How does someone who works at a spa treat themselves when they need a little TLC? A DIY home spa day, of course! Having created countless spa days for clients, I’ve concocted two of my own at-home spa day menus that will give you a much-needed dose of relaxation and bliss whether you have a leisurely afternoon all to yourself or an extra 25 minutes in the morning. The best part? While a full day at the spa will cost you hundreds of dollars, these DIY versions will only cost you a few bucks, tops. Don’t let life make you forget to take care of yourself. With these steps and treatments, you’ll see how easy, affordable, and beneficial a little pampering can be.
The Full Leisure Indulgence Menu
Do you love to relax and be pampered and can never get enough? Do you have a few hours to yourself this weekend? Take your luxurious time with this head-to-toe treatment menu to give yourself a recharge that will have you feeling like you’re floating on a cloud all the way to bedtime. Here’s the plan:
Step 1: Get in the Mood. Jumping right into a treatment can be a little difficult sometimes. Get your mind and mood into the “spa zone” with the right music and beverage. Slip into a robe, play your favorite relaxing music, light some incense, and sip on some herbal tea or Champagne. Let your body slow down and quiet your mind before moving on to the next step to fully enjoy the experience.
Step 2: Facial Steam. A simple pot of hot — not boiling — water is the perfect way to start your spa day. It will relax you, open your pores, and prepare you for your next treatments. Add a few drops of essential oil, fresh herbs, or even any kind of tea that appeals to you. Place a towel over head to help trap the steam and breathe in deep through your nose. Steam for 10 minutes and move on to the next step.
Step 3: Body and Face Scrub. Use any exfoliating body scrub recipe that you love and apply it in the shower. Most DIY ones can be used on the face and body. Exfoliating after a steam is a great way to help diminish blackheads, and prepares your skin for your facial mask.
Step 4: Hair Mask. Apply any oil hair mask or hair treatment of your choice, and wrap hair in a towel. I love being able to really let these soak into my hair while I do the next step.
Step 5: Bath. One of my favorite bath recipes is a can of coconut milk, a tablespoon of almond oil, and 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Your skin is ready to absorb moisture and nutrients from whatever ingredients you choose to add into your bath. Don’t forget to dim the lights, light candles and have your relaxing music playing. Stay in the bath as long as you please and bring that tea or champagne with you.
Step 6: Quick Rinse. Hopefully you are already starting to feel a bit like jelly (in a good way). Take a quick rinse-off shower and use a clarifying shampoo if you used an oil-based hair mask.
Step 7: Facial Mask. Get back into your robe and put on any face mask you have on hand. For a DIY option, fresh mashed strawberries is a personal favorite of mine.
Step 8: Foot Wrap. While masking, apply any foot cream or homemade treatment to the feet and put plastic wrap around them. Wrap your feet in a hot towel and leave on for 10-15 minutes. To make a hot towel, get a hand towel wet, ring out excess water, and pop in the microwave for one minute. Don’t skip this step — it’s the cherry on top that truly makes you feel like you are at a spa.
Step 9: Sleep. Remove your foot wraps and rinse your facial mask off with warm water. Apply your usual night moisturizer and eye cream, and just try not to be ready for the sandman after this.
The Speedy Express Menu
If you are a busy bee or just plain ADD, you still need to take some down time to take care of yourself every once in a while. This 3-step menu has treatments that are fast, refreshing, and soothing to get you back on your feet and feeling good so you can take on your day with full force.
Step 1: Body Scrub. Start your express with a buzz using this Coconut Coffee Scrub Cube in your morning shower. This Scrub Cube will give you great exfoliation and hydration. As a bonus, coconut oil and the caffeine in the coffee grounds are said to help with cellulite and stretch marks. To really wake up your senses, add 12 drops each of peppermint and rosemary essential oils. Make ahead of time to always have one ready to go.
Step 2: Face Mask. This Lemon Glow Yogurt Mask (see recipe below) is easy to make and works to brighten and exfoliate. Both ingredients naturally have Alpha Hydroxy Acids like many expensive peels and creams. While this mask is on you’ll be doing the next step.
Lemon Glow Yogurt Mask Recipe:
A large spoonful of any plain organic yogurt
1/4 Teaspoon of organic lemon juice
Mix ingredients together and leave on for 10 mins. Rinse with warm water to remove.
Step 3: Foot Massage. While your face is getting its Lemon Glow treatment, take some time to show your feet some love. Using any lotion or oil of your choice, massage each foot for 5 minutes. Wipe off with a dry towel (or a hot towel for added yumminess), and feel the relief! Now your face, feet, and body are ready to take on any challenge the day may give you.
Don’t have a few hours to treat yourself? Putting one of the best hot tubs in your backyard is an easy way to make relaxation easy. Keep it warm and ready, your stress will melt away at a moment’s notice. It might not have the same effect as a bath with essential oils, but it’s something you can enjoy daily!
Whether you do the Leisure Indulgence or the Speedy Express, I hope these will help you in taking time for yourself more fun and encourage you to do them often!
