The mid-winter doldrums might be starting to set in; the holidays are over, the sun sets way too early, and the cold, dry winter air is wreaking havoc on your skin. It’s time to treat yourself to a little TLC with an at-home spa day. If you were lucky, you might’ve gotten some fancy-schmancy at-home spa products under the Christmas tree this year. If you didn’t, well, then you have all the more reason to go out and get yourself some. (Hey, maybe they’re marked down now that the holidays are over!)
While you could use my typical strategy — which I don’t recommend, by the way — of impulsively swiping products into my cart in the skincare section of Target, you could also take the advice of thousands of reviewers for spa products online. Under that theory, we’ve scoured the internet (and even TikTok) for some fan faves. Here’s just a few of the products you could use to make your home into your very own bougie spa.
First Step: Create a Relaxing Ambience
One of the biggest differences between a super-luxurious spa and your own bathroom is the ambience. Luckily, this is easily remedied! Here are a few items that can make a big difference in creating your own, relaxing atmosphere in which to indulge.
Plush, Weighted Robe
Until I’d actually experienced some upscale pampering at a fancy spa, I had no idea that a weighted robe was something every woman should have. Sure, many of us have a robe already (or multiple robes, if your family runs out of gift ideas when your birthday comes around), but are they weighted? Robes like this one from Thera are great for reducing stress and reminding you that it’s time to relax.
Signature Scents
Walk into any day spa, and one of the first things you’ll notice is some kind of herbal scent permeating the air. Much of the time, these scents are carefully cultivated by their brand to induce relaxation, and you can do the same at home. Aromatherapy isn’t new, by any means, but how you go about it can make a big difference. Skip the Glade Plug-Ins and go for something that adds some calming ambience, like candles with a wooden wick, or one of these virally-popular essential-oil diffusers.
If you don’t already have a favorite scent, choose from the ones the spas typically use: Lavender, bergamot, sandalwood, frankincense, citrus, clary sage, chamomile, eucalyptus, rose, and jasmine are all good choices for soothing fragrances.
Pampering Products That Are Worth It
Not all at-home spa products are made the same. Sure, I’ve found some winners during my Target impulse-buying sprees, but it’s been mostly hit-or-miss. Here are a few products that people are absolutely obsessed with — including old remedies and some newcomers — and worth the wait if you have to order them online.
Hot Bath Soaking Additives
Epsom salt soaks are an age-old remedy for relieving muscle pain and swelling, dry skin, and stress. Although there aren’t any hard-and-fast scientific studies that prove epsom salt soaks are truly effective, there’s no question that a warm bath with some epsom salt sprinkled in can aid in your quest to treat yourself. If you get some that are infused with other essential oils — like lavender, for example — you will be well on your way to steamy bliss. The best part? You don’t need to buy any fancy brands or overpriced bath bombs; Dr. Teal’s (which can be found just about everywhere for really reasonable prices) was even on Oprah’s Best Bath Soaks list.
Likewise, an oatmeal bath can be great for soothing irritated skin, relieving itching, and reducing inflammation. People who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or just dry skin will enjoy oatmeal’s moisturizing effects, as well. And you don’t need any fancy brands for this soak, either! You can add a few cups of rolled oats into an old sock or pantyhose tied at the ends (to help minimize clean-up), or you can throw the oats into a blender first to grind it to a fine powder that will dissolve in the water.
Masks and Peels
Masks are pretty much standard when it comes to self-care these days, but you want to find one that feels (and looks) as if it actually does something.
This Lace Your Face mask from Dermovia isn’t your typical face mask. Seen on Shark Tank, it has people all over social media proclaiming it’s the best thing since Botox. You can chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes, or heat it in hot water, and it will stay snug on your face thanks to the ear loops and chin straps. Although it’s “single use,” many people use it twice by squeezing out excess serum back into the package.
This Purederm Deep Purifying Black O2 Bubble Mask is as gratifying while you’re using it as it is afterwards. It’s amazing for removing blackheads and exfoliating pores, and ridding your skin of excess oils. You just gently rub it on, and the mask foams up into a rich lather.
Once you’ve done your face, why not treat your toes? The Baby Foot Original Exfoliating Foot Peel went absolutely viral during the pandemic, leaving all of us trapped in our homes with the softest feet we’ve ever had. It combines lactic acid, glycolic acid, and 16 botanical extracts to remove dead skin and calluses without any scrubbing. Just slip on the booties, and put your feet up.
Ice Roller
Forget the slices of cucumber on your eyes: Ice rollers are said to help decrease under-eye puffiness, minimize fine lines, and shrink pores, as well as relieve headaches and sore muscles. (They’re also fantastic when you’re in the throes of a hot flash!) Many beauty influencers use ice rollers as the first step in their beauty regimen, but they can be enjoyed any time.
*featured image courtesy of Alena Ozerova
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