Do you want to go to a spa, but have never been able to afford it until now? Why not recreate it at home using the things you already have? All you need is a little time and a pinch of creativity. You can use purchased spa products or make them yourself with what you have in your pantry! The beauty is that you can prepare all the treatments to suit your personal needs perfectly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating the Atmosphere
Step 1. Plan ahead
Don't try to recreate the spa when you have important plans in sight. You must have the opportunity to allow yourself a few hours of total relaxation. Make sure you have everything ready and on hand before you begin so you don't have to interrupt the experience.
You don't have to have everything listed in this section. Choose the products that interest you most
Step 2. To begin, you should have a clean bathroom and tub
If you haven't cleaned the bathroom in a while, do it quickly and hide all the clutter. If the tub looks dirty, give it a good scrub. One of the reasons why spas convey an image and a feeling of luxury is precisely the great cleanliness that characterizes them. In addition, a tidy bathroom will make the experience more enjoyable.
Before cleaning, turn off all electronic devices and get rid of any distractions, except for the mp3 player or stereo of course
Step 3. If you plan to take a relaxing bath, prepare some warm, clean towels
A quick and easy way to do it? Put them in the dryer for a few minutes, or leave them in the sun for a couple of hours. Once they are warm and comfortable, place them in a place where they are easy to take. This will add a final touch of luxury to your home spa.
If you have a bathrobe, warm it up and keep it handy
Step 4. Listen to soft, relaxing music, for example consider Zen, instrumental or classical music, or the sounds of nature
Some channels of popular video and media sharing websites (like YouTube) have specific playlists with spa music. Choose a particularly long one so you don't have to get up to start it up again.
As much as you like upbeat and upbeat music, it's best to reserve it for another day
Step 5. Dim the lights and light a few candles
They don't have to be scented, but a nice fragrance won't hurt you! If you are worried about lighting candles in the bathroom, get battery-operated ones, just avoid getting them wet, otherwise they will suffer a short circuit. You could also turn on some Christmas lights: they will be enough to create a soft and subdued lighting in the room, without being strong enough to distract you.
If you don't like candles, you can also use incense, wax canapes, or essential oil diffusers
Step 6. If you are planning to do other treatments, prepare a chair or an armchair
Treatments such as face masks and foot baths often take some time to work, the problem is that not all bathrooms have a comfortable place to sit. Unless you have a comfortable bench or chair, find a quiet spot in the room and have a small armchair or something in it, then decorate this area with more candles and portable speakers that allow you to listen to music.
Step 7. Prepare food and drink
Some of the more expensive spas often offer a buffet with candy or sodas. Nothing too sophisticated: usually in beauty centers water with lemon slices, herbal teas or champagne are available.
Opt for simple foods and don't overdo it: the ideal would be to prepare candies, chocolate, grapes, dried fruit or sliced strawberries
Step 8. Let hot water run in the shower for a few minutes to create steam
This will help open your pores, which will make the masks and creams more effective, not to mention that it will create an authentic spa atmosphere.
Part 2 of 3: Pamper yourself
Step 1. Choose your treatments
You don't have to do all the ones that are suggested to you in this section. Instead, try treatments you have time for, ones you think are necessary or that interest you.
Step 2. Get a facial steam treatment
It's ideal if you don't have a lot of time and will help you relax. Fill a large bowl with hot water. If you want to do a more elaborate treatment, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, a handful of fragrant herbs or a couple of tea bags. Lean over the bowl, then cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Sit in a comfortable place and relax for about 10 minutes, then empty the bowl and continue with the scrub, mask and / or cream of your choice.
Step 3. Eliminate dead skin cells with a face or body scrub
You can use a purchased one or make it at home with sugar and oil. Apply it in small circular motions, then rinse it off with warm water. If you are using a body scrub, try to rinse it off in the shower before filling the tub, this way you won't dirty the water you immerse yourself in.
Step 4. Try a hair mask
The hair needs as much attention as the skin. You can use a purchased mask or make it yourself. Apply it to damp hair, then collect it with a shower cap. Wrap your head with a warm towel to enhance the spa experience.
Try doing multiple things at the same time! Relax in the tub while holding the mask in place. Most masks should be left on for at least 30 minutes
Step 5. Relax in the tub
Fill it with warm water, then add whatever you like: bath salts, bubble baths, bath bombs, or essential oils. Enter the tub, lean against the wall and relax for 15-20 minutes. You can use homemade or purchased products. After the bath, put on a warm bathrobe.
- If you want to take a quick and easy bath, fill the tub with warm water, then add a can of coconut milk, a tablespoon of sweet almond oil, and 20 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Rinse off in the shower. All bathroom products are wonderful, but they often leave a residue. Once your body has relaxed, get out of the tub and drain the water, then turn on the shower and rinse off. If you have also applied a mask to your hair, take the opportunity to wash it.
Step 6. Use body butter
The best time to apply it is when you get out of the tub, when your skin is still damp. The oils and butters are rich, so they will penetrate deeply into the skin and make it silky. You can also treat yourself to a massage as you apply them. Use purchased butter or make it at home.
Step 7. Make a face mask and foot wrap at the same time
They take a little time to prepare, but a lot more to take action. You better do them together. Prepare the foot treatment, then apply your favorite face mask. At this point, massage your favorite cream on your feet, then wrap them in cling film and a warm towel. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Remove the towel and foil, rinse the mask.
- First make yourself comfortable by putting on a warm bathrobe.
- Moisten a towel, then heat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. You can also use spa socks.
Step 8. Take care of your feet
Fill a basin with warm water and pour your favorite foot bath cleaner into it. Dip your feet in the water, then relax for 10-15 minutes. You can pamper them further with a dedicated scrub, pumice stone, lotion and pedicure.
Step 9. Don't forget your hands
Take some leftover foot or body scrubs and massage them into your skin. Rinse, then apply your favorite hand cream. Finish with a manicure. It doesn't have to be perfect - just relax, listen to the music and have fun.
Step 10. Finally, relax in your bathrobe
If you don't have it, you can put on something comfortable, like pajamas. Read a book, do your manicures, put your makeup on or listen to music. If you have any food or drink left over, enjoy it!
Part 3 of 3: Prepare Scrubs, Masks, and More (Optional)
Step 1. Relax with some bath salts
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups (500g) of Epsom salts, ½ cup (90g) of baking soda, and 40 drops of your favorite essential oil. For an even more relaxing bath, add 60g of sea salt. Mix the ingredients until you get a lump-free mixture, then pour it into a glass jar using a spoon. To use it, fill the tub with warm water, then pour in 60 g of salts.
You can use various essential oils, for example you could mix 30 drops of lavender oil and 10 drops of peppermint
Step 2. Exfoliate your skin with a scrub
In a large bowl, mix ½ - 1 cup (120-250 g) of white or muscovado sugar and ½ cup (120 ml) of coconut or olive oil. Pour the mixture into a glass jar with the help of a spoon. If you want to make it even more special, you can add the ingredients listed below. To use the scrub, take a spoonful at a time and massage it into your arms or legs.
- ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon.
- ½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil
- ½ - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- 15-20 drops of essential oil.
Step 3. Make some body butter
Melt 1 cup (200 g) of shea or cocoa butter, ½ cup (120 ml) of coconut oil and ½ cup (120 ml) of almond or olive oil in a double boiler. Mix the ingredients, then let them cool in the fridge for an hour. Add 10-30 drops of essential oil, then beat the ingredients with an electric mixer until you get a light, fluffy consistency. It will take about 10 minutes. Transfer everything into a glass jar and let it cool in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. At that point the body butter will be ready to use.
- You can also use ½ cup (100g) of shea butter and ½ cup (100g) of cocoa butter to make it even more effective.
- Store it at or below 24 ° C, otherwise it will melt.
Step 4. Make a simple yogurt face mask
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and 1 ml of lemon juice or honey. Spread the mask on your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- Yogurt has naturally exfoliating and brightening properties. Try to use whole Greek yogurt if possible.
- Lemon juice can help brighten the skin. It is also suitable for oily skin.
- Honey is great for all skin types. It is naturally moisturizing and effective for acne-prone skin.
Step 5. If you plan to wash your hair, try a simple mask
In a small bowl, mix 100ml of coconut oil and 60ml of olive oil. If you want it even more nutritious, add 10 drops of argan oil. Massage it into your hair and scalp, then collect it with a shower cap and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Wash it off with shampoo: it may need to be applied twice. Finally, apply a leave-in conditioner.
Step 6. Exfoliate your face with a gentle oat scrub
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ground oats, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil. Massage the scrub on your face making small circular movements and try to avoid the eye area. Rinse it off with warm water, then close your pores by sprinkling cold water on your face.
- You can also leave it on for 4-5 minutes, as if it were some kind of mask.
- If you can't find sweet almond oil, try olive or coconut oil.
- If you can't find ground oats, you can grind them into a powder using a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder.
- Oats help to gently exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Honey allows you to hydrate it and eliminate the bacteria responsible for acne. The oil allows you to hydrate, nourish and clean it.
Step 7. Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub
If you're planning on wearing makeup, exfoliating your lips is ideal for preparing them for makeup! In a saucer, mix 1 tablespoon of muscovado sugar, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of olive or coconut oil. Massage the scrub into your lips and rinse it off with warm water. Store the leftovers in a small jar.
- To plump the lips, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- If you want the scrub to taste good, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 8. Treat your feet with a scrub
Fill a glass jar with 2 cups (500g) of Epsom salts and 60ml of peppermint mouthwash. Stir until the ingredients have blended evenly: the salt will have a consistency similar to wet sand. To use it, rub a couple of tablespoons on your feet, then rinse. Store the rest in a cool, dry place.
This scrub helps exfoliate and deodorize the feet. It will leave them with a nice feeling of freshness, so it is an ideal treatment after a long day of standing or walking
Step 9. Relax with a foot bath
Fill a glass jar with ½ cup (120g) of Epsom salts and 2 tablespoons (30g) of baking soda. If you want to make it even more effective, add 6 drops of your favorite essential oil - peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus are great for foot baths. Close the jar and shake it until the mixture is smooth. To use it:
- Fill a tub or basin with warm water, making sure it is large enough for your feet.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of the foot bath preparation;
- Dip your feet in the water;
- Relax for 10-15 minutes.
- Store the rest of the powdered mix in a cool, dry place.
Advice
- Store your toiletries in a cool, dry place.
- Instead of doing it all in one day, try organizing several spa days, focusing on a different treatment each time. For example, one day you might dedicate yourself to your face, another to your feet, and so on.
- Do this on a stressful day so you can relax better.
- Doing this just before bed will help you sleep better.
- Make sure you have everything ready and on hand before you start so you don't have to interrupt the experience.
