DO IT YOURSELF SPA AT HOME
Working at home can make the work and play boundaries blur, one blending into the other, so it’s important to differentiate to help wind down at the end of the workday. But without a mass exodus from the office or a happy hour to rush off to, how best to mark the transition? Fill your after-hours with an uplifting and inspiring act of self-care that make it easy to relax—truly relax—into downtime, a DIY Spa.
Personal pampering has many stress relieving benefits and should be incorporated as part of a low-stress lifestyle. This may seem like a luxury that only those with a little too much time on their hands engage in, but it's actually the stressed and busy among us who can benefit the most from the stress-relieving qualities of the spa experience. Relaxing your body can lead to a relaxed mind, and both can help to reduce stress levels, which can bring a host of benefits.
With just the right beauty products and a few DIY tips, you can transform your evening in into a 5-star experience. Get your perfect at-home spa night started with these easy steps for a relaxing night in.
1. SET THE MOOD
When it comes to creating a spa-like experience, it’s all about the ambiance. Set the mood for your spa day by turning on your favourite calming playlist, grabbing yourself a tasty beverage (champagne is always recommended) and lighting a few of your favourite seasonal candles. By creating the perfect space, you can help yourself dive deeper into relaxation and set the scene for your personal day of beauty.
2. WARM UP YOUR TOWELS
Have you noticed that spas never have chilly towels? Turn your bathroom into a luxury hotel by warming up your towels before you hit the showers. Don’t have a towel warmer on hand? No worries! Throw a couple towels into your dryer for a few minutes and let them warm. After about five minutes, pull them out and they’re good to go.
Pro tip: Throw a few hand towels into the dryer as well. If used damp, these tiny towels are perfect for steaming open your pores before a facemask or softening your cuticles before a mani/pedi.
3. START WITH CALMING BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Never underestimate the power of good aromatherapy. To start your spa day, hit the showers and reach for beauty products that come in calming scents. For instance, Hydrate shampoo and conditioner features a signature blend of ylang-ylang, bergamot, and patchouli that help to calm your sense and leave your hair feeling moisturised.
4. REACH FOR A HAIR MASQUE
Once you’ve cleansed your hair, take your conditioning treatment even further by using a hair masque throughout your strands. Not only are they super moisturising for the hair, but they can also help to soften and repair dry strands as well as maximise colour retention for colour-treated strands. Talk about a win-win in a bottle! Once you apply, allow it to soak in for two to five minutes before rinsing clean.
5. EXFOLIATE FROM HEAD TO TOE
While your hair masque is working, reach for either an exfoliating mitt or body brush to help gently exfoliate your skin from head to toe. To get the most out of this, start at your feet and work your way upward in circular motions toward the heart. This easy method helps to stimulate blood flow while shedding dead skin cells. The combination of the two helps to leave your skin glowing and radiant. Just be sure to apply a thick moisturiser after your shower to help restore your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
6. CLEANSE YOUR PORES
Once your hair has been rinsed and your skin exfoliated, it’s time to get out of the shower and apply your favourite facemask. It’s important to do this step as soon as you’re out of the shower since the steam from the hot water opened your pores. Open pores mean a greater chance of the nutrients in your mask penetrating to the deepest layers of your skin.
Don’t know what type of facemask to use? If you’re looking to battle a breakout, reach for a purifying clay mask. The rich clay will help to draw out impurities and leave the skin feeling cleansed. Need a bit more moisture? Try using a face mask formulated with vitamin B3 for an instant boost of hydration. Whichever mask you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully and time the mask accordingly.
7. POLISH, POLISH, POLISH
Now, it’s time for the perfect pedicure. Start by using a pumice stone on the rough patches of your feet to help buff away any dead skin. Next, apply a thick cream to help restore the skin’s natural moisture. If you want, you can wrap warm hand towels around your feet to help the lotion sink in even further.
After a few minutes, remove the towels and get polish. To ensure long-lasting colour, be sure to use a base and topcoat to seal in your shade. Voila – perfectly pedicured toes!
8. REST
Once your toes are polished, your body is scrubbed and your hair is moisturised, it’s time to hit the hay. One of the most important aspects of any beauty routine is quality sleep. Since you’ve been decompressing, now is a perfect time catch some shut eye. Sweet dreams!
