With salons closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, who knows when we will get to have our haircut, nails done, a massage, or enjoy a day at the spa. If you’re like me, you could really use a trip to the spa right now!
I have two daughters, one of whom loves anything beauty related. We have been having home spa treatments during this time of lockdown and they’ve been delightful ways to pamper ourselves, pass the time, and have some bonding together. Here’s what ours look like.
Home Spa Checklist
- Spa Music – Don’t have a spa music CD handy? No problem! Just open your favorite music playing app and search for spa relaxation music. Most of them have a playlist already queued up.
- A sink
- A shirt that can get a bit messy
- Towels
- A fun attitude! (I put this one on the list for myself because I need to remember it sometimes)
- Supplies for whatever treatment you want to do together. See below!
Spa at Home Ideas
- Nails – You can do each other’s nails, or just do your own side-by-side. Give yourself a mani-pedi! Take time to clean, buff, file, and shape your nails. Even if you stop here, you’ll love the way your nails look. But don’t stop there. Take time to polish them up. Do something fun, too. A surprising color, maybe make them look like springtime colors. After all, you’re not seeing anyone right now so you can live a little! Upgrade the polish by getting a gel manicure set with a setting light. The polish stays on quite a bit longer. Add in an exfoliating scrub (see below for recipe ideas) and some nice lotion and you’ll feel like you just spent $25 at the salon.
- Facial – Personally, I am horrible at giving myself facials. My daughter does them all the time, though, so I’m using her as an excuse to take better care of my skin. This one can get a bit messy, so the sink comes in handy. Wash your face, then apply a mask – or even two – and sit and relax while it does its work. Rinse it off, then apply some toner and your normal face products. That’s it! We have been using one mask to exfoliate and then another to moisturize. I’ll put those recipes below. This is another one that you could do on each other, or on yourself. Up to you and the age/comfort level you have with your daughter.Looking to upgrade your skincare regimen? I’m an independent consultant with Arbonne and our products are top-notch. They work, are great for your skin, and last longer than anything else I’ve used. You can shop at a discount by ordering through me, too!
- Massage – This one works best with a partner. If your child isn’t an age where they can give you a decent massage, then do this with your spouse one night. Lay on a bed, or sit in a chair, and let them massage your neck and shoulders. If you don’t have massage oil (because most people don’t), then use coconut or olive oil from the kitchen. Lotion works, too. You don’t need very much oil and it’s a good skin treatment for your skin. Start with a hot, damp towel to warm up your skin and muscles. Heat it in the microwave until it’s hot but manageable. Place it on the area to be massaged for 2-3 minutes. Then add the oil or lotion and massage for 10 minutes or so. Dim the lights to add to the relaxing effect. If you don’t have a partner or feel funny about having your kids rub you up, give yourself the gift of a nice electronic massager. I received one for Mother’s Day one year and it’s been heavenly. This is the one I have, but there are a lot of options out there.
- Bath – Obviously, I don’t bathe with my twelve year old. But this is on the list because I strongly encourage you to take a nice, long, hot bath. I used to think it was a massive waste of time to take a bath. A friend changed my view on this and now I really enjoy it, especially when I’m stressed or exhausted. I splurged on a bath tray, got a scented candle I like, and bring a book, my iPad, and usually a glass of wine. I just sit there in the hot water. No agenda. No one asking me to do anything. It’s bliss. You can dress up your bath with salts, essential oils, a pillow for your neck, and much more. But there’s something so wonderful about soaking in hot water. It’s as if the heat sucks all the stress of the day right out of you.
Recipes
Exfoliating Scrub
1/4 c. coffee grounds (not brewed)
1/4 c. white sugar
2 TBSP. olive oil
Combine above ingredients into a small bowl. Gently massage in a circular motion all over your face, avoiding the eyes. Rinse with warm water. Can also be a great hand exfoliator. Keep any leftovers at the sink!
Hydration Mask
1/4 c. yogurt
1 tsp. cranberry juice
1 TBSP old fashioned oats
Combine above ingredients in a small bowl. Pat onto face, avoiding the eye area, and let sit for up to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and finish with toner and facial moisturizer of choice.