Twice a year, I would do some heavy-duty unwinding by splashing out on a massage at a fancy spa downtown and spend the whole day there going back and forth between saunas and steam rooms, lounging around, reading their trashy magazines, trying every flavour of tea, and eating all the chocolate-covered pretzels they put out.

This wasn't possible during the lockdown, so I've been re-creating the spa experience at home. Once every few weeks, I dedicate a Sunday to relaxing. Maintaining a self-care ritual is important for my general well-being.

Below are some at-home spa ideas. I don't always do all the steps. Even just taking bath does wonders for me. The clean beauty products I recommend are the ones I use. You can substitute with your favourite products or search for DIY recipes.

Pin

Home Spa Day Ideas

• Draw a bath. For a bubble bath, use a non-toxic formula, such as BeCalm's Bubble Elixir. Other options are bath bombs or soaks, which you can also make yourself. A simple soak I sometimes use is a cup of Epsom salt with some drops of lavender oil. An Epsom salt bath is said to soothe tired muscles and relieve stress. Also, I've used this Onsen bath soak, and it's cool because it turns your bath into a Japanese mineral hot spring experience.

• Use a massage gun. Since I haven't gotten a massage in a long while, I bought this highly-rated muscle massage gun. It's the next best thing to receiving a real massage, and I like to use it after working out as well to alleviate tight muscles. It's been a good purchase for me because I use it every other day.

• Dry brushing. I have to admit that I don't make a habit of dry brushing because I don't like the sensation, but I should do it more before a bath or shower because it's great for circulation. I use the G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush, and they have a guide on how to do it.

• Haircare. While soaking in the bath, I usually use a scalp scrub (see my review of two scalp scrubs and what they do) and follow up with a hair mask or a deep conditioner. For maximum benefit, I wear a reusable shower cap and keep the deep conditioner on for at least ten minutes.

• Face Mask. While the hair mask is working, I put on a face mask. It's a good time to use a clay mask since they're easier to wash off in the bathtub.

• Body scrub. This is also a good time to use a body scrub. Right now, I'm using the Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub. You can also make your own body scrub. Stand up if you want to use the scrub all over the body, and then you can simply rinse off the scrub in the tub. Just be mindful that some scrubs may leave the bathtub more slippery after the water drains.

• Body oil. After the bath, I like to massage in body oil. The G.Day Black Pepper + Rose Hip Energy Body Oil smells really unique and absorbs quickly. Unlike other body oils I've tried, this does not leave me with an oily residue.

• Put on a robe. What's great about Maylyn & Co.'s vegan silk robes is that the luxe Persian lotus silk is durable yet airy and lightweight. The fabric's breathability and moisture-wicking features are perfect for the warmer months approaching.

• Skincare. I apply non-toxic products from my skincare routine. Following a bath, it's usually toner, serum, and moisturizer.

• Face massage. This is my favourite face massage routine to follow.

• Mani-pedi. I always do my own nails with non-toxic polishes. Recently, I bought this mini nail fan to cut down on drying times. It's for kids, but I like the tiny size because it doesn't take up much storage space.

• And last but not least, lounge around a robe, read, snack, and drink tea.

Pin