Mini Series: Recreate a Blissful Spa-like Experience at Home

Missing the pleasures of pre-quarantine life doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The key to our survival over the coming weeks lies in our ability to adapt. While your home might feel far from serene - say, if you live in a small studio apartment or have little ones running around - there are things you can do to create a more soothing atmosphere. It’s safe to say we are all in need of a little self-care right now, whether lockdown worries have triggered sleepless nights, days cooped up with children have left you shattered, or self-isolation simply has you feeling relentlessly bored. With this anxiety comes the need for a positive outlet, we think taking time out to pamper yourself is the best way to revitalise during the lockdown. So, what can you do come Friday night, while freedom is firmly on hold? 

Honestly, there is nothing more enjoyable than a day spent at the spa - a spa is a multi-sensory experience, it’s about sight, sound, scent, and the power of touch. Those hours of pure pampering are the ultimate indulgence, but when a spa trip isn’t possible, there are plenty of easy ways you can recreate a blissful spa-like experience at home, or with a friend via video call. Why not try self-treatments such as manicures and pedicures, as well as a hand and shoulder massage using essential oils or creams – perhaps include a light lunch and a glass of fizz. An at-home spa gets our vote, what about you? 

ENGAGE YOUR SENSES

Image Credit - Udel

The reason why going to a spa feels so special is because all five of your senses are engaged. When setting up a treatment at home, remember to do the same and incorporate elements that are pleasing to your sense of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. Set the mood with candles, soothing music, dim lighting, and a cosy robe - it may sound simple, but these little add-ons are what make even the most mundane beauty rituals feel special and spa-like. Make an event out of it with your friends or spare yourself the chit chat and enjoy a solo experience.

SET THE SCENE

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How many times have you wished you could do more for yourself? If you require some self-care, schedule a date and time into your diary; by doing this, you are prioritising yourself and not fitting in with everyone else. Then set the scene for your spa sanctuary, what was once considered a luxury has now become a huge part of our wellness routine - think of all the senses when you enter into a spa and recreate them in your bathroom. 

The entrance of a spa always smells delicious – not overwhelming (if it's done it correctly) just enough scent to trigger a feeling of calm. To help you settle down and slip into a more peaceful state of mind; light some candles, run a bath, pour yourself a herbal tea or whichever drink you’d prefer and relish in the bliss. Get your bath to #Bathfluencer standard! Nothing is stopping you from creating that zen spa day atmosphere, soothing scent and indulgent beauty experience in your bathroom.

CHOOSE YOUR MUSIC

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Music can have a profound impact on the emotions and the body. Ambient spa music sets the atmosphere to induce a state of relaxation - professionals have found that unwinding to the sound of music produces long-reaching healing effects on their clients physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The more deeply you slip into relaxation, the more beneficial the experience. Pick instrumental songs, rather than tunes with words - the lyrics can trigger subconscious memories, upping your stress level, without you even realising it! A well-chosen soundscape playing in the background will help you drift off into a trance-like state. Allowing you to quiet your mind, relax your muscles and soothe you while releasing the stress of the day. Music is a simple stress reduction tool which almost anyone can access. And finding the perfect spa playlist needn’t be laborious; simply head to Spotify or Youtube, where you’ll find plenty of ready-made lists to tune out to. 

RESCUE YOUR SKIN

Image Credit (left to right) - Blondee's Beauty, The Every Girl

Yes, we know nothing beats a professional spa treatment - whatever you try to do at home cannot fully simulate that experience. However, you can get close to a professional facial with the right routine and commitment. If the hours inside have left your skin feeling dull, sticking to a strict and minimalist skincare routine has its benefits. A proper at-home facial will likely form the centrepiece of your spa session, bringing a healthy radiance straight back to the most stressed-out skin. The best way to do this? Introduce a mask into your skincare routine to either use a couple of times a week or as a solution to use as and when you need it. Make sure you pick and choose your products depending on your skin type and specific concerns. Here are some tips to make your mask count: 

Tips

• Get to know your skin before doing anything to it. Some products trigger nasty reactions, so remember to do a patch test before you slather it all over.

• Perform the facial at night time so you can reap even more benefits. Your skin is in hardcore repair mode while you sleep. 

• Ideally, perform your at-home facial once a week. 

• Take deep breaths during your facial, especially as you wait for your mask to dry. 

• Prep your hair by tying it up and wearing a headband or wrapping it up tight with a towel.

UPGRADE YOUR BATH

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All good at-home spa sessions should involve a long, hot soak – whether you choose to dive into a good book or simply lie still and submerged for a while. To make your bath more spa-like, toss in aromatic blends like chamomile and rosemary; these herbal infusions help calm and hydrate skin. Epsom-based bath salts, rich in magnesium, are ideal for treating sore muscles and setting you up for a great night’s sleep, while a fragrant bubble bath offers both pampering appeal and calming benefits. For skin that feels softer and more supple, choose a luxurious bath oil, nourishing oils will ensure your skin feels moisturised. Don’t have a bath? Try placing a few drops of essential oil into the base of your shower before you step in: the steam will send the aroma into the air.

Transform your bathroom from everyday to exceptional; a beautiful addition to your at-home spa is a Persian or Oriental rug. A rug will infuse warmth and personality into the space while creating a luxurious, modern sanctuary for function and relaxation. Check out some of our current offers on Persian and Oriental Rugs below and if you want inspiration on placement ideas here's one from the blog archives. 

 Featured Rugs (left to right) - VIVA, MOON, COSMOS, JUNA, AUTUMN

TREAT YOUR HAIR

Image Credit (left to right) - John Frieda, Coco & Eve 

Of course, you’re likely missing your hairdresser right about now. A suitable replacement to this predicament is a hair mask, which we often blow off due to time restrictions. However, we should be embracing the time they take to sink in.

There’s a mask for every hair concern, whether you have coloured hair and want to enhance the colour, or straw-like dry ends and want to add a hit of moisture. Adding a mask into your weekly hair ritual will allow you to reap the benefits of deep conditioning, an essential ingredient to beautiful healthy hair. Not only will your hair thank you for it but it will also give your mind some time to switch off too. Slather it on while you’re waiting for your face mask to work, or leave it to sink in overnight for maximum swish the next morning. Let the hair hang and use your fingertips to massage the roots thoroughly.

MOISTURISE PROPERLY

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Finally, all good spa sessions should end with phenomenally soft and hydrated skin. No one has ever left a spa with dry skin, and if you have, you’re not doing it right. After all your skin’s been through, it needs to be moisturised to plumpness and nourished with essential vitamins (as it should be every day). So, after you rinse off your face, eye, and lip masks, replenish the hydration with your favourite serum and then moisturise all over. For maximum benefit, massage your face for an uplifting and relaxing effect, focusing on points that are most easily predisposed to wrinkles, such as your forehead and eyes. 

Stick to a moisturising routine (that includes the body too) to help get you to your best skin ever, which in turn, will boost happiness. Today’s most mega hydrators come loaded with added benefits to help you drift into a deeper, longer sleep, while a body oil will help you feel calm and grounded as you drift off for what might just be the best night's sleep you've had this year. We have featured a step-by-step guide on facials by Abigail James - The Queen of Skin. 

So there you have it - Once you perfect your routine, you might find yourself getting praised by your aesthetician next time around.