The Home Spa: Create Your Own Relaxing Retreat With These Simple, Cost-Free Recipes

Creating spa products at home is a fun, easy, and affordable way to relax and pamper yourself. All you need are a few simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible ingredients, such as coconut oil, sugar, honey, and essential oils. With these, you can make a range of products, including sugar scrubs, face masks, hair masks, bath bombs, and lip scrubs. You can also create a spa-like atmosphere at home by using essential oils, candles, and music to set the mood and enhance your relaxation experience. So, get creative, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a soothing and indulgent spa day in the comfort of your own home.

Simple sugar scrub

A simple sugar scrub is one of the easiest spa products to make at home. It is super effective for scrubbing away dead skin while leaving your body smooth and moisturised.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup sugar (either brown or white; preferably organic cane sugar)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• Optional: 2 tablespoons citrus zest (such as orange, lemon or grapefruit) OR 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (e.g. lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• In a small glass bowl, combine room temperature coconut oil with sugar using a spoon or fork.
• Add the optional zest, essential oils or vitamin E oil if using.
• Transfer to an airtight container, seal tightly and store at room temperature for up to two months. If you use the citrus zest, it will have a shorter shelf life.
• To keep the sugar scrub fresh, do not introduce moisture or anything else to the jar. Use a spoon to portion it out and do not double-dip. Always seal tightly.
• To use, massage a small amount into your skin in circular motions for 20 seconds. Rinse with water and gently pat dry.

Hydrating honey hair mask

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Method:

Combine the honey, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar in a microwave-friendly jar. You can heat the mixture in the microwave for a few seconds and then stir it until blended. Alternatively, you can use the mask without heating it. If you choose to store the mask, the ingredients will separate, so be sure to give it a good stir before use.

Apply the mask generously to your hair, from root to tip. Twist your hair into a bun or wrap it in a towel, and let the mask sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Finally, rinse the mask from your hair and shampoo as usual.

Benefits:

Honey is an excellent natural remedy for hair and scalp health. It helps to moisturize dry hair and reduce breakage. Honey also works as a binding agent, making it a good base for a hair mask if you want to include other ingredients. Coconut oil is another ingredient that helps moisturize and soften hair. Apple cider vinegar is also known to have beneficial properties for hair and scalp health.

Tips:

• Use raw, organic honey if possible, as it is the least processed and has a higher concentration of antioxidants.
• If you don't have a shower cap, you can make one using plastic wrap or a large plastic bag and tape.
• Start with clean, damp hair.
• Gently massage your scalp with circular motions using your fingertips while applying the mask.
• Leave the mask on for 30 minutes for best results.
• Shampoo your hair after rinsing to ensure all the ingredients are removed.

This hydrating honey hair mask is an excellent way to nourish and moisturize your hair at home, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy.

Olive oil cuticle cream

Olive oil is a great ingredient to use in a cuticle cream as it penetrates the skin and provides great moisturising benefits. Lemon juice is also a good addition as it makes the cream smell nice and can add to its overall freshness.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons petroleum jelly
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

• Whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and petroleum jelly.
• Apply a small amount of the cream to your nails before your next manicure.

This cream will help to moisturise your cuticles and protect them from drying out and cracking. It will also help to heal any existing cracks or damage.

You can also add a drop of lemon essential oil to enhance the lemon scent and further moisturise your cuticles. Alternatively, you could add a drop of lavender oil for a soothing fragrance.

Avocado face mask

Avocados are not just for guacamole and toast! This tasty buttery superfood is loaded with omega fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients that are good for your health and your skin. Avocados can benefit your skin in many ways when you add them to your DIY face masks. They soften and soothe your skin and may work as a skin conditioner.

How to Make an Avocado Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of rolled oats (optional)

Method:

• In a small bowl, mash a quarter of a ripe avocado.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (if you have it). Honey can help with a variety of skin concerns, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and can also aid in healing and reducing inflammation.
• Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Lemons are filled with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the skin and helps reduce pigmentation. Vitamin C also helps give the skin a flawless glow and prevents the avocado from browning.
• If you want to boost the effectiveness of this mask, add 2 tablespoons of rolled oats. Oats have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and treat the skin.
• Mix all the ingredients together.
• Wash your face with a cleanser, then pat dry.
• Apply the mask liberally to your face and neck.
• Let the mask sit for about 20 minutes.
• Wash off the mask with warm water.
• Follow up with your usual skincare routine.

Tips:

• You can stick the mask in the fridge for a few minutes before applying it. The cool temperature can help to reduce pores and ease fine lines and wrinkles.
• Avocados can be messy to work with, so be sure to remove any jewelry before you begin.
• Always do a patch test before applying any new product to your skin.

Turmeric eye mask

Turmeric is a powerful natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help minimise dark circles and reduce puffiness around the eyes. It is also known to correct hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin.

Ingredients

• Turmeric powder
• Pineapple juice (or buttermilk, lemon juice, orange juice, almond oil, etc.)

Optional Ingredients

• Chickpea flour (or rice flour, regular flour, ground oats, etc.)
• Honey
• Milk (or yoghurt)
• Tea tree oil
• Sandalwood powder
• Tomato puree
• Orange lentil flour
• Mint leaves
• Almond butter
• Olive oil
• Fenugreek seeds
• Coconut oil
• Papaya
• Heavy cream

Instructions

• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough pineapple juice (or alternative liquid) to create a thick paste.
• Apply the mixture to your under-eye area, being careful to avoid getting it in your eyes.
• Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes.
• Gently remove the paste using a soft, warm, damp cloth.

Tips

• A small amount of turmeric goes a long way, and it can stain the skin and other surfaces easily, so use sparingly and be careful when applying.
• For best results, use this mask once a day, 3 times a week.
• Always do a patch test before using, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• If you experience any staining, it can be removed by massaging the area with raw milk or yoghurt.

Variations

For a thicker, more moisturising mask, you can add chickpea flour (or an alternative) and honey to the basic paste.

For added skin-lightening and brightening benefits, you can include lemon juice or tomato puree in your mask.

Dietary Tips

For an internal boost, try adding turmeric to your diet. Drinking a glass of milk with 2 tablespoons of turmeric twice a day can help improve skin health from within. Alternatively, you can take turmeric supplements.

Frequently asked questions