There’s nothing quite like a trip to your local salon or spa to rejuvenate the senses, but in today’s hectic world, scheduling in time (and budget!) to indulge is tricky to say the least.
Spending quality time to enjoy self-care is beneficial for your overall wellbeing, but who’s to say a therapeutic experience can’t be enjoyed any day of the week? Not us!
In the spirit of everyday luxury, allow us to share some at-home beauty treatments you can do from the comfort of your own space. Pop the kettle on (or pop the cork), it’s time for some zen…
1. Take a distraction-free bubble bath
There’s much more to your soak than you might think. A hot bath has been proven to benefit your mental health, help you sleep better, and reduce anxious muscles.
Here’s our favourite way to enjoy the tub:
- Set the mood for a soul-soothing soak. Try our Signature Calm Candle, it’s relaxing blend of natural essential oils will fill your bathroom with luxurious lavender, peppermint and ginger to balance your mind.
- Get the water just right. According to Happiful, the perfect temperature sits between 40 and 45 degrees C, but the main thing is that it feels comfortable for you.
- Add the magic ingredients. Epsom salts, bath bombs, bubbles… The choice is yours!
- Put on your favourite playlist or podcast. Try Naked Beauty with Brooke Devard or Outspoken Beauty with Nicola Bonn for an extra fix of all things beauty.
- Leave your phone outside of the room and embrace a moment of calm. Step in, sit back, relax.
2. Indulge in an at-home manicure (or pedicure!)
Painting your nails a new hue can help you relax and reduce feelings of anxiety, as proven by science. There’s something so calming about the repetitive motion, don’t you think?
- Get your favourite film or series ready to watch and find a comfy place to sit.
- Remove any old nail polish with a reusable cotton round.
- Reshape your nails gently with an emery board or glass nail file.
- Pop your hands (or feet!) in a bowl of warm water with a splash of your favourite cleanser and soak blissfully for up to 3 minutes.
- Gently push back your cuticles. Be careful not to pull, rip or clip off the skin.
- Lather your skin with your most luxurious balm, then prep the nail for polish by gently wiping off any excess moisturiser from the nail.
- It’s time to paint! Use a base coat first to protect the nail, then swipe on your colour of choice in 2 coats before finishing with a top coat. We love these vegan polishes from Zao.
- Enjoy your show of choice while you try not to smudge your handiwork!
3. Enjoy an aromachology massage
Massage is one of the oldest beauty treatments in the book, but you don’t have to book in a pricey session to enjoy one.
- First things first, set the mood with our Healing Candle. It’s unique blend of lavender, peppermint and lemongrass is anti-inflammatory and uplifting.
- For your face, use a cold jade roller in gentle upward strokes, starting from the neck and jaw line and working upwards to the forehead.
- For your body, there are great guides on YouTube if you’re lucky to have a partner or room mate that’s willing to learn, otherwise, take a massage roller and get to work yourself.
4. DIY your own face and hair masks
We love a mask here at Halcyon Naturals! They’re the perfect time to sit back and unwind.
For your face, we love this recipe from Mama Sezz:
½ a mashed avocado
½ teaspoon of lemon juice
½ teaspoon of lemon zest
Just mix, apply and relax for 5-10 minutes before gently wiping clean.
For your hair, try this simple growth boosting blend by Sedona Christina:
¾ cup of coconut oil
¾ cup of shea butter
½ cup of olive/jojoba/argan oil
+ optional essential oils
5. De-puff tired eyes
Get that spa feeling and reduce any puffiness with simple household ingredients: cucumber or tea bags!
- After a glorious bath or shower, moisturise your skin with a thick, cruelty-free body butter and wrap yourself in a comfortable robe.
- Head to the kitchen for either cold slices of cucumber, or pre-steeped and cold (not hot!) tea bags with the excess liquid squeezed out.
- Get yourself snuggled up on the sofa or bed and lay back, placing your de-puffer of choice over your closed eyes.
- Leave for up to 15 minutes
Bad night sleep? No one has to know…
6. Steam facial? Yes please!
Here at Halcyon Naturals, we’re long standing believers of the power of aromachology.
Scents and natural essential oils can uplift, invigorate and rejuvenate the mind and body, and a steam facial is a great way to bring the spa to your home.
Here’s what skincare.com recommends…
- Make sure you’re hydrated before steaming and prep your skin by cleansing to remove any dirt or makeup.
- Set the mood by spritzing the room with our Cleanse Room Mist, and fill a bowl with boiling water (carefully!) and allow it to cool to a safe but still hot temperature.
- Add a few drops of natural, sustainably sourced essential oils – lavender is a great choice to compliment your room mist.
- Lean your face carefully over the bowl at least 12 inches away, and drape a cloth or towel over your head to trap in the steam.
- Take a moment to be present. Breathe in, breathe out, repeat. Remember to keep your eyes closed.
- Enjoy the experience for a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Gently pat down the skin and indulge in your favourite skincare, making sure to finish with a good quality moisturiser
Do you have any favourite at-home beauty treatments? Let us know by tagging us @HalcyonNaturals on Instagram!
P.S. In this month’s Halcyon Naturals subscription box, you’ll get our Healing Signature Candle to help you rebalance after this tough year, as well as a bonus bath bomb and eye mask – perfect for that bubble bath… Use 1STBOX for 10% off your first order!
Sources
Happiful: 5 Mental Health Benefits of Bathing
Well and Good: One Woman Found a Surprising Mental Health Benefit in a Simple at-Home Manicure
Healthline: How to Use a Jade Roller in Your Beauty Routine: Everything You Need to Know
Mama Sezz: 8 DIY vegan face masks for glowing skin (with ingredients you have on hand)
Sedona Christina: 3 ingredient hair mask for hair growth
Skincare.com: At-Home Steam Facials Really Work — Here’s How to Make Them Part of Your Routine