This DIY Spa Day Is the Ultimate Self-Care Activity

The COVID-19 pandemic, and 2020 in general, has made life pretty stressful. In an effort to relax and reboot, we’ve been indulging in some DIY spa days recently. Because even though we may not be comfortable getting a massage or facial IRL, a day of at-home pampering is the ultimate self-care activity. So grab a face mask and keep reading, because we’re breaking down how to have an at-home spa day on a budget, below. 

STEP 1: Hydrate 

It wouldn’t be a DIY spa day without some fancy water. Slice up some cucumbers, lemon and oranges and add them to a pitcher of ice water.  Be sure to leave a few extra cucumber slices out to put on your eyes for the true spa effect. 

STEP 2: Set the Mood

Just like all spas have cucumber water, they also have a certain, relaxing smell radiating through the air. To recreate the vibe, pick a scented candle and light it in the room you’re going to host your DIY spa day. It’ll not only give your olfactory senses a treat, but it’ll also provide dim lighting to help you relax. 

STEP 3: Steam Your Face 

Once the room is ready, it’s time to prep your skin for beauty treatments. To open up your pores and get the most out of your mask (more on that later!), steam your face. You can use an at-home steamer, like the Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer, or run a towel under warm water and drape it around your face. 

STEP 4: Apply Your Favorite Face Mask

Spray on a facial mist like the Thayers Rose Petal Facial Mist to dampen the skin. Then, use a soft brush, like the Anisa Beauty All Over Care Brush, to gently apply your favorite face mask to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Place two slices of cucumber over your eyes, play some music and relax for 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with lukewarm water. Not sure what mask to try? We recommend the Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask. Note: Times given are approximate. Always refer to the directions on the package of your mask.

STEP 5: Do a Body Scrub 

After you’ve rinsed off your face mask, it’s time to turn the attention to your body. Turn on the shower or run a bath and reach for a great-smelling body scrub, like the Carol’s Daughter Monoi Body Luxe Polish, and gently massage it onto damp skin. Rinse off with lukewarm water before moving to the next step.

STEP 6: Soak in the Bath 

Once your body scrub is rinsed off, draw a nice, warm bath. Add some Epsom salt and a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the water. Dim the lights, play some music or pour yourself a drink and just relax. 

STEP 7: Moisturize 

The best time to moisturize your skin is right after cleansing, so be sure to apply moisturizer after stepping out of the bath. This helps to lock in the hydration from the water and to prevent moisture loss. One of our favorite lotions is the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream. 

STEP 8: Have a Snack

Once you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, make yourself something to eat. Go for a nice salad to nourish your body or treat yourself to some ice cream in bed — both options constitute self-care in our opinion. 

 Photo: Juan Miranda

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