Many of us are finding it hard to navigate the stress of everyday life, especially in 2020.
A simple way to reduce your anxiety is to take dedicated time for yourself, light some candles, put on your favorite music, and host a spa night at home. It's scientifically proven that beauty routines can help minimize stress, so take as long as you like!
If you've been looking for a sign to indulge in a spa night at home, this is it. Read on to learn our best tips and tricks that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Set the Mood
Imagine a spa. It's usually warm, dark, and fragrant with essential oils.
Luckily, it's easy to mimic this environment with spa nights at home. Turn out the overhead lights, light some candles or incense, wrap yourself in your fuzziest, comfiest robe, and play some spa-like music. If it's a little chilly, consider adding a small space heater to the space.
Dabbing essential oils on your wrists, behind your ears, or on your neck is a great way to experience aromatherapy. Lavender is especially calming whereas citrus oils are more energizing.
If you're going to be taking a luxe bath or shower, stay in the bathroom while the hot water runs. The steam will imitate a sauna and help relax you further.
Spa Night at Home Skincare
If you're not a skincare junkie, no worries. There are plenty of amazing face masks you can make with ingredients found around the house. Best part? They're just as effective as the real thing (and more fun!).
If your skin is dry and prone to redness, try an oatmeal and honey mask. Oatmeal is known for its soothing qualities, while honey is antibacterial (so it helps prevent breakouts) and moisturizing.
Simply mix a scoop of oats with a spoonful of honey, add a splash of water and apply! Bonus points if you pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds for some warm goodness.
If your skin is more acne-prone, reach into your spice cabinet and try a turmeric facemask.
Turmeric has incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Mix one spoonful with organic apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has astringent qualities that draw out impurities and reduce oil. Simply apply the mixture and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
You'll rinse it off to reveal glowing, supple skin.
Spa Night at Home Hair Care
If your hair is looking a little dull, tangling easily, or dry, a hair mask can be a quick fix.
One of the most well-known, cure-all hair masks is coconut oil. It's affordable and easily accessible. Not only does it fight scalp sensitivity that can cause dandruff and irritation, but it will leave your hair shiny and smooth.
Simply apply to dry hair (how much you need depends on how much hair you have), gently comb through with your fingers, and wait. You can leave it on anywhere from 5 minutes to overnight. For an added dose of relaxation, consider investing in a satin pillowcase. Not only does it feel great against your skin, but it can help prevent wrinkles and keep your hair smooth.
Once it's rinsed, wrap your hair to get any excess moisture out. Wrapping your hair helps prevent damage and promote shine. Plus, it gives you the ultimate spa aesthetic!
Spa Night at Home Mani-Pedi
Adding a bright jolt of color to your fingertips and toes is an easy way to elevate your spirit. At-home manicure kits provide you with all the tools you need to buff, trim, and polish your nails to perfection.
If nail polish isn't your thing, no worries. A thick coat of clear topcoat can give your nails a sophisticated appearance and help protect against brittleness and cracking.
If your hands are feeling extra dry from the approaching winter or intense handwashing you've been doing, there are hand masks you can purchase, or (of course) DIY.
Simply coat your hands in an extremely emollient, thick lotion or cream, apply disposable gloves over, and voila! The gloves trap all of the moisturizing benefits and your hands will be smoother and softer.
Spa Night at Home Facial Massage
It's amazing what a little pressure from your fingertips can do. Facial massages are a great way to reduce a puffy face, stimulate blood flow for a radiant complexion, and sculpt your features. Make sure your skin is moisturized before starting your massage.
Apply steady pressure in upward and outward motions on your cheekbones, temples, and jawline, avoiding the delicate eye area.
Though it may take a few sessions to see results, it'll feel incredible anyway. If you've got fifteen extra minutes, take the massage to your neck, shoulders, and arms as well.
Remember to drink plenty of water afterward to help remove all of the toxins your massage has released.
Practice Mindfulness
A quiet and relaxed environment, like the one you create for your at-home spa night, is a great opportunity to tune in with yourself and try meditation.
Meditation is a great way to renew focus and relax your mind. There are even free, guided meditations you can find on music streaming platforms or online. Whether you take five minutes or 15, it's sure to leave you feeling more balanced.
If meditation isn't your thing, a few deep breaths with your eyes shut can do wonders to center yourself.
Do What Makes You Feel Good
More than anything, a spa night at home is about taking time to commit to routines and rituals that make you feel like your best self.
If that means following along with our guide and focusing on your outside self through skin and hair care, that's great. If it means ordering carry-out from your favorite restaurant and calling your best friend, that's great, too.
Self-care is all about tailoring rituals to suit your emotional and physical needs.
For more at-home personal care tips and tricks, check our blog.