How to Have an At-Home Spa Day
With our 2016 beauty, health and budget goals in mind, it’s the perfect time for a luxe at-home spa day to kick off a New Year’s refresh. While most of us have a go-to foot soak or a favorite exfoliating cleanser at the ready, a daylong session of masks, serums and scrubs requires a little more planning. How to get it right? Whether you’re looking to hydrate, treat or just chill out (or all of the above!), check out these must-try products for a blissful beauty overhaul that won’t break the bank.
For Re-Energizing
Light a citrus candle to set the mood. Invigorate your skin by starting with an ultra-moisturizing mask to alleviate dryness, followed by an exfoliating cleanser to achieve a smooth and bright complexion. Finish the rejuvenating session with an intense hydrating serum for a healthy-looking glow.
Grapefruit Pop Candle, Jonathan Adler $38
Hydrating Coconut Gel Mask - Deep Moisture (Cucumber), Farmacy $24
Double Refining Exfoliator, NARS $34
Hydra Beauty Mincro Serum, Chanel $110
For Acne Treatment
Combating acne is never fun, but a series of purifying treatments is sure to help. First, a probiotic cleanser will nourish and prep skin for detoxification. Then, apply a charcoal mask for a powerful deep clean to extract dirt and impurities. Next, target pores with a detoxifying treatment to reduce blackheads and dissolve debris. Last, sweep a medicated acne pad across skin to work as an anti-inflammatory and help reduce the appearance of spots or scars.
Purifying Face Cleanser, Tula $28
GLAMGLOW? SUPERMUD? Clearing Treatment, Birchbox $69
Black Label Detox Pore Penetrator, Dr. Jart+ $24
One Step Acne Eliminating Pads, Dr. Dennis Gross $38
For Relaxation
We can all benefit from a little R&R, which is why we’re major advocates for creating tranquil vibes at home. Set the scene with an aromatic eucalyptus candle and draw a warm bath for a relaxing soak. Then, pour in your favorite essential oil to calm and hydrate skin. A foaming body gel with built-in aromatherapy and anti-bacterial properties is ideal to rid skin of dirt. Finally, treat your feet to a refreshing scrub with a gel-based exfoliant for super-soft tootsies.
Eucalyptus Candle, Diptyque $60
Essential Bath Oil For The Senses, Susanne Kaufmann $69
Eucalyptus Body Wash, Malin+Goetz $20
Peppermint Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub, The Body Shop $14
For Anti-Aging
Whether you’re looking to diminish existing lines or you’re in the preventive stages, a series of masks and emulsions is an effective remedy for maturing skin. Since tired or dry eyes exacerbate signs of aging, start with an essence-drenched eye mask to hydrate and refresh. Next, apply an antioxidant-rich serum with vitamin C complex to support natural collagen production and minimize fine lines. Remembering that the neck is an extension of the face, apply a chin and neck lifting gel to hydrate, firm and strengthen. Finally, a luxurious firming body moisturizer will purify, deeply hydrate and revitalize skin all over.
Signs Eye Mask, SK-II $115
Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster, Ole Henriksen $48
Chin & Neck Lift, Rodial $98
Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion, Philosophy $37