How To Have The Best DIY Spa Day At Home
In the middle of a stressful semester, taking the time to relax and treat yourself is a must. Spa treatments at salons or spas can be pricey and aren’t necessarily realistic for everyone. Fortunately, a lot of pampering treatments can be replicated at home for a DIY spa day and can be just as fun. This list of treatments is great for the next time you need to unwind and give yourself and your body some TLC.
1. Face Mask
I love face masks and can’t seem to get enough of them. I do one at least once a week. They are a great treatment when your skin needs a break. Throughout the week, I tend to wear makeup frequently and face masks can help reverse the negative effects of wearing makeup on your skin. A face mask can help remove impurities and improve your skin’s appearance. This is a great thing to do after your skin needs to be refreshed. There are plenty of options available. Sheet masks are great one-time use masks that go directly on your face and are easy to use. Sephora’s own line has great options for sheet masks in tons of different scents. You can also opt for buying tubs or containers of face masks, which will last you for multiple uses. I recommend the Origins brand. Their Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay smells amazing and helps to exfoliate skin and minimize the appearance of pores.
2. Bath Bombs or Bath Salts
This is one of my favorite ways to unwind. Bath Bombs and Bath Salts make the water smell amazing and leave your skin feeling soft. It also changes the bath color and just makes the whole experience more fun. Lush is the most well-known brand for bath bombs. However, stores such as PINK and Bath & Body Works now sell them as well. They can get a little pricey, especially because they are only good for one use. You can find more affordable options from drugstore brands and stores like Target. Bath salts are also a great option for soaking in the tub. They have the same effect as bath bombs, but usually, don’t dye the water so they are less messy. (Photo from BargainBabe.com)
3. Body Scrubs
This is another extra step to pampering yourself that makes all the difference. This is also something I like to do around once a week. I use an exfoliating body scrub in order to get rid of dead skin and make my skin as soft as possible. This is also great for colder seasons where skin tends to get drier and needs more care.
4. Moisturizing
After exfoliating, I recommend moisturizing right away out of the shower or bath. I like to apply a thick body cream or lotion to my skin when it’s still damp. This allows the moisture from the product to completely sink in. This will maximize the moisturizing effects and guarantees your skin will be baby soft for days to come. Investing in a good cream or lotion is a great idea. It will keep your skin hydrated and in great condition. It can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the years to come. Properly moisturizing on a regular basis will help you combat drier weather that typically makes skin dry and uncomfortable.
5. Hair Masks
You can’t forget about your hair on pampering days. Hair often goes through a lot and therefore can benefit from special treatments. Hair masks can be found at the drugstore or at more high-end stores like Sephora. I love the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Pack. It is only a few dollars and can be found at Target. One package can only last you several uses, depending on how much product you use. You can also use more natural items that you probably already have in your pantry. Olive oil is a great hair treatment. You can heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave before applying to your hair to make sure it penetrates the hair. I recommend applying the product to wet hair after shampooing. You can leave it in, while you exfoliate or apply a face mask. Leave it on for around 20 minutes and then rinse it out and dry your hair as usual. Your hair is guaranteed to feel smooth and silky. For drier hair, you can also leave the mask on overnight and rinse it out the following morning to receive maximum results. (Photo from Allure.com)
6. DIY Manicure and Pedicure
Getting your nails done can quickly add up. If you are trying to be more budget-friendly, go to the drugstore and pick up some nail polish colors that you love. After soaking in the bath, dry off and get ready to give yourself a DIY treatment. Start by moisturizing your hands and feet. Next, file or cut your nails down to the shape and length that you like. Afterward, use a base coat on your nails. Then, paint them with the color of your choice. The key is to take your time and be patient in order for the color to look as neat as possible. Then, apply a top coat so the color stays on for as long as possible. With practice, you will be able to get better and better at doing your own nails. It will also save you a lot of money in the long run.