Andrea Lozoya

We all need a bit of me-time to relax, unwind, and enjoy a little pampering. You don’t have to pay a lot of money to get a spa’s amazing experiences if you create your own at home. With a few simple tweaks and tips, you can enjoy your very own at-home spa for the perfect way to practice a little bit of self-care. We’ve put together an awesome list of ideas to help you relax and create a DIY spa that’ll have you feeling calm and serene.

Set the mood in order to create your very own spa at home, you’ll need to set the mood. From finding the perfect spa space to supplies and lighting, here are some tips to get you started on your journey to total relaxation.

Set up Your Space

Start by choosing where you want your at-home spa to be. It can be your master bathroom or just a spare room where you can spend time in peace and quiet. A room with a view is another great option to help you get some sunshine and enjoy a little bit of nature as you unwind.

  • Once you’ve chosen your space, use some relaxing products like essential oils, a bottle of bubble bath, fresh flower fragrance pillows, or a vase filled with a bouquet of fresh flowers.
  • Choose scents that have a calming effect such as lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile. Put them in an essential oil diffuser to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at home.

Gather Supplies

  • A cup of hot tea is a great way to help you relax. Gather some of your favorite herbs to make tea, a cute kettle, and your favorite mug so you can sip your cares away.
  • Look for ingredients to make your own DIY mask. A facial mask can soothe your skin and help you feel calm and relaxed.
  • Organize all of your favorite spa goodies in a cute basket and keep them in your special space. This will make it easy for you to find everything you need so you can start relaxing right away.

Adjust the Lighting

  • Bright light might not make you feel as relaxed as you could be, so dim the lights in the room for a soothing ambiance.
  • Bring in some candles and turn off the overhead lights so you can bask in the candle’s illuminating glow.
  • Light a scented candle before you hop in the shower or tub. This simple act will make daily bathing more relaxing, even when you don’t have time for a full spa day.

Create a Playlist

  • Music has an incredible ability to calm the nerves, so make a custom playlist featuring some of your favorite songs to help you chill.
  • You can find spa music that’s specially made to help you feel calm and tranquil. Use this music as you relax and listen your cares away.
  • Add a Bluetooth speaker to your spa room so you can change tracks from your smartphone and won’t need to get up and walk over to the stereo.

Dress for the Occasion

  • Find a fabulous robe that you can wear in your at-home spa. Silk robes are super-soft, lightweight, and perfect for recreating an authentic spa experience.
  • Wear a comfy pair of slippers you can put on and take off whenever you want to keep your feet cushioned and your mood elevated.
  • Invest in a quality pair of pajamas. A two-piece set with a top and bottoms is a great choice, or you can buy a nightgown so you can go from your spa right to bed.

Decorations for Your Home Spa

No spa is truly complete without beautiful decor. Here are a few suggestions to help you create a serene, relaxing spa space at home:

  • Plants: Houseplants create a nice, calming effect and a beautiful, organic touch. Choose plants that are easy to care for but that will add color and beauty to your spa area.
  • Lamps: The right lighting makes your spa feel much more relaxing, so choose a few decorative lamps and use a soft, warm lightbulb. Himalayan salt lamps are a great choice for a spa, and a lighted oil diffuser gives off a soothing glow and adds an extra boost of relaxing fragrance.
  • Artwork: Elevate your spa at home by hanging some beautiful artwork. A lovely landscape painting or a softly colored modern work of art can add to the ambience of your spa without being overwhelming.
  • Candles: You can use candles for lighting, scent, and décor all in one. Choose a candle in a scent you love that will soothe you. Try a battery-operated candle if you’re just looking for a nice flickering glow without the scent.
  •  Flowers: Add a vase with some freshly cut flowers whenever you have a spa day at home. Flowers bring calm, cheer, a light fragrance, and natural colors to your self-care space.

DIY Spa Treatments

If you really want to feel relaxed, make sure you’re giving your hair, nails, and face the treatment they deserve. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on high-end luxury products to get the same experience. There’s a ton of options for DIY spa treatment and self-care subscription boxes available that you can use to create the perfect hair and face masks at home. Try doing your own pedicure and manicure and doing some nail art. Look for recipes and suggestions that you can do yourself to make custom spa treatments using safe, natural ingredients. A body scrub is also a great way to relax. This treatment sloughs off dry skin and leaves you feeling smooth, soft, and moisturized. Just remember to apply a moisturizing lotion after using a body scrub for the best results. Avoid applying body scrubs to damaged skin, or skin that’s extremely dry. Be experimental and look for DIY hair masks that will help your hair feel like new. This is the perfect time to allow your hair to breathe and relax. 

Enjoy a Manicure and Pedicure at Home

Freshen your fingers and toes with a simple at-home manicure and pedicure. Shop for a few of your favorite polish colors so you have lots of options to choose from. Here are some tips to ensure your at-home mani and pedi are a success:

  • Make sure you have some quality nail clippers, cotton pads, a nail file, a foot scrubber (like a pumice stone), and your nail polish before you begin.
  •  Trim and shape your nails using the nail clippers and file. Remove any old nail polish using a gentle nail polish remover, then file your nails to your preferred shape.
  • Pamper yourself with a nice foot soak before you paint your toenails. Soak for around 15 to 20 minutes in a tub of warm water up to your ankles, a cup of bath salts, and a few drops of essential oil. 
  • Paint your fingernails and/or toenails in your desired color. Wait for them to dry, then finish with a clear topcoat so they stay beautiful longer.
  • Moisturize your hands and feet once your nails are completely dry.

Spa Products to Add that Special Touch

After you’ve chosen a space, picked out some music, and planned your day, there are a few other things you can add to ensure that your spa is as tranquil as can be:

  • Neck Pillow: Use a neck pillow to help you relax. You can choose a bath neck pillow that supports your head in the bath, or try a soft, supportive scented pillow to cradle your neck while you lay back and relax.
  • Gel Eye Mask: Soothe those dark undereye circles with a cooling gel eye mask. These masks can reduce puffiness and help you feel calm.
  • Jade Roller: A jade roller is a great product that can relax your facial muscles. Use this handy roller after you’ve rinsed all facial products from your skin. These handy beauty tools are inexpensive, and they can help reduce facial puffiness while promoting feelings of calm.
  • Bath Salts: To give your bath some extra benefits, look for bath salts or sea salts in soothing scents. This product is great for relaxing while it softens the skin and emits a gentle, calming fragrance.
  • Facial Headbands: A headband will keep your hair out of your face when applying masks or bathing. Choose a headband made of soft material like a terry cloth or microfiber.
  • Spa Slippers: Find a pair of soft, cushy slippers you can wear around the house. This footwear is a perfect way to protect your feet while keeping them comfy and warm.
  • Massagers: A foot massager is a perfect addition to your spa. This gadget will relax your feet and calves as you sit back and relax. You can also find massages for your neck and back to remove pesky knots and relax tense muscles.
  • Essential Oil Diffuser: Once you’ve chosen some essential oils, use an oil diffuser to emit the soothing scents throughout your space. Try to diffuse just one oil at a time, or you can combine a few different oils within the same fragrance group.
  • Candles / Incense Sticks: Scented candles and incense sticks are both great ways to create a soothing ambiance and enjoy a gentle fragrance in your home spa. Find an incense holder that will catch the “soot” from your incense and protect your counters. Some scent suggestions include patchouli, ylang-ylang, rosemary, and jasmine.

Skincare Tools

Stock up your at-home spa with some essential skincare tools:

  •  Gua Sha stone: This smooth stone, usually made of jade or quartz, improves blood circulation and keeps your skin looking fresh and young.
  •  Facial massage roller: Use this tool to massage your face to stimulate circulation and help you relax. Some rollers can be frozen or refrigerated for extra cooling, relaxing effects.
  • Exfoliating sponge: These sponges use gentle abrasion to remove dead skin cells, resulting in fewer blemishes and smoother, clearer skin.
  • Microneedling tool: Try this handy tool to help your skin stimulate collagen production naturally. With regular use, it can help your facial skin look toned, smooth, and bright.
  • Makeup removing pads: Look for reusable pads you can wash to reduce waste. You can also find cotton rounds to remove makeup and apply toner.
  • Facial cleansing brush: These brushes will give your skin cleansers a thick, creamy lather. Look for brushes made of bacteria-resistant silicone.

 

Hair Care Tools

Every good home day spa should have a quality assortment of hair care tools. These are the essentials:

  • Hair dryer: A quality hair dryer will help your hair dry faster and leave it smooth and frizz-free.
  •  Diffuser attachment: Add this attachment to your hair dryer if you have thick hair to reduce drying time and keep curls intact.
  • Curling iron: Give your hair some extra bounce with a hot curling iron.
  • Straightener: If you prefer sleek, straight locks, try a straightener that uses gentle heat to smooth and “flatten” the hair cuticle.
  • Round brush: A rounded brush is great for adding volume to your hair. Look for brushes made of boar bristles, which are much more delicate on hair to prevent breakage.
  • A quality comb: You can use a fine- or wide-tooth comb, but a good comb is definitely a haircare tool must-have for smoothing and detangling.

Include Your Family

Relaxing in your spa alone is great, but you can also enjoy a special spa day with the entire family. Here are some suggestions you can use to provide your family with the ultimate at-home spa experience:

  • Make some delicious smoothies full of fruit, greens, and other goodies that are healthy and delicious.
  • Buy your kids a comfy bathrobe and slippers they can wear on their special spa day.
  • Look for fun bath accessories for kids like colorful bubble bath and bath toys to make the day special.
  • Listen to relaxing music and teach your kids about breathing techniques and meditation.
  • Spend some time together as a family after your spa day by finishing with your kid’s favorite movie or a special dinner.

Make it Romantic

You can enjoy a romantic getaway right in your own home with a couple’s spa day. Take a day off from work and invite your other half to join you. To create a romantic spa day, try some of these suggestions:

  • If the tub is big enough, enjoy taking a nice long bubble bath together and play some romantic tunes by candlelight.
  • Choose romantic scents for your spa day including rose or vanilla to help set the mood.
  • Buy your partner a matching bathrobe so you can both wear comfy clothing after you soak in the tub or take a relaxing shower.
  • Enjoy a few snacks together, like chocolate-covered strawberries, whipped cream, or a fresh fruit tray.
  • If you’re experienced at massage, offer to give your partner a nice, long rubdown.
  • Disconnect from the outside world and turn off your smartphone and the TV. This is the time to reconnect and enjoy some peace and quiet as you both relax and decompress.

 

Now that you have everything you need for a relaxing DIY spa day in the comfort of your own home, it’s time to get started. We hope you’re able to fully relax, chill, and enjoy your at-home spa day using these tips and ideas. From essential oils to DIY masks and scrubs, it’s easy to experience the same relaxing effects of an expensive spa right in your own home for the ultimate spa day anytime. 

This Article was originally published at Porch.com