By Karen Tina Harrison for Completely You –
With all that seasonal spreading of cheer and giving of joy, who has the time — or the bucks — for a much-needed spa visit? Instead of crafting a missive to Santa, we’ve got three letters for you: DIY. “At-home beauty treatments are fun, frugal, and relaxing,” says Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty at Home. “You probably have some great ingredients in your kitchen ready to go. All it takes is a little planning,” she says. Now get glowing.
Step No. 1: Set the Spa Stage
![fall scents for your home](http://www.livingbetter50.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Our-Aroma-Opium-Oil-Banner-2.jpg")
- Reserve your home’s bathroom for a couple of off-peak hours when you can laze uninterrupted.
- Plan your home spa treatments, select your ingredients and shop for anything you don’t already have. (See below for our favorite recipes.)
- Invite a beauty buddy or two. “DIY spa treatments create real quality time between you and a friend or family member,” says Cox.
Step No. 2: Balms Away
- Before your spa buddy arrives, light scented candles and make sure your spa area is warm.
- Get into the spa mood with herbal tea and relaxing music. Don fluffy robes and slippers or comfy clothes like yoga wear.
- Go slow with your treatments and enjoy the moment.
Step No. 3: Spa-la-la-la
- These home spa treatments are easy, effective and all-natural. “Just be sure to do a patch-test first by dabbing on the inside of your elbow,” says Greta Breedlove, author of The Herbal Home Spa.
Janice Cox’s Divine DIY Facial
- Remove all makeup and wash your face.
- Exfoliate by gently rubbing your face with a paste of ground oatmeal mixed with milk.
- Apply a moisturizing, healing mask of good-quality honey — local is best. Keep on for no more than 10 minutes, before rinsing thoroughly.
- With a towel over your head, steam your face over a bowl filled with hot, but not scalding, botanical tea. Chamomile is calming, green tea is healing, rose hips and hibiscus are balancing.
- Close pores with a rinse of cool water.
- Massage sweet almond oil or your favorite creamy facial moisturizer across your face and neck.
Janice Cox’s Sweet Silkening Body Scrub
- Mix 1/4 cup of olive or vegetable oil with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Optional add-ins: aromatherapy or essential oil; vitamin A, C or E oil; dried, pulverized rose petals.
- Cover your floor or sit on the edge of your tub.
- With your hands, a loofah or a washcloth, massage mixture onto skin. Use circular motions and light pressure to stimulate circulation.
- Rinse off in shower.
- Apply a generous amount of rich body lotion all over, starting at your toes.
Greta Breedlove’s Peppermint Treat
Holiday candy canes inspired this nourishing hand and foot treatment. “It’s more effective without nail polish on, so it makes a great prelude to a home mani/pedi,” says Breedlove. This recipe is for ten fingers and toes:
- Make a paste of 2 tablespoons each of ground almonds, ground oatmeal and honey. Add two egg yolks and 6 drops of peppermint oil. Blend with a whisk.
- Slather mixture onto hands and feet.
- Cover with clean old socks.
- Wear at least 20 minutes before rinsing.
Karen Tina Harrison was the beauty director of Sassy Magazine, and has consulted for a variety of beauty companies. She covers lifestyle topics for publications including The New York Times, Glamour and About.com.