The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Amidst the hustle culture we live in, we need to slow down more than ever, take a break, and invest some time in ourselves. We desperately need self-care rituals that bring us closer to peace and tranquillity—even if for a little bit. With this in mind, we’ve curated this self-care routine for you with Egyptian product recommendations.

However, remember that this is a pretty long routine, so it’s not just your run-of-the-mill, everyday quick morning wash down; it’s more of an all-encompassing routine you can follow occasionally when needed. You can also always change it up a bit and adjust it to your liking!

1- Soul and More’s Short Dry Brush

As the debut of your self-care routine, you need a dry brush to lightly and GENTLY exfoliate your skin and promote lymphatic flow. We absolutely recommend Soul and More’s Short Dry Brush (EGP 240), which is practical and easy to use and hold. If it’s not for the proven benefits of dry brushing, just do it for the calming feeling it induces. Nonetheless, please avoid this step if you have sensitive skin.

2- Bobana’s Dead Sea Mud Mask

Another prepping step is to use a mud mask on your body (and face if needed) every now and then. Bobana’s Dead Sea Mud Mask (EGP 68) is the perfect bargain mud mask for detoxifying the skin. This is a step you’ll want to do before you get into the shower: Apply a thin layer of the mask, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then get into the shower and rinse it off.

3- Raw African’s Follicle Booster Oil

Hair oiling before showering is, for many of us, a non-negotiable. You’ve probably heard of Raw African’s Follicle Booster Oil (EGP 240 and on sale now)—for good reason! It’s honestly one of the best hair oils out there, and it genuinely stimulates hair growth and softens your hair.

4- Eva’s Hair Clinic E-Keratin Shampoo

A good shampoo is undoubtedly a must. Eva’s Hair Clinic E-Keratin Shampoo (EGP 110) thoroughly and deeply cleanses your scalp while moisturising your hair. Also, try washing your hair twice while showering, and thank us later.

5- Self the Brand’s Scalp Massager

You need Self the Brand’s Scalp Massager (EGP 350) to boost blood circulation while hair oiling and/or shampooing and elevate your whole hair routine.

6- Earth Bath’s Clean Rinse

For a hair cleansing experience like no other, start incorporating Earth Bath’s Clean Rinse(EGP 135) into your beauty regimen. It’s basically an apple cider vinegar rinse (infused with raspberry extract, so you need not worry about the smell) that clarifies your hair and removes any buildup.

7- Lazy Republic’s Scalp Scrub

You can either use Earth Bath’s Clean Rinse OR Lazy Republic’s Scalp Scrub (EGP 430). Both of them are absolutely phenomenal for removing any buildup, but if your scalp is sensitive, avoid this one at all costs!

8- The Bathland’s Hair Repair Mask

Infused with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil, and vitamin E, The Bathland’s Hair Repair Mask(EGP 280) is the perfect nourishing and moisturising hair mask to use in the shower. Leave it on your hair (not the scalp) for 10-15 minutes, and enjoy smooth, soft, and shiny hair.

9- Clary’s Hair Conditioner

Although you don’t typically need to use both a hair mask and a conditioner, it’s always nourishing and hydrating for your hair to use both—even if only occasionally. We are huge fans of Clary’s Hair Conditioner (EGP 255), which combats dryness and gives your hair life.

10- Self the Brand’s Exfoliating Towel

We honestly think it’s high time everyone stopped using traditional loofahs, gloves, etc. They’re the warmest and safest homes for bacteria! Instead, do yourself a favour and get Self the Brand’s Exfoliating Towel (EGP 285). It can be left to air dry, so it doesn’t stay moist, hence filled with bacteria, like all traditional loofahs!

11- Moj Soap’s Brazilian Clay Bar Soap

Since Moj Soap’s Brazilian Clay Bar Soap(EGP 275) is suitable for sensitive skin, pretty much anyone can use it without harm. Use this with the exfoliating towel to cleanse your body, and we’re sure it’ll detoxify your skin AMAZINGLY! The soap bar looks awesome, too, so that’s always a bonus!

12- Lazy Republic’s Body Scrub

A chemical and physical exfoliant, Lazy Republic’s Single Espresso Body Scrub (EGP 550) battles dead skin, ingrown hairs, strawberry skin, and rough patches!

13- Soul and More’s Shower Gel

Soul and More’s Shower Gel (EGP 180) is available in different scents and caters to all tastes. Their pink strawberry and oud scents are two of our absolute favourites, but they do have way more scents to try out. After using soap to cleanse your body, use Soul and More’s Shower Gel with the exfoliating towel so you can smell all clean and make sure the scent you choose stays!

14- Eva’s Moisturising Shower Cream

If you’re looking for something more moisturising than a shower gel, then Eva’s MoisturisingShower Cream(EGP 75) is the one for you. Formulated with milk proteins, this shower cream leaves your skin baby-soft. Just like the shower gel, use it after the soap with the exfoliating towel.

15- Glazed’s Glazed Donut Body Oil

Right after the shower, before drying your skin, use some of Glazed’s Glazed Donut Body Oil (EGP 300) all over your body. It’ll very deeply moisturise your skin and leave you with its rich fragrance. It’s actually a post-shaving oil, but you can use it without shaving as your usual body oil, which is exactly what we do!

16- Self the Brand’s Bathrobe

Gently dry your body with Self the Brand’s Bathrobe (EGP 1250), available in different colours, which is insanely comfortable and will make you feel all fancy and regal!

17- Shaan’s Body Milk

For the softest skin, massage your body with a generous dollop of Shaan’s Body Milk (EGP 200) after using the body oil. One extra tip is to finish with more body oil to lock in all the moisture.

18- Saponchy’s Cleansing Balm

Now, moving on to your skincare routine, after this whole “everything shower” and post-shower body care routine, you’ll want to start giving your skin attention with some of Saponchy’s Cleansing Balm (EGP 250). Massage your skin with it gently, but make sure you use it on dry skin.

19- Shaan’s Facial Cleanser

A very gentle cleanser, Shaan’s Facial Cleanser (EGP 150) is non-scented, hydrating, and soothing. We recommend using it after the cleansing balm for double cleansing, leaving your skin moisturised and completely clean.

20- Infinity Naturals’ Glowing Facial Mask Honey and Liquorice

You can choose any face mask you want depending on your skin needs and concerns. Still, we chose Infinity Naturals’ Glowing Facial Mask Honey and Liquorice (EGP 250) as our favourite for hydration, so we believe you can never go wrong with it for skin rejuvenation.

21- Hayah Laboratories’ Sebaclar Hydra Cream

Seal the moisture from the facial mask with a good moisturiser, like Hayah Laboratories’ Sebaclar Hydra Cream (EGP 215), which moisturises and soothes your skin.

22- Eva’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Although Eva’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum (EGP 210 and on sale now) is technically a face serum, we recommend using it on damp lips for super smooth, plumped lips.

23- Laqué’s Minty Plumping and Refreshing Lip Balm

We already have an entire article on lip balm recommendations, so you can check that out here. However, what matches this refreshing beauty routine would definitely be Laqué’sMinty Plumping and Refreshing Lip Balm (EGP 110). Use it right after applying the hyaluronic acid serum; you can’t NOT use a lip balm afterwards!

24- Braes’ Plumping Lip Oil

Housing jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and cocoa butter, Braes’ Plumping Lip Oil (EGP 99) is an excellent emollient to apply after your lip balm.

25- Joviality’s Strong N’ Long Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil

Our all-time favourite nail oil since forever, Joviality’s Strong N’ Long Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil (EGP 220) smells great, moisturises the cuticles, and grows your nails whilst protecting them from breaking!

26- Clary’s Hair Serum

On damp hair, apply Clary’s Hair Serum (EGP 350) before brushing your hair to moisturise it and stimulate growth.

27- The Bathland’s Hair Mist

To ensure your hair is not just soft and shiny but also smells incredible, The Bathland’s Hair Mist (EGP 130), with all its scents, is the right choice. (You can find other recommendations for hair mists in one of our previous articles here, too).

28- Kolagra’s Whitening Roll On Cotton Candy Deodorant

Kolagra’s Whitening Roll On Cotton Candy Deodorant(EGP 149) is hands down, one of the best deodorants on the market. It smells dreamy and lasts the whole day!

29- Nöje’s Body Splash

To finish off this whole routine, spray on some of Nöje’s body splash (EGP 350)—available in SO MANY scents—and we promise you’ll feel like a million bucks!