On concluding transcontinental travel and airport layovers, my body desperately craved a cleansing ritual. Exhaustion was a dull hum, but the promise of Milan’s vibrancy and a carefully curated self-care package offered the perfect escape.
After an eight-hour intercontinental hop from Lagos to Milan through Casablanca, and an hour-long commute from Malpensa to the NH Collection in Milan, I only wanted to shed the lingering scent of recycled airplane air. I was in town for the 41st Milano Unica, and even with the allure of Milan’s undeniable beauty just outside my window, my body screamed for the immediate embrace of hot, steamy water. This wasn’t just about getting clean; it was about a full-body reclamation after hours spent in transit.
Luckily, Aisha, the brilliant mind behind 24.8 Skin by Aisha, anticipated this exact moment. A sweet care package arrived a few days before I left my home, and tucked inside were the stars of the show. It included a complete Restoring Set featuring a body wash, body scrub, and body butter. Additionally, a luxurious body oil aptly named Liquid Gold was also present. I already knew her decadent body butter; it earned its place in the inaugural edition of my “Elevate and Illuminate” feature. This wasn’t just about refreshing; instead, it was a meticulously crafted ritual to shed the residue of travel and step into the Milanese night feeling completely renewed.
Erasing the journey’s grime
First, I washed away the stale airport air and the lingering whispers of two continents. I needed something that felt both deeply cleansing and incredibly comforting. The Restoring Body Wash was the perfect starting point. The moment the water hit, a rich lather bloomed. Furthermore, its scent was divine. A truly heavenly aroma enveloped me, instantly transporting my senses away from stale cabins and bustling terminals.
Infused with goji berry for antioxidant power, nourishing vitamin E, and soothing rosehip, it offers a healthy glow. It proved both incredibly effective and surprisingly gentle. Significantly, there was no skin stripping here; just a pure, refreshing cleanse that left my skin feeling wonderfully soft and supple, not taut or dry. Indeed, it was the first true breath of freshness my skin had taken all day.
Exfoliating travel’s toll
My skin felt as tired as I did — dull and sluggish after the long journey. This step wasn’t about pampering; rather, it was about actively scrubbing away the weariness, literally. While I steer clear of mechanical scrubs for my face, for the rest of my body, the Restoring Body Scrub provided that invigorating reset. Its satisfying texture gently yet effectively sloughed away the lingering layers of travel fatigue and dullness. Consequently, it revealed incredibly nice, lovely skin beneath.
This was more than just smoothing; ultimately, it created a fresh canvas, invigorating my circulation, and leaving my skin perfectly prepped and ready to confidently embrace the Milanese sun. The feeling of renewed, baby-soft skin after the journey was simply sublime.
A much-needed moisturising embrace
Stepping out of the shower, the steam still clinging to my skin, signalled the moment for the true treat. My skin, clean but intensely thirsty from the changing climates and dehydrating effects of travel and commuting, was ready for what felt like a much-needed drink of pure nourishment. And that’s where Aisha’s magic came in. I reached for the Restoring Body Butter.
This wasn’t just lotion; instead, it was a sigh of relief for my skin. A rich, creamy balm that instantly melted upon contact. It deeply replenished all the lost moisture, instantly softening and smoothing, eradicating any hint of the day’s dryness. For dry skin girlies like me, this butter is an absolute dream. It absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy, leaving my skin feeling deeply quenched and incredibly comforted, just as it had for my “Elevate and Illuminate” column. I absolutely adore it.
Locking in for the night ahead
To complete the transformation and ensure that newfound softness lasted, the final layer was crucial. This wasn’t just about a luminous finish; furthermore, it was about locking in every ounce of that hard-won hydration gained from the previous steps. A few precious drops of “Liquid Gold” provided the perfect finishing touch.
As the oil glided over my now silky-smooth skin, it added a subtle, healthy sheen. It sealed in the moisture. It enhanced the feeling of complete restoration. Finally, the delicate aroma lingered, a gentle, luxurious reminder of the care I had just poured into myself.
With each product, I felt the layers of travel stress peeling away, not just physically, but mentally. The Milanese air, which hours ago was a distant, anticipated promise, now felt crisp and invigorating against my revitalised skin. The city’s vibrant energy, once something I was too weary to consider, felt immediately inviting. My post-travel shower isn’t just about hygiene; rather, it’s a sacred ritual that transforms an utterly exhausted traveler into someone ready to tackle the vibrant world waiting just outside the hotel door. It’s the ultimate reset button, making the journey, no matter how long, worth every luxurious drop.
