It’s easy to get caught up in day to day life. It can be a whirlwind of work, social events, and general chaos. Sometimes, it simply feels like you barely have a moment to yourself. So, why not take a day to yourself, hit pause and give your mind and body the attention they deserve. Enter the at-home spa day — a perfect way to unwind without having to spend a fortune or even leave your house.
Whether you're looking to create a calming environment, pamper your skin, or just relax, we’ve got you covered with some easy tips that’ll help to transform your home into a luxurious spa retreat, even just for a day. So get ready to light some candles, play soft music, and indulge in some much needed self-care.
1. set the scene (lights, candles, and aromatherapy!)
The first step to any great spa experience is setting the tone. Without the ambiance, it’ll just feel like a regular bath, right? Here are a few easy ways to elevate your space:
- Dim the lights: If you can, opt for softer lighting to create a tranquil atmosphere. If possible, use some lamps rather than harsh ceiling lights. If you’re looking to be fancy permanently, then go for a dimmer switch, or for a simple fix bust out the candles.
- Candles, candles, candles: Candles can make a huge difference, choose ones with soothing scents like lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus. These are great for promoting relaxation and helping to relieve stress. If you're feeling extra, light a few scented candles all around the house. The flicker of a candle combined with the gentle scents instantly calms your mind.
- Essential oils: If you’re not a big fan of candles or want to add an extra layer of relaxation, essential oils are simply the way to go. You can use a diffuser if you have one or just apply a drop to your wrists. Oils such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can transform your space into a zen garden getaway. You can even add a few drops to your bathwater to fully infuse the experience.
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Music and soundscapes: Create a calming playlist with your favourite chilled-out songs, or alternatively, opt for nature sounds like ocean waves, rain, or forest birds. There are plenty of “spa” playlists available on music streaming services. If you’ve got a speaker system, this can be a great way to immerse yourself in the experience.
2. start with a relaxing bath or shower
A warm bath or shower is an absolute essential for physically relaxing those tense muscles and preparing your skin for all the pampering ahead.
- Add some bath oils or epsom salts: The bath doesn’t have to be ordinary, get fancy with it. Add some bath oils or salts to help soothe your body and release those unwanted toxins. Epsom salts are known for their ability to help relieve muscle aches, if you’ve had a stressful week, test this out. You can even make your own DIY bath soak with ingredients you likely already have at home, like oatmeal or honey.
- Exfoliate: While you’re in the bath, take the time to really exfoliate your skin. You can use a scrub or even just a loofah to remove dead skin cells. If you don’t have a store-bought scrub, make your own by mixing some sugar and olive oil. The result will be some beautifully soft, smooth skin, which is exactly what you want.
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Shower steam for facial benefits: If you’re more of a shower person why not test out using a shower steamer (it’s like a bath bomb but for the shower). These little cubes release essential oils into the air and can help with stress and breathing, leaving you feeling refreshed and revived.
3. skincare rituals
Nothing says “spa day” quite like a proper skincare routine. This is the perfect time to give your skin a little TLC. Here are some steps to follow:
- Double cleanse: If you’re wearing makeup, make sure to start with an oil-based cleanser that’ll help break it down, then you want to follow up with a gentle foaming or cream-based cleanser. This will help to ensure that your skin is properly prepped for the next steps.
- Face masks: This is where the magic happens. A face mask is such a quick and easy way to treat your skin. There are so many to choose from - opt for one that suits your skin type — hydrating masks for dry skin, clay masks for oily or acne-prone skin, or brightening masks for dull skin. If you can find yourself a sheet mask, even better! Pop it on your face, lie back, and let the mask do its thing for 10–20 minutes at least.
- Facial massage: Take a couple of minutes to gently massage your face. You can use a jade roller, a gua sha tool, or simply your hands. Massaging your face helps increase circulation, reduces tension, and leaves you looking a bit more radiant. There are loads of simple tutorials online if you’re not sure where to start.
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Moisturise & protect: After rinsing off your mask, finish off with your usual moisturiser to lock in that hydration. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen as protection if you’re planning to spend time outside after your spa day!
4. nail care
Let’s not forget about those hands and feet! A DIY manicure and pedicure is actually simpler than you might think and it’s the perfect way to complete your at-home spa day.
- Soak: Start off by taking some time to soak your hands and feet in warm water with a bit of Epsom salt, or essential oils. This softens the skin and helps with relaxation.
- Exfoliate: Scrub away all that dead skin using a scrub or pumice stone. You’ll rejoice in your skin feeling extra soft afterward.
- Nail trim & file: Give your nails a good trim and file them into your desired shape. Even if you don't fancy applying nail polish, this keeps them looking tidy and healthy.
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Polish: Finally, treat yourself to a new nail polish colour or just a nice clear coat for that simple and fresh look. A pop of colour can make all the difference, and you can personalise it exactly as you wish.
5. the hair treatment
Your hair deserves a bit of love too, so don’t skip out on giving it a nourishing treatment while you’re at it.
- Hair mask: give your hair a good scrub and then apply a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask that works for your hair type. You could even make your own at home by combining ingredients like avocado, honey, and olive oil.
- Scalp massage: While the mask works its magic, give your scalp a gentle massage. This will help to stimulate circulation and promote healthy hair growth. Plus, it feels oh so good.
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Leave-in conditioner: After washing out the mask, apply a leave-in conditioner or some argan oil to lock in that moisture and keep your hair feeling silky smooth.
6. tidy up and hydrate
Even though you're treating yourself, don't forget to hydrate from the inside during your spa day. Make sure to drink plenty of water or herbal tea. You could even make yourself a fancy detox water with cucumber, mint, or lemon for that extra spa-like touch.
Also, if you’ve made a mess of your bathroom (because let’s be real, it happens), take a few minutes to tidy up. The last thing you want is to finish your spa day feeling stressed about the state of your space. A quick clean-up will only take a few minutes and it’ll help maintain and prolong the calming atmosphere.
7. finish with a cozy moment
Now that your skin, hair, and nails are pampered, it’s time for the finishing touch: relaxation.
- Get comfortable: Slip into a fluffy bathrobe or your comfiest loungewear, and snuggle yourself up with a blanket.
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Read, watch, or meditate: Whether you prefer to read a book, watch a feel-good film, or practice some light meditation, do what feels best for you. It’s all about winding down, embracing the quiet and making the most of your self care day.
final thoughts
An at-home spa day is a simple easy way to recharge and treat yourself without having to force yourself to leave the house. You don’t need to spend tons of money or take a whole day off work if you don’t want to, an afternoon or evening will do nicely. With a little time, the right products, and the right atmosphere, you can enjoy a relaxing experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for the week ahead.
So, the next time you feel like you need some self-care, why not schedule your very own spa day? Your mind and body will thank you. Until next time, eve Sleep.
