While you’re filling the tub, dim the lights (or turn them off completely if necessary) and light some candles. Pour yourself a glass or cup of your favorite drink.
Spas will often offer you a choice between a seaweed or mud mask. Seaweed masks are difficult to do at home, but you can make a simple mud mask with cosmetic clay.
To make the mask, mix ½ a cup of clay with 2 tablespoons of water until you have a thick paste. Apply it while your bath is running, leave it for 10 minutes, and then rinse off.
While the tub is filling up, add some bath salts or essential oils. These will make your bath seem even more spa-like and give you the benefit of aromatherapy.
You may find that your back, neck, or shoulders are sore from the day’s activities. Knead them as needed with your fingers to relieve tension.
After your clay mask, the pores of your skin will be open and ready to be exfoliated. Use a loofah or body scrub to exfoliate your skin all over.
Once you have applied your body lotion, put on a bathrobe and stay it for a while until the lotion has been fully absorbed into your skin.
Once you are out of the bath and have dried your skin, don’t forget to apply a moisturizing lotion. This will help to lock the moisture into your skin and keep it hydrated.
Exfoliation is an important step to take if you want to achieve that silky smooth effect for your skin. Try to use circular motions to remove any dead skin cells.
Place a towel over the back of your head and bring your face close enough to the water that the steam reaches it. Stay there for two or three minutes while the steam works its magic.
Steam treatments are great for opening pores so you can remove dirt. Start by filling a pot with water and heating it on the stove until you see it begin to steam.
With the bath stage over, it is time to move onto your facial. The first step is exfoliation, which you can do by wetting your face and using a cloth or brush to scrub away the dead skin.
You can either buy a mask, or make one for yourself at home using ingredients such as honey and olive oil. There are plenty of recipes you can find online.
Just as with the skin on your body, a mask will work wonders for the skin on your face. Apply the mask, leave it to work for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off.
The final stage of the facial is to apply a moisturizer. A moisturizer, whether store-bought or homemade, will lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Try not to scrub too hard, as your skin is delicate and you don’t want to damage it. Facial scrubs also work well, so if you prefer to use those go ahead.
The first step to take in the manicure is to remove any existing or leftover nail polish. You need a clean slate to work with.
If you have very dry skin, you might consider using coconut oil, although this can cause pimples if you are prone to developing clogged pores.
Try to use a nail polish remover without acetone if possible, since acetone is very drying. You should be able to find this reasonably easily in stores.
The recommended shape for fingernails is a crescent, so aim for that. Use a file to smooth out any rough spots and even out your nails.
Once you have removed your nail polish, prepare a bowl of warm water and soak your fingers in it for five minutes with your nails completely submerged.
This will help to soften the nails, which will make them easier to trim and shape. Avoid using any soaps or oils in the soaking water, as this will only leave residue.
Be careful not to tear or remove your cuticles, since you need them to prevent your fingers from infection. A professional might be able to remove them safely, but it’s not recommended DIY.
After the five minutes have passed, take your hands out of the water and pat them dry. Use your nail clippers or scissors to trim and shape your nails.
In the final step, apply nail polish. The best manicures involve three stages of polish: base coat, color coat, and top coat. For maximum coverage, apply more than one color coat.
Start by painting each nail on either side and then fill in the middle. Make sure you leave them to dry between coats, so as to prevent smudging.
Sources: (WikiHow)
Using a cuticle pusher or orange stick, gently push back the cuticles on your nails until they are no longer visible.
You don’t have to stop at salts and oils, either. If it’s bubble bath or even bath bombs you like, go for it. If you suffer with dry skin, consider bath milk, as this will moisturize your skin.
Another spa classic is, of course, a massage. While you may not be able to give yourself the level of massage that a professional can, you can definitely give it a go.
The best place to start for a home spa day is the bathroom. Draw yourself a bath at just the right temperature for you, whether you like it piping hot or just warm.
If you have ever been to a spa, you'll know that they are a great way to relax, unwind, and forget about the stresses of everyday life. Unfortunately, spas can be a bit pricey to say the least, and not all of us have the luxury of time or money to visit the spa on a regular basis.
Luckily, there are things you can do to recreate the spa experience for yourself. Check out this gallery for some tips on how to have a relaxing spa day at home.
Tips to have a relaxing spa day at home
Recreate relaxation, on a budget
LIFESTYLE Relaxation
If you have ever been to a spa, you'll know that they are a great way to relax, unwind, and forget about the stresses of everyday life. Unfortunately, spas can be a bit pricey to say the least, and not all of us have the luxury of time or money to visit the spa on a regular basis.
Luckily, there are things you can do to recreate the spa experience for yourself. Check out this gallery for some tips on how to have a relaxing spa day at home.