While the economic crisis has meant we need to cut back on a lot of things, TLC shouldn’t have to be one of them. Your budget may not stretch to accommodate hours at the salon, but that’s no reason to forfeit pampering all together. I’ve recently been introduced to the concept of a home spa day and I’ve got to say, I’m pretty sold. With a little ingenuity and a bit of creative thinking, it’s possible to recreate some of the luxurious salon experience on your own, at a fraction of the cost and without leaving your house. I’ve done a little research and put together a list of 8 steps to an amazing home spa day.
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A true spa day is about ‘me time’, and one that takes place in your home is no different. Get a little selfish: pick a day where you have no other pressing engagements so you can spend the time focussed on entirely on yourself.
Begin with a Body Scrub and Hot Shower
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If you’re keen to have a full-on, full-length day of pampering, salon professionals suggest you should start with a shower and a total exfoliation. Use a good-quality store-bought scrub all over your body, or alternatively, make your own from yellow sugar, olive oil and blended fruit (use either mango or berry – they smell delicious). Don’t wash your hair or face at this point: this initial shower is simply a way to prepare your skin for the treatments to come.
Frequently asked questions
Moisturise
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Before you begin your home spa day, scoop a little of your favourite lotion out of its tub and into a microwavable plastic container. Microwave it for (literally) a few seconds until it’s just starting to get warm and then apply. The cream will sink straight into your exfoliated skin and the sensation is super-luxurious.
Hair Mask
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Once you’re out of the shower, dry off and apply a nourishing mask to your damp tresses. When you feel that the every strand is well-coated pull your hair away from your face and wrap it all up in towel, turban-style. Leave the product in while you’re busy with the rest of your treatments; this way it’ll really have time to get to work on those tired-out locks. When you’ve finished with your spa day, rinse your hair with a hand-held shower, and shampoo and condition as normal.
Face Pack
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While your pores are still open from your hot shower, get to work applying whichever face pack you feel most appropriate. In preparation for your spa day, you might want to browse the shelves at your local pharmacy in search of the perfect product your skin, or, alternatively, make your own mask at home from the ingredients you have in your kitchen. Good staples include avocado, banana, oatmeal and egg whites.
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Pedicure
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While you’re facemask is working on your skin, you can get going with a home pedicure. Soak your feet in a basin of warm water for fifteen minutes or so. Once your skin is soft, apply a foot scrub to buff away dryness and impurities. Towel dry thoroughly, and then smooth out calloused areas with a pumice stone. Massage an appropriate lotion all over your feet and calves, trim nails in a straight line to avoid ingrowth and then paint with polish in your favourite colour.
Cleanse and Apply Cream
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Once you’re facemask has been on for the appropriate length of time, gently massage it off over the bathroom basin using luke-warm water. You may want to apply a cleanser to your skin, but more than likely, this won’t be necessary. Pat your face dry with a soft towel, tone and then apply a facial moisturiser in light, circular motions to stimulate circulation.
Manicure
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Your manicure should come towards the end of your spa-day because you’ll need to allow plenty of time for your nail polish to dry. To start with, take off the nail polish you’re wearing, and get to work trimming and filing nails into the desired shape. Once this is done, soak your hands in a basin of warm water for about 15 minutes; add a dash of lemon juice as a natural stain bleach. Then, with your body scrub, exfoliate hands thoroughly, working in gentle but firm circular motions and rinsing when complete. Apply cuticle oil, get to work with the orangewood stick, rinse and dry once more and finally, paint on polish in your favourite colour.
So there we have it: 8 steps to an amazing home spa day. Spending a few hours alone with your thoughts and your body products is a great way to unwind, but if you’re keen to enliven your spa experience, invite a few friends over for a group pampering session. Either way, you’re bound to feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a day of intensive treatments. Do you have any suggestions of your own to add?
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