The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Day Spa Experience At Home, By Helen Maree

There are many ways to create a spa experience at home. From lighting candles and playing music to creating different spa 'zones' in your home, you can easily turn your home into a relaxing spa.

- Set the mood by dimming the lights and lighting some candles. You can also add some incense or essential oils to enhance the experience.

- Draw yourself a hot bath and add some bath salts, essential oils, or even milk and oatmeal for a moisturising effect.

- Exfoliate your skin using a loofah or body scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and make your skin feel soft and smooth.

- Give yourself a facial by gently exfoliating your face, doing a steam treatment, and applying a face mask.

- Don't forget to take care of your hands and feet! Remove old nail polish, soak your fingers and toes, trim and file your nails, and apply a fresh coat of polish.

- Create different spa 'zones' in your home, such as a mud room experience in the bathroom or a relaxation zone in the lounge.

- Invest in some home spa gadgets like a foot spa, LED face mask, or facial cleansing brush to take your spa experience to the next level.

Create a spa ambiance with candles, music, and scents

Creating a spa-like ambiance is all about setting the right atmosphere to help you relax. Here are some tips to transform your space into a tranquil and luxurious spa retreat:

Lighting

The right lighting can instantly set the mood and create a sense of tranquility. Opt for dim, soft lighting instead of bright, fluorescent bulbs. Scented candles are a great way to achieve this. Their warm, flickering light can help you unwind and relax. Choose candles with soothing fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile. These scents are known for their calming and relaxing properties. You can also opt for unscented candles if you prefer a more subtle aroma.

Music

Music plays a crucial role in creating a spa-like atmosphere. Soft, soothing music can help you relax and de-stress. Opt for instrumental music, such as flutes, harps, and violins, or nature sounds like babbling brooks and gently lapping ocean waves. Combine different sounds to create a mix of soft, subtle noises that will enhance your relaxation experience.

Scents

Scents have a powerful impact on our mood and can help create a calming atmosphere. Infuse light, relaxing aromas into your space through candles, diffusers, incense, or essential oils. Scents like lavender, patchouli, chamomile, and rosemary are known for their stress-relieving properties. Remember, a little goes a long way. Avoid overdoing the scents, as too much fragrance can be overwhelming.

Enhancing the Experience

There are several additional touches you can add to enhance the overall spa experience:

• Offer a warm towel or two to melt away stress.
• Provide comfy slippers and a fluffy robe for the ultimate comfort.
• Freshen the air with lemon and mint-infused water.
• Create a soothing sound with a small indoor waterfall or fountain.
• Opt for neutral colours like white, tan, and light blue, which evoke a sense of calm.

Prepare a restorative bath with salts, oils, and bubbles

Preparing a restorative bath is a great way to unwind and relax. Here are some tips to create a spa-like bath experience at home:

Clean and Prepare the Bathroom:

Before you begin, take a few minutes to clean the tub, wipe down countertops, remove any clutter, and give the floor a quick sweep. A clean and organised space will enhance your relaxation.

Choose Your Ingredients:

The key ingredients for a restorative bath are bath salts, oils, and bubbles.

Bath Salts:

Bath salts are great for nourishing your skin and relaxing your body. You can purchase bath salts or make your own at home. Basic bath salt recipes often include Epsom salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt as their base. You can also add essential oils for fragrance and additional benefits. Lavender, eucalyptus, and sweet orange essential oils are popular choices. If you want to enhance the presentation and add extra nutrients, consider including dried flower petals such as rose petals.

Oils:

Oils can provide moisturisation and additional skin benefits. Coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil are excellent choices. They can be added directly to the bath or combined with bath salts beforehand.

Bubbles:

For a bubbly bath, you can use store-bought bubble bath products or create your own natural version. A simple recipe includes mixing warm distilled water, glycerin or coconut oil. You can also add essential oils like lavender or chamomile to scent your bubble bath.

Prepare the Bath:

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the bath. Start by running a warm bath to your desired depth. Be careful not to make the water too hot, especially if you have sensitive skin. Then, add your chosen bath salts, oils, and bubbles. Use a bathtub caddy to keep all your products within reach.

Enhance the Experience:

To create a spa-like ambiance, light some candles and dim the lights. You can also play relaxing music or listen to calming sounds, such as nature or meditation tracks. If you're seeking a spiritual experience, consider adding crystals to your bath or setting meditative intentions.

Post-Bath Care:

After your restorative bath, be sure to moisturise your skin to lock in hydration. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturising lotion or body oil.

Remember, the key to a restorative bath is customisation. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, fragrances, and combinations to create a bath experience that suits your unique needs and preferences.

Exfoliate and moisturise your body

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. It can be done in two ways: mechanical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation involves using a tool, such as a brush, sponge, or a scrub, to physically remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses chemicals like alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently dissolve dead skin cells.

Before exfoliating, it is important to consider your skin type. Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use, while normal skin is clear and non-sensitive. If you have dry skin, it may feel flaky, itchy, or rough, and oily skin will have a shiny and greasy appearance. Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others.

To exfoliate your body, start by having a bath or shower to open up your pores and make it easier to clean your skin. Use a textured sponge, a washcloth, or a natural bristle brush to gently scrub your body in small circular motions, starting from the ankles and working your way up. Pay extra attention to areas like your heels, elbows, and knees, which tend to be drier.

You can also add wet sand or salt to your exfoliation routine. These natural exfoliants can help remove excess skin flakes, but they may cause a mess in the bathtub and should be used with caution.

After exfoliating, always remember to moisturise. Exfoliation can be drying to the skin, so apply moisturiser immediately afterward to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

If you prefer chemical exfoliation, look for products that contain natural ingredients like fruits, milks, or sugars. Squirt the exfoliator onto your hands and gently rub it onto your skin in a circular motion, paying special attention to your face, and more specifically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Rinse your body with water to remove any remaining product, and finish by applying moisturiser.

It is important to note that exfoliation may not be suitable for everyone, and it should be done safely to avoid damaging your skin. Be gentle during the process, and avoid exfoliating if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned. The frequency of exfoliation will depend on your skin type and the method you choose, but it is generally recommended to start once a week and adjust as needed.

Give yourself a facial steam treatment and face mask

Step 1: Cleanse and Exfoliate

First, make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, and other impurities. You can use a detoxifying, pore-clearing cleanser, such as the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser. After cleansing, gently exfoliate your skin to help strip away excess oil and grime.

Step 2: Prep the Steam

Bring a small pot or bowl of water to a boil, using either the stove or the microwave. You only need a few cups of water. Once the water is thoroughly heated, carefully transfer it to a bowl and let it cool down slightly. You can use tap water, or distilled or spring water if you prefer.

Step 3: Add Essential Oils

To enhance your experience and create a spa-like atmosphere, add a few drops of essential oils to the water. Essential oils deliver a relaxing aroma and make your steam treatment even more enjoyable. Choose oils according to the aromatherapy experience you desire:

• Citrus-scented oils for an invigorating effect
• Lavender or chamomile for relaxation
• Rose oil for an uplifting experience
• Eucalyptus oil for the ultimate spa vibe

Step 4: Steam Your Face

Stand or sit comfortably with your face about a foot away from the bowl. Drape a sheet or towel over your head and shoulders to create a steam tent. Inhale and exhale slowly, allowing the warm steam to envelop your face for five to ten minutes. Keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation, and remove the towel and move away from the steam if you feel uncomfortable at any point.

Step 5: Apply a Face Mask

After steaming, you can further clarify your skin with a clay face mask or cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. Smooth the mask over your face and let it sit for about 15 minutes before gently rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Instead of a clay mask, you can also use plain honey to achieve similar results.

Step 6: Tone and Moisturize

After rinsing off the mask, sweep a gentle toner over your skin using a cotton pad. Follow this with a moisturizer to keep your face hydrated. Choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin type, such as a lightweight formula for normal to dry skin or a matte moisturizer for oily skin.

Do a mani-pedi at home

Mani-Pedi at Home

Doing a mani-pedi at home is a great way to save money and time, without compromising on the therapeutic benefits of a professional manicure and pedicure. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve brilliant results and have a relaxing spa experience at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you become a DIY mani-pedi pro:

Step 1: Clean and Shape Nails

Start by removing any existing nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover, as acetone can be harsh and stripping. You can also use a device like Mynt, which has a sandpaper head attachment for removing thicker polishes like gel. If you don't have a device, gently clip and file your nails to your desired length and shape. A crystal nail file is a good option to shape delicate nails and prevent splitting.

Step 2: Soak and Exfoliate

Prepare a bowl of warm water to soak your hands and feet. In a separate bowl, create an exfoliating scrub by mixing equal parts sugar and oil (olive or coconut oil). You can also add essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, vanilla, or lavender. Apply the scrub to your hands and feet, massaging thoroughly. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. This will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Step 3: Remove Calluses and Push Back Cuticles

Using a tapered head attachment or an orangewood stick, gently remove any dead skin and push back your cuticles. You can soften the cuticles beforehand by applying cuticle oil or vitamin E oil, which will also nourish your nails and the surrounding skin.

Step 4: Buff and Shine

Buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and create a uniform surface. This step will also add a healthy shine to your nails.

Step 5: Prep for Polish

Use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any dust and oils from your nails. This step will help your nail polish last longer and prevent chipping.

Step 6: Apply a Base Coat

A base coat is crucial as it protects your nails from the damaging effects of nail polish, preventing yellowing, peeling, and brittleness. Apply one thin coat to all your nails.

Step 7: Apply Polish

Choose your desired nail polish color and apply it in thin coats. Start by placing a small dot of polish above your cuticle, then stroke the brush to the left, right, and down the center. Two thin layers of polish are preferable, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 8: Apply a Top Coat

Once your nail polish is dry, finish with a clear top coat. This adds shine and acts as a protective barrier, preventing fading and chipping. Don't forget to swipe the tip of your nails to avoid chips when typing or tapping.

Step 9: Moisturize

Apply vitamin E oil or cuticle oil to your nails and massage it into the surrounding skin. This will hydrate your nails and cuticles, leaving them feeling soft and nourished.

Now you know the steps for a DIY mani-pedi, gather your tools and create your own spa experience at home!

Frequently asked questions