This time of the year is always stressful as we count down to Christmas and that’s why it’s important to take some extra time for ourselves . . . and just relax. Most of us don’t have the luxury of spending a day at the spa but instead we’ve put together a few great ways to treat yourself at home – without blowing the budget or adding to your stress levels! From budget beauty treatments to tried-and-true pampering tricks, we’ve got you covered. You may not be able to spare a day but even spending a night in to pamper yourself will make a world of difference to how you look and feel. Besides, staying in is the new going out dontcha know…?
GETTING STARTED
You’re much more likely to take time out for a little pampering if all your favourite products are in easy reach. I keep mine altogether in a box that I store in our linen cupboard and when the mood strikes me I’m good to go. If everything is easy and convenient you’re more likely to take the time out.
SETTING THE SCENE
You may not be in a “real” spa but who says you can’t pretend right? The key to really relaxing is setting the scene. Light some candles, search up a soothing Spotify playlist, start sipping on mint and lemon infused water and run yourself a hot bath. Taking time out to soak away your troubles is the best way to kick off your at-home pamper session.
Above: Keeping your favourite pamper products handy is key.
Above: A jug of mint and lemon infused water is great for your skin and it’s refreshing too.
DIY BATH BOMBS
A soak in the bath isn’t complete without a few fizzies to make it fun. And there’s no need to spend your hard earned cash on store bought bath bombs when you can make them yourself. Get the simple how to at A Beautiful Mess
DIY HAIR MASK
Languishing in a bath is the perfect time to treat your hair. I must admit I don’t often use hair masks because I don’t like waiting around in the shower for them to work their magic. But applying one in the bath is not only less messy but it means while you’re relaxing your hair is getting a touch of TLC too. If you don’t own a hair mask then you’ll love this easy and inexpensive hair treatment that you can make at home!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup honey
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 egg yolk
1 whole avocado
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Apply to clean, damp hair. Leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse off.
How it works
Honey: helps to lock in moisture.
Olive Oil: a natural moisturiser, plus it helps thin the honey for easier mixing and application.
Egg Yolk: rich in fats and proteins, helps to strengthen and reinforce hair follicles.
Avocado: its oils help smooth and de-frizz hair.
DIY Charcoal Mask
This is the best face mask ever – promise! It’s not only easy to make but the charcoal acts like a magnet drawing impurities out of your skin leaving you with a super clean and clear complexion. You can grab the recipe HERE
Above: This face mask always puts a smile on my dial because it makes my skin feel A-mazing!
SUGAR SCRUB
This simple Coconut Sugar Scrub is my all-time favourite body product. I always have a batch in my bathroom and tend to use it most days in the shower. The sugar is a great all-over body exfoliant and the coconut oil leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. The best way to use it though is in the bath after you’ve had a bit of a soak. For the silkiest legs on the planet, simply use a small amount and rub it onto your legs before shaving to help exfoliate the skin. I’ve been using the new Schick Intuition razors that actually lather and moisturise while shaving so there’s no need for any body wash or shaving gel either. Winning!
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup coconut oil (in a solid state)
15-20 drops essential oil or 3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
In a bowl add the sugar, coconut oil and the essential oil. With a hand mixer beat all of the ingredients until the scrub becomes light and fluffy.
Above: To give you an idea of consistency, this is what it should look like when it’s ready.
Above: The four-blade pivoting head on the new Schick Intuition razors guarantee a super slick shave.
DIY FACIAL
While professional facials cost a pretty penny, with a little effort and a few of your favourite products you can give yourself an inexpensive at-home facial. Here’s how you can do it in five easy steps.
What you will need. . .
facial cleanser
exfoliating scrub
washcloth
face mask
face moisturiser
Instructions . . .
Clean. Remove all your makeup and wash your face well with a good cleanser.
Exfoliate. Using your finger tips gently exfoliate your face using small circular motions.
Steam. If you’re in the bath simple run a face cloth under hot water and drape it over your face for a few minutes.
Mask. Choose your favourite mask and use it according to the instructions.
Hydrate. Last but not least, moisturise.
WHIPPED BODY BUTTER
There’s nothing better than hopping out of a hot bath and smothering yourself in rich body butter. This whipped body butter is my fave because it’s super easy to make and feels incredible on your skin. Simply add your favourite essential oil to create your own bespoke blend.
Ingredients
1 cup coconut oil (in a solid state)
10-15 drops essential oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
Directions:
Add the coconut oil, essential oil and vitamin E oil to a mixing bowl. Mix on high speed for 7-8 minutes (scraping down the sides of the bowls with the rubber spatula every couple of minutes) or until a light, airy consistency is achieved and white peaks form.
Spoon the whipped coconut butter into an airtight glass jar, and apply anywhere on your body!
NAIL CARE
No pamper session is complete without a mini mani. Check out these tips for achieving the perfect manicure at home from Something Turquoise. Then grab yourself a good book and a glass of your favourite tipple and relax!
Above: A few of my DIY manicure essentials.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
To celebrate the release of Schick’s Intuition Pure Nourishment and Intuition Sensitive Care razors we’re giving away a Schick pamper pack so you can try these super cool razors yourself.
To enter to win simply tell us in the comments below how you like to pamper yourself and click HERE to subscribe to our free Insider updates. By the way you can unsubscribe at any time if you change your mind – it just makes it easy for us to contact you if you win. If you’re already a subscriber then great – you only need to comment below.
Everyone who has commented and subscribed automatically goes in the draw to win. A winner will be drawn and announced here on 18 December 2016.
Good luck!
Above: Schick Intuition Sensitive Care razor has a skin conditioning solid that contains 100% natural Aloe with Vitamin E which moisturises and softens skin.
#schickintuition
The post Pamper Yourself: DIY Tips For Your Best Spa Session At Home appeared first on The Style Insider.