I am a big proponent of frequently setting time aside for yourself frequently for self-care. For me, this can range from a variety of things. It could be as small as reading a book in the morning without any distractions or something bigger like a 90-minute massage. If you don’t have the time for a full, elaborate spa-day, don’t worry. Today I’m sharing how you can still relax with these simple tips and tricks for the perfect spa day at home.
As much as I love treating myself to a massage or a facial, these services are expensive and really add up over time. I try to budget for one of these about every other month, but in between appointments, I make my bathroom a relaxing haven for a DIY spa day.
And before you can make any excuses, you do NOT need a full day, or even a full hour, to enjoy a spa day at home. Even 15 to 20 minutes of quiet time can give you a little moment of zen, you just need the right tools and products. I usually set aside time for this once times a month, but I’m working to make mini spa days a bi-monthly or even weekly habit.
You can click on any oof the items in the collage below. There’s also a check list at the bottom of this post that you can save to Pinterest for later!
Everything You Need For A Spa Day At Home
A Nice Robe
Invest in a nice robe. There’s something luxurious about putting on a nice, hotel-style robe before or after a shower. Barefoot Dreams robes are worth the hype and the splurge; I’ve had mine for a few years now and it’s perfect for cool weather or if you’re generally cold. If you think you’ll get too hot in something fuzzy, you can’t go wrong with an airy silk robe.
Quality Bath Towels
Upgrade your bath towels. Nice towels are pricey, but they’ll last longer, and they’re something you use every single day. Even if it’s not your at home spa day, you can still have a moment of luxury after your daily shower with a set of nice towels.
A Candle
Look for scents like sandalwood, eucalyptus, or lavender. Anthropologie Capri Blue candles are always great, but I also love Nest candles and Diptyque’s Baies scent.
Essential Oils
As an alternative to a candle, try diffusing essential oils. This collection of calming diffuser blends is perfect for your spa day at home. Here’s my pick for an affordable essential oil diffuser.
A Soothing Playlist
One super easy – and free – way to turn your bathroom into a peaceful spa haven is to pull up a relaxing playlist. Spotify has a handful of playlists; just search for “spa” and you’ll see them pop up.
A Long Hot Bath or Shower
Turn on the hot water and draw yourself a nice warm bath or shower. I personally love a warm water bath, but if you don’t have a tub or baths aren’t your thing, then draw out your shower so that it’s longer than the one you normally do. The whole point here is not to rush, and to take out some slow time for yourself.
Bath Salts or Bubble Bath
If you’re taking a bath, I love using bath salts or some bubble bath. I also LOVE an Epsom Salt bath after to prevent soreness after working out and to reduce general swelling.
Fresh Eucalyptus in Your Shower
You. Guys. Eucalyptus in the shower is next level. It’s easy and affordable, and there is really nothing like inhaling fresh eucalyptus during a long hot shower. Bonus points because you can leave your eucalyptus hanging until it dries out for multiple uses.
Shower Spray
If you’re short on time for your at-home spa day and don’t have eucalyptus, try plan b: shower steam spray. Simply spray toward the floor of your shower, and the scent will slowly rise as it meets the steam from the hot water. The result? Instant aromatherapy to take even the quickest spa day showers to the next level.
Your Favorite Face Mask
Set aside a few minutes for your favorite face mask. Although I try to do a face mask weekly, sometimes life makes me forget. So, whenever I do a spa day at home, a face mask is always part of my routine.
A favorite of mine is Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask, which helps to hydrate dehydrated or dry skin. I’m also a huge fan on sheet masks! Here are some of my favorites:
- Joanna Vargas Forever Glow Anti-Aging Sheet Masks
- Sephora Collection Sheet Masks (super affordable!)
- Karuna Hydrating+ Sheet Masks
Give Yourself an At-Home Facial
If you can’t make a facial appointment, next best thing is to give yourself one at home. Line up your full skin care routine, do it from start to finish, and end by giving yourself a mini facial massage to boost circulation. You can even add in some eye masks.
Click here to read my esthetician’s professional tips on giving yourself an at-home facial.
A Facial Steamer
To take your at-home facial to the next level for your spa day, use a facial steamer.
Other than providing a totally relaxing spa-like experience, steaming opens up your pores, allowing skin care products to better penetrate so that they can work to their fullest potential.
Read all about the benefits of using a facial steamer here.
A Hair Mask
While you’re relaxing in your tub or shower, or while you’re giving yourself a facial, multitask by throwing on a hair mask. Let it sit, then rinse whenever you’re ready.
Body Scrub
For a full body at-home spa day, add a body scrub into the mix. Exfoliating your body regularly not only feels nice, but it helps slough away any dead skin cells for soft skin.
Here are a few of my favorite body scrubs:
- J.R. Watkins Detox Body Polish
- Herbivore Botanicals Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish
- Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub
A Dry Brush
Dry brushing also helps to exfoliate your skin, while increasing circulation to help your body detox naturally.
Start at your feet and work up toward your heart, using circular motions with medium pressure.
A Hydrating Lip Balm
Don’t forget to give your lips the TLC they deserve. Treat them to an overnight lip mask; I have super chapped lips and this lip treatment is one of the only products that has saved them.
Water or Tea
Finish your spa day at home with water or a hot cup of tea. Be sure to replenish and hydrate your body from any detoxing with lots of liquids. If you’re doing your spa day in the evening, try calming chamomile tea before bedtime.
You can also turn your 15 – 20 minutes into a full-fledged at home spa day by incorporating morning facial ice rolling, scalp massages, DIY manicures and pedicures, and even a virtual sound bath or meditation before you go to bed. Regardless of how you choose to do your spa day at home, I hope you end the day relaxed. And when you’re done, go ahead and book that facial or massage to keep your self-care momentum going. You deserve it!
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