How To Plan a DIY Spa Day At Home
Fancy a luxurious day at the spa? There’s no need to break the bank. There are many affordable DIY spa treats that you can indulge in. Roseanne McIlvane, a California-based Member of Hollywood Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Guild, IATSE Local 706 Journeyman Makeup Artist & Celebrity Makeup Artist shares some indulgent tips.
1. Clear the house. Tell your partner to figure out how to occupy the kids away from home. They could visit their grandparents or go to a movie and toy shopping. McIlvane asserts, “You might have to be heavy handed with your partner, but it’s worth it. Explain that you need this ‘or else’ you could have bad mood swings and take it out on the family. And who wants that? It’s negative for everyone and it’s so easily avoided.”
2. The Power of Tea. If you have dark circles and bags under your eyes, it means circulation is poor and there’s fluid buildup. The solution? Chill some wet teabags and place them over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
3. They’re Not Just for Guacamole. If you have an avocado that’s just a little too ripe to eat, mash it up in a bowl with a tablespoon of plain yogurt and honey. Spread it on your face and lie back for 15-20 minutes, then take a warm shower to rinse it off and reinvigorate yourself. The fat in the avocado works to add moisture to your skin and if you get some in your hair, no worries! It’ll help dry hair from becoming too dull and brittle.
4. You Want Me to Brush What? Dry brushing helps your lymph system drain, improves circulation and resurfaces your skin. Use a high quality bath brush. Start at your feet and brush upward toward your heart with long strokes. Repeat 10 times. Then brush from your fingertips to your shoulders 10 times. On your stomach, abdomen and back, brush in a clockwise circle for about a minute.
5. Pamper Your Hands. Blend 1/3 cup of your fave moisturizing cream with a few drops of both peppermint oil and almond oil with a banana. Throw it into a Ziplock baggie and bury your hands in it. Sit back and watch your favorite sitcom then rinse it all off in the shower.
Sometimes an at-home spa “day” is as simple as putting a cool cloth over your face and resting in the peace and quiet that you never get when the family’s around. McIlvane explains, “Place a drop of lemon or lavender oil on a wet facecloth and microwave for 30 seconds then let cool for a few seconds. A cold compress is very refreshing during a hot summer day! Try to take some private time in the evening after dinner when everyone is down for the night. It’s a great time for a bath. Put a mask on your face and relax in the bath, then rinse off in the shower.”
Shelley Moench-Kelly, MBA, is a New England-based writer and editor whose freelance clients include Google, L’Oreal Paris and TheWeek.com.
