhaps you think about expensive vacations, designer handbags or five-star hotels.
And while those can certainly be part of a luxurious life, this article is an invitation to go beyond that and consider the seemingly small things – enjoying an episode of The Golden Girls, a delicious homemade treat or a slow morning – as being luxurious.
Because, the goal with this list is everyday luxury and embodying that feeling.
So, let’s get right to it!
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1. Indulge in a Beautiful Face Oil
For many of us skincare is a go-to when we want to feel pampered. And for me, face oils have become the ultimate luxurious skincare item.
For example, meadowfoam seed oil, which has a very silky texture – looks about as thick as castor oil, but when you apply it, there’s no stickiness or heaviness.
Then there’s rosehip oil which I love for its musky scent. I know that’s not for everyone but I absolutely love it.
And then there’s plum oil which I recently experienced while using this face oil from Love by Jade. If you’ve never experienced plum oil it’s a treat because the scent has nothing to do with the fruit.
Instead it smells like marzipan or an almond dessert. I always say it makes my face smell like a French bakery!
Beyond how oils feel on the skin, there’s also the fact that they lock in moisture and keep the skin feeling super supple.
A must-have on my list.
2. Make Body Oiling Part of Your Self-Care Routine
Why stop at your face when you can pamper your whole body with oils? Try taking a few extra minutes to massage one into your skin after a shower or bath.
I love the feeling of a good body oil, especially when my skin is still slightly damp. It’s a simple way to keep skin feeling soft while enjoying a few quiet moments to yourself.
You can use an unscented oil or choose a lightly scented formula that appeals to you. The key is finding something that feels lovely on your skin and that you genuinely enjoy using.
3. Spend a Little Time in the Sunshine
There’s something about the warmth of the sun on your skin that can make the most difficult days feel a little lighter. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s the gentle winter sun or the warmer summer variety – you just want to bask and luxuriate in it.
Now, how you go about spending time in the sun is entirely up to you. You can:
- Go for a walk
- Sit in your backyard
- Enjoy your morning tea or coffee on a sunny balcony
- Head to the park on a sunny day and play with your pet, kids, etc.
Either way, there’s no denying that spending a little time outdoors often resets our mood and leaves us feeling like a million bucks.
4. Take a Leisurely Walk Around Your Neighborhood
This ties into the previous point but it’s listed separately because whether it’s sunny or not, a walk is a simple way to make your day feel a little more special.
For example, ever take a walk first thing in the morning when it’s foggy outside? It feels a little mysterious and romantic 🙂
Or take a walk in the evening after dinner and the cool evening air, plus the moonlight, give it a totally different vibe.
You don’t always need a scenic hiking trail or a special destination to enjoy walking. Just find small ways to enjoy it right in your neighborhood and you’ll be amazed at what a treat it is.
5. Bake Something Delicious Just Because You Want To
Food can be an everyday luxury, especially when you allow yourself to go in with full abandon.
That’s the joy of baking your own treats. Instead of worrying about making “lite” versions of a cake or cookies, go all in and give your taste buds what they’re craving (you know you want to!)
As someone with a serious sweet tooth, baking is one of my go-to luxurious experiences.
Whether it’s banana bread or chocolate cake, I love being able to make something exactly the way I want it. I get to choose the ingredients, adjust the sweetness and create something that suits my tastes perfectly.
And you don’t have to be an experienced baker to enjoy it. Even a simple recipe can make an ordinary afternoon feel special, especially when you get to enjoy something fresh from the oven.
6. Treat Yourself to Fresh, Delicious Fruit
Sometimes, a luxurious treat is nothing more than a bowl of perfectly sweet grapes or chopped up watermelons, or biting into a bosc pear!
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a juicy, ripe fruit and having the juices run down your chin or your hands.
You can make the experience feel even more special by serving your favorite fruit in a beautiful bowl, pairing it with a cup of tea, adding in some fresh mint leaves and…enjoying it outside on a sunny afternoon 🙂
7. Enjoy a Proper Cup of Tea
Part of bringing more luxury into our daily lives is finding ways to slow down. And making a cup of tea is a great way to slow down because you’re handing hot water – so you better be present and in the moment.
Whether you prefer a rich black tea, an earthy matcha or a fragrant herbal blend, there’s something comforting about taking a few minutes to prepare it and enjoy it.
If you usually drink your tea while working or scrolling through your phone, try setting everything aside occasionally.
Then give yourself 10 uninterrupted minutes with your favorite cup – you’ll feel like you just had a luxurious escape.
8. Give Yourself a Relaxing Foot Massage
A foot massage is one of those simple pleasures that can feel surprisingly indulgent after a long day.
Sometimes I’ll sit on the floor in the evening, grab a little body oil and spend a few minutes massaging my feet.
To make it feel extra special, I like to add essential oils. My favorite is ylang ylang, which has an insanely intoxicating smell that is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
I honestly can’t describe the smell because it’s unique.
Besides ylang ylang, other good ones to try are clary sage (smells like you’re in the woods), geranium and lavender.
9. Release Tension With a Gentle Shoulder Massage
While you’re enjoying your foot massage, don’t forget to work your way up to your shoulders and neck.
These areas can feel particularly tight after hours of sitting at a desk or looking down at a phone. A few minutes of gentle massage can be a pleasant way to unwind.
Just like with the foot massage, I like to use essential oils and body oils to make the experience more enjoyable.
10. Explore Gentle Body-Care Rituals
One thing I’ve become increasingly interested in is how different traditions approach caring for the body.
I’ve explored ideas from Ayurveda and Taoist-inspired practices, including body oiling and gentle breast self-massage. What appeals to me is the emphasis on slowing down, becoming more aware of your body and treating it with care.
What I appreciate most about these traditions is that it’s not just about caring for the skin. It’s about using skincare as a way to connect with ourselves more deeply.
In essence working with our energy and using simple skincare as part of our everyday spiritual growth.
11. Plan a Leisurely Brunch With Your Girlfriends
Few things feel better than a relaxed brunch with good friends, enjoying a delicious meal and having the kind of conversations that make you lose track of time.
You don’t necessarily need to visit an expensive restaurant, either. A neighborhood café or a casual brunch at someone’s home can be just as enjoyable.
The real luxury is having the time to connect, laugh and enjoy each other’s company without feeling rushed.
12. Give Yourself Permission to Sleep In
There’s something wonderful about waking up naturally without an alarm demanding your attention.
If your schedule allows it, give yourself the occasional morning when you don’t have to jump straight out of bed. You might spend a little extra time resting, stretching or simply enjoying the comfort of your sheets.
Sometimes, the best luxury is having nowhere you need to be first thing in the morning.
13. Enjoy a Slow Morning With Someone You Love
Some of my favorite mornings are the lazy ones I get to spend with my boyfriend.
There’s no elaborate itinerary or special occasion. It’s simply nice to wake up together, take our time and enjoy each other’s company.
Whether you’re sharing breakfast, chatting over coffee or lingering in bed a little longer, slow mornings can be a lovely way to reconnect.
And if you’re single, you can absolutely enjoy the same experience on your own. A peaceful morning with your favorite breakfast, a good book and no immediate obligations can be just as wonderful.
14. Put On Your Favorite Music and Dance
Sometimes, all it takes to feel like a queen is a song you love.
I enjoy putting on music and dancing around my home, especially when I want to shake off the heaviness of the day.
There’s no need to worry about how you look or whether you’re a good dancer. Just choose something that makes you want to move and enjoy yourself.
You can also create playlists for different moods, whether you want something upbeat and playful or soft and relaxing.
15. Make Room for Quiet Time
If you have a very busy life, having moments of true quiet often become the ultimate everyday luxury.
This can be time you spend reading, listening to birds chirp, meditating in silence and just enjoying the company of the voices in your head (I can’t be the only one who has voices up there, am I??)
Sometimes, giving yourself permission to do absolutely nothing is one of the nicest things you can do.
The Real Luxury Is Being Able to Enjoy Your Life
When I think about the things that make life feel luxurious, I notice that most of them have very little to do with money.
Yes, you have to pay for a face oil or brunch. But what really makes those experiences special is having the time and freedom to truly enjoy them in the first place.
And perhaps that’s one of the nicest ways to think about luxury: not as something you have to save up for, but as something you can create through the little choices you make every day.
You don’t have to change your entire lifestyle to experience more of it. Start by making room for one or two things that genuinely bring you pleasure, and give yourself permission to enjoy them without rushing to the next thing.
