Self-care is finally getting the credit and attention it deserves. Anything you do to keep yourself in good spirits mentally, emotionally, and physically can be considered an act of self-care. When you're looking to hit that trifecta, there's one fail-safe approach that always works like magic — the DIY spa day.
Everyone's ideal spa experience looks a little different, but the end game should always be the same: to feel rested, rejuvenated, and pampered. To help out those looking for a little self-care inspo, we put together a guide on how to indulge in the perfect home spa day. Get ready to reset!
IN A NUTSHELL
Main Takeaways: An at home spa day or evening can help you reset, relax, and minimize stress.
Good to Know: Lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary are all calming scents. Invest in an essential oil diffuser or buy a candle with one of these scents to help put you in a calm state of mind.
Recommended Products: Crème de la Cream Brightening Moisturizer, Rose and Shine Rose Water Toner, One Lip Wonder Lip Treatment, and Prince Charcoal Detox Mask.
Set the Scene
You can't have a spa day just anywhere — you need to create a space in your home that's relaxing, calm, and comforting. That can be the bathroom, bedroom, living room, patio, or all of the above. Your home is your oyster!
Wherever you decide to lounge, make sure it's clean and uncluttered before anything else. It's also a good idea to deck it out with plush, comfy cushions and pillows, soft blankets, mats, and anything else that allows you to sit or recline in luxurious comfort.
Get Sensory
Next, it's time to stimulate your senses. Start by surrounding yourself with soothing aromas. You can light a scented candle, use an essential oil diffuser, or spritz a bit of rosewater on your body and in the air. Some of the most calming scents include lavender, vanilla, frankincense, ylang ylang, and chamomile. You can also grab a bunch of eucalyptus from your local farmer’s market to create a wreath for your showerhead and enjoy scented steam alongside your baths and showers.
Harsh lighting can make or break the mood, so nix any harsh overhead lighting and bring in the candles, use the dimmer switch, or bust out an eye mask. If your idea of pure relaxation involves basking in the sunshine, open the windows to let natural light in or arrange a special place to rest outside if possible.
Finally, treat your ears to some mood music. That could mean a light classical playlist, natural sounds like a peaceful stream, or your favorite comforting jams. There are many great meditation apps available with curated playlists meant to de-stress and soothe. When in doubt, simply search “relaxing music” on Spotify.
Clean and Serene
Now that you have your at-home oasis ready to go, get dressed for the occasion. Throw on your comfiest robe, towel, socks, joggers, slippers, pajamas, or whatever you love to lounge in. Use a soft scrunchie, headband, or head wrap to keep your hair out of your face.
What you do next is entirely up to you, but you can't go wrong with a soak in the tub to start. Throw in a few drops of essential oils, bath salts, or bubble bath and sit back, sip on a refreshing beverage, and rest up! If you don't have a bathtub, a long, hot shower can be just as relaxing.
Once you step out, treat your body to a luxurious moisturizer or body oil. Pay special attention to dry areas like your elbows, hands, and feet, giving them mini-massages as you rub in your lotions and potions.
Now that your face is squeaky clean and your pores are open, indulge in a natural detox mask like our Prince Charcoal. Rich, thick kaolin and bentonite clays soothe and soften texture while the subtle scent of ylang ylang oil keeps things feeling serene.
Whichever mask you choose to spoil yourself with, be sure to follow up with a hydrating toner, such as Rose and Shine, and a silky facial moisturizer, like our Crème de la Cream face cream.
Finally, apply a lip treatment to keep your lips smooth and hydrated. One Lip Wonder literally works wonders to plump and soothe your lips.
Dote on the Details
Since you're taking a much-needed break for yourself, there's no better time to pay extra special attention to things you might normally skip. That means giving your feet some love. You can invest in a foot massager that gently works your tired muscles; or, take a bucket, fill it with warm water and epsom salt, and say goodbye to sore arches and soles. This activity is almost made for sitting on the couch and watching your favorite TV show.
Considering you're already parked on the sofa with clean hands and feet, it couldn't hurt to take a timeout for a DIY mani-pedi, right? You'll need something to do while you're finishing up that second episode, after all.
That's A Wrap
Feeling relaxed? This might be a good time to fix yourself a calming beverage, wrap your tresses in a nourishing hair mask and towel, and throw on a cooling eye mask. If there's a blanket nearby, what's the harm in pulling it closer? You'll need it in case you decide to take a little cat nap before returning to reality.
If you want a few more ideas to integrate into your "you" day, here's a short list of activities to help you decompress:
- Exfoliate your body from head to toe
- Give yourself a DIY steam treatment
- Scrub your lips with olive oil and sugar (followed up with a lip treatment)
- Savor a sweet treat, like ice cream or chocolate
- Use a jade roller or gua sha tool to massage your favorite serum into your face and neck
- Apply a scalp treatment
- Call a friend or loved one to chat
- Take some time to meditate
- Grab a book to read while you soak, steam, or lounge
While there's tons to work with here, you really don't need much more than a few good skincare or bath products, some comfy clothes, and maybe a nice candle to have a spa day that leaves you feeling refreshed and radiant.
So long as you're taking the time to check in with yourself and press pause on the hustle and bustle, it will be well worth it. Not only will you feel better, but those around you will pick up on your good vibes, too.
