Whether lockdown worries have caused restless nights, days spent alone with children have left you distraught, or self-isolation has simply left you feeling endlessly bored, it’s safe to say we’re all in desperate need of some self-care right now.
So, what can you do on Friday night if your ultimate independence is still on hold? Without a doubt, an at-home spa gets our vote.
You may not be able to get away to a real-life holiday anytime soon, but with the right pampering kit, you can transform a corner of your home into a makeshift spa, complete with DIY facials, skin-softening soaks, and a pleasant night’s sleep.
Check out our step-by-step guide to creating the greatest at-home spa experience, from setting the environment to choosing products and tools that will rival a trip to the facialist.
A perfumed candle should be lit.
The aroma at a spa’s entranceway is always pleasant – not overbearing (if done correctly), but just enough to inspire calm.
Burning a candle is the quickest way to get into a more relaxed state of mind at home (or spritz a room spray). You’ll be fine if you choose one from a line with aromatherapy roots. Grounding fragrances like cedarwood or sandalwood can help you regain your composure if you’re feeling emotional. Do you have difficulties sleeping at night? Lavender has been demonstrated in research to help people fall asleep faster and deeper. For true luxury appeal, a rose-scented candle is always a fantastic suggestion.
Set the mood with music.
The importance of background music cannot be overstated. Silence might help your mind fill up with muddled thoughts, but you don’t want it to become too overbearing. Finding the perfect spa playlist, on the other hand, doesn’t have to be difficult: simply search for “spa playlists” on Spotify or YouTube.
Quiet your thoughts
It’s best to unwind with a herbal tea – or perhaps a glass of bubbly – in a different room before attempting to make the space as peaceful as possible. Sit without your phone for half an hour, or as long as you need, and simply release and relax. You might also use a meditation app. Once you’ve feeling more relaxed, go to your preferred spa area.
Make improvements to your bathroom
Of course, any ideal at-home spa treatment should involve a long, hot soak, whether you like to read a nice book or simply lie still and submerged for a while.
When it comes to transforming your bath from ordinary to amazing, the possibilities are endless. Bath salts based on Epsom salts, which are high in magnesium, are great for easing muscle pain and getting you ready for a good night’s sleep, while a fragrant bubble bath is both indulgent and calming. After your soak, use a thick bath oil to smooth rough heels and scaly elbows, and a body scrub to smooth rough heels and scaly elbows.
You can’t take a bath because you don’t have access to one? You don’t have to miss out on anything. Place a few drops of essential oil at the base of the shower cubicle before entering; the steam will disseminate the perfume. Even better, deeply nourishing shower oils will keep your skin moisturized even after you walk out of the shower: simply apply your preferred oil to your skin before stepping in.
Pamper yourself with a facial
The highlight of your spa day will almost probably be a terrific at-home facial, and today’s greatest skincare products combine pampering with performance.
A fragrant balm cleanser will melt away stress, oil, and dirt, while a gentle exfoliation will leave your skin feeling refreshed and ready for the main event: your face mask.
For dry skin, choose a hydrating face mask with components like traditional shea butter, natural plant oils, or moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid. If you’ve spent too much time inside, try a gel-textured exfoliating mask. The skin will be properly decongested using a charcoal-infused sheet mask. For true salon-quality results, look to the most current invention: an oxygenating face mask based on expert treatments that restores a healthy shine to even the most stressed-out skin.
Mastery of facial Spa massage
If you’re looking to treat a specific skin problem, take a look at the profusion of at-home face equipment and skin-tech gadgets that are already on the (virtual) shelves. A jade roller feels exquisite when rubbed over your favorite face oil (especially fresh from the fridge), while a massage gadget is designed to mimic the lifting benefits of kneading facial massage. Simply roll it from your chin to your cheekbones to ease stress and encourage lymphatic drainage.
For serious facialist points, invest in an LED-powered face gizmo. These innovative devices, which were previously only available in salons, use different colors of light to address different concerns – red light boosts collagen formation, blue light destroys bacteria. They are, without a doubt, an investment, but the results are incredible.
Keep your hair in good condition
Right now, we’re all wondering about meeting up with our hairstylist again. While we won’t be able to cover those roots or snip those split ends (please don’t use the kitchen scissors), a deep-conditioning mask will keep your hair looking great until the salon reopens. Apply it while your face mask is working, or leave it on overnight for maximum swirl the next morning.
The long-loved argan oil mask is great for extra-dry hair, while the lavender offering wows with its rich oil-infused combination and lovely scent.
Hydrate your Skin
Finally, a good spa session should leave you with extremely soft and nourished skin. A chamomile-laced body lotion has magnesium, which can help you sleep deeper and longer, while a body oil can help you feel calm and grounded as you drift off for what could be the best night’s sleep of the year.