How to Have a DIY Spa Day on a Budget

Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing we love more than a day spent relaxing at the spa. But, while these spa days may be great for our skin, they can be damaging to our wallets. This is why we love to treat ourselves to a weekly DIY spa day in the comfort of home. Whether you’re playing hooky from work or you’ve got a Sunday afternoon to yourself, turn your home into a relaxing, inexpensive day spa, with our guidance, below.

DIY SPA DAY STEP 1: HYDRATE

It wouldn’t be a DIY spa day without some fancy spa water so, 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 for your eyes! Need a little inspiration? We share our favorite fruit and herb water recipes, here.

DIY SPA DAY STEP 2: SET THE MOOD

In addition to fruit and herb-infused water found in nearly ever relaxation lounge, spa days all have a few things in common. First on the list, aromatherapy. Pick a scented candle you find most relaxing, invigorating, or uplifting and light it in the room you’re going to host your DIY spa day. You’ll not only give your olfactory senses a treat, you’ll also help to give the room that dim, flickering light that most treatment rooms feature at the spa. Finally, stream some relaxing music—that may be traditional spa tunes, classical music, or even just the sounds of ocean, the choice is yours…it is your DIY spa day after all!

DIY SPA DAY STEP 3: STEAM

Now that you’re all prepped for your spa day, it is time to set the mood and get yourself into a relaxed state-of-mind. Before starting any DIY skin care, steam your skin…spa-style! You’ll need a large heat-safe bowl, some essential oils, and a large bath towel. For complete directions check out this step-by-step guide for how to steam your face.

DIY SPA DAY STEP 4: MASK

After you’ve steamed your skin, it’s time to apply your face mask. Use a soft paint brush to gently your favorite face mask to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. The brush really elevates your experience since this is the technique an esthetician would use at the spa.  Stick two slices of cucumber over your eyes and relax for 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with lukewarm water. 

DIY SPA DAY STEP 5: SCRUB

After you’ve rinsed off your mask, it’s time to exfoliate your body. Reach for a great-smelling body scrub and gently massage it onto your skin, starting at your feet and working your way up in small circular movements until you get to your neck. Rinse off with lukewarm water before moving to the next step.

DIY SPA DAY STEP 6: SOAK

Next, draw yourself a nice, warm bath with some Epsom salts and a few drops of your favorite essential oil—or better yet, try one of our favorite aromatherapy bath blends to really elevate your soaking experience! This would also be a great time to pour yourself a glass of champagne too…just saying. Dim the lights and allow the flickering candle the light the room—light a few tea lights as well if necessary—enjoy the aromas from the bath and the candle while you take deep breaths and listen to the relaxing music. Try to imagine the stresses of the day melting away with each exhale.

DIY SPA DAY STEP 7: MOISTURIZE

Once you’re out of the bath and feeling nice and relaxed, massage some moisturizer onto your skin. The best time to moisturize your skin from head to toe is right after cleansing, this helps to lock in the hydration from the water and to prevent any moisture loss that may occur while you’re drying off. Pat yourself dry—never rub!—and then layer on your favorite face and body moisturizer. Next, put on something comfortable, turn on your favorite chick-flick, and finish off your DIY spa day with an at-home pedicure (we share a step-by-step how-to here!)

DIY SPA DAY STEP 8: NOURISH

One of my favorite parts of a spa day is eating a healthy lunch. It’s just so satisfying to know that I am doing good for my skin and for my body—and it wouldn’t be a spa day without either. Make yourself a nice salad or your favorite healthy dish and stock up on healthy snacks to munch on while you relax. One of our favorite recipes is this antioxidant-infused salad with pomegranate seeds.