Do-It-Yourself Spa

While nothing beats spending a day at the spa, sometimes it involves a little too much spending–straining the pocketbook and leaving you more stressed than when you arrived. Instead, try these affordable homemade spa treatments.

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with friends, a quiet night with someone special, or rejuvenating time alone, you can enjoy spa-quality head-to-toe pampering at home without paying an arm and a leg.

Girls’ Night In

Remember how much fun you had as a kid when all your friends got together for a pajama party? Fortunately, we’re never too old for the allure of the PJ. Gather the girls, pour some organic wine, and let the conversation flow–along with a little well-deserved self-indulgence. The only rule? No makeup! Try the Avocado Honey Mask or the Sweet ’n’ Sour Hand Scrub.

Spa for two

It’s time to call in a favour from a friend or enlist Mom and Dad for some grandparent time–just be sure the kids are out of mind. Light some natural soy-based or beeswax candles and quietly play mood-inspiring music while you and your sweetheart pamper each other. Unwind with a tub soak for two, using sea salts to soothe achy muscles. Add to the spa flavour by keeping a sharing plate of fresh strawberries, grapes, and sliced mangoes within reach.

No spa date is complete without a massage. Combine organic oils of olive, sweet almond, or jojoba with a few drops of your favourite essential oil to create the perfect massage experience. Jasmine oil is associated with passion, while the intoxicating scent of ylang-ylang has been used to treat impotence and frigidity. Cinnamon is a scent both men and women enjoy and is known to warm up more than spiced tea. Of course, lavender and camomile essential oils are great if you’re simply in need of a good night’s sleep!

Alone at Last

Turn off the phone ringer, put on your favourite music, and lock the bathroom door. It’s time to baby yourself–starting with your skin. Try sugaring, an ancient method of hair removal similar to waxing. Water-soluble sugar residue is also easier to clean than wax.

Of course, your time alone involves a private soak, but first spend a bit of time in the kitchen. Slice some cucumbers and brew a cup of green tea, allowing it to cool. Before stepping into the tub, swab cooled, antioxidant-rich green tea over your face and apply your favourite moisturizer. Apply cucumber slices to your eyelids as you relax. Douse your hair with a conditioning mask containing olive oil, rosemary, or honey; cover with a shower cap and wrap your head in a towel. Shampoo when you’re ready to leave the bath. That is, if you’re ever ready to leave the bath.

Avocado Honey Mask

This facial mask is tightening, nourishing, and chock-full of essential fats. Be sure to take pictures of your friends.

• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) mashed avocado
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) raw honey
• 1 egg yolk

Blend all in an electric blender or whisk until smooth. Apply to face for 15 minutes. Rinse with water.

Sweet ’n’ Sour Hand Scrub

Often neglected, hands can give away your age. Keep them guessing with this refreshing hand treatment.

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp (5 mL) honey
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) sugar
• 2 drops lemon essential oil

Beat egg yolk. Add honey and oil, stirring well. Stir in sugar. Mix in the lemon essential oil. Massage into clean, damp hands, including nail beds and between fingers. Relax for five minutes, then rinse. Follow with a coat of water-based polish on your nails.

Body Sugar

Sugaring is less painful than waxing because the paste sticks only to the hair and not the surrounding skin. Keep the sugared cloth strip close to skin as you remove it: avoid pulling strip outward from the body as this can cause bruising.

• 1 cup (250 mL) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) honey
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

You will also need:

• Cornstarch
• Strips of clean cotton sheeting
• Wooden tongue depressor or similar spreader
• Calendula oil

Combine sugar, honey, and lemon in a small glass bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes (stirring every 20 to 30 seconds), or use a double-boiler to heat the mixture for about 5 minutes, until sugar and honey are melted. Let cool to comfortable warmth. Make sure area to be sugared is clean and dry, and dust lightly with cornstarch. Use wooden stick to spread a thin layer of sugar mixture over a small area, in the direction of hair growth. Immediately apply a cotton strip and rub firmly. Stretch skin taut, exhale, and quickly pull away the cotton strip against the direction of hair growth. Reheat sugar mixture as required. Follow with soothing calendula oil.