How to Create a Spa-Like Experience at Home

Honestly, is there anything more enjoyable than a day spent at the spa? We think not. Those hours of pure pampering are the ultimate indulgence, but when a spa trip isn’t exactly possible due to the compulsory lockdown, there are plenty of easy ways you can recreate a relaxing spa-like experience at home.

1. Load up on hot towels.

Giving yourself a facial? Rather than running back and forth to the sink to wash your face between steps, load up on soft cotton towels. Soak them in hot water, then wring them out until they’re just slightly damp. Use these to clean your face and wipe off any product, just like the professionals do at the spa. To up the ante, add a few drops of essential oil to the water—lavender or eucalyptus are both good options.

2. Engage your senses.

A large part of the reason why going to a spa feels so special is because all five of your senses are engaged. When setting up a treatment at home, remember to do the same and incorporate elements that are pleasing to your sense of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. Set the mood with candles, soothing music, dim lighting, a cozy robe, a glass of cucumber water…it may sound simple, but these little add-ons are what make even the most mundane beauty rituals feel special and spa-like.

3. Mask your way to clearer skin.

There’s no doubt that a good face mask is a quintessential skincare indulgence. If you don’t have a mask product, A DIY version will suffice. If you’re dealing with pesky blemishes, mix one tablespoon each of turmeric, raw honey, and milk (the mixture should be thick, not too runny). Apply all over and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. The turmeric is anti-inflammatory, honey is anti-bacterial, and the lactic acid in the milk gently exfoliates, leaving your complexion clear and glowing.

4. Make your shower more spa-like.

Even those few minutes you spend under the spray every day can become more like a full-body treatment, simply by changing the temperature of the water. Experiment by switching from hot to cold. This is good for the skin and helps improve blood flow.

4. Dry brush like a pro.

So many professional body treatments involve this technique, which is easy to do at home. Hop in the shower, but before you turn on the water, grab a body brush and brush in short, circular strokes. Move upward, toward the direction of your heart. Dry brushing exfoliates, improves circulation, and can help make skin look smoother.

6. Treat your eyes.

Cucumbers aren’t the only way to soothe tired eyes. You can also boil two chamomile tea bags in milk, then refrigerate them until cool. Place over your eyes for 10 minutes to help refresh eyes that are tired from staring at the computer screen for hours.

7. Create your own body buffer.

Fancy body scrubs at the spa often have many complicated ingredients, but you can easily create an at-home version with just two (yes, two!) items that are probably already in your kitchen. Combine equal parts granulated sugar with liquefied coconut oil into a paste-like consistency. Use it to scrub from head to toe before rinsing off (do so in the shower for easy clean up).