Any woman who’s had a facial knows how wonderful and luxurious they are. The comfy robes, the smooth treatments, the neck, hand, and leg massages. It’s so relaxing. But in this economy, most of us have to say no to such extravagances. While you can’t fully reproduce the spa experience, you can give yourself a facial at home to at least feel like you have some luxury in your life.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
You don’t want to get into your robe only to discover that you don’t have all the necessary ingredients and supplies. You’ll want to skip certain facial steps like extractions, which can damage your skin if not done properly. But you can treat yourself to several relaxing skin treatments. Find your recipes and then shop for those affordable items that will transform them from yogurt to high-end goop.
Try these fantastically rejuvenating options:
Yogurt and Honey face mask
Oatmeal and Yogurt face mask
Clay mask
Check out this complete list of simple, affordable masks at Fat Free Kitchen.
You should also pick up a cucumber, fresh fruit juice, lemons and limes for slicing (to add to your water), and a light spa snack. If you have a chance, go by the mall to ask for a sample of a decadent moisturizer you could never afford.
Step 2: Get Rid of the Family
If you have a family, serenity will not be yours while they’re home. Send them to the park, the movies, the library, anywhere but your house for at least three hours. Then you can soak and relax and have a lovely afternoon.
Step 3: Set the Stage for a Facial at Home
Mix your facial masks, put lemon slices in cold water, pour a glass of juice, slice the cucumber, dig out a soothing CD, get a headband or shower cap, collect washcloths, find your fluffiest towels and robe, and gather up candles. This is everything you’ll need for your relaxing afternoon.
Step 4: Start with a Shower
Start with a quick shower and clean your face before the facial. Remove your contacts if you wear them.
Step 5: Relax
Fill the tub with hot, steamy water. Turn on your CD and light some candles. Lay back in the tub with your glass of water nearby. Put cucumber slices over your eyes. Soak for at least 15 minutes to give your face a good steam. If you can’t get up a good steam in the bath, you may need to hold your face over a bowl of steaming water with a bit of lavender or lemon to help open your pores.
Step 6: Apply the Facial Mask
Don the shower cap or headband, wrap yourself in your robe, and apply your facial mask. Now lay back on your bed or couch (covered with another towel) and relax for another 15-30 minutes. Carefully wipe your face with a warm washcloth when it’s done. If you made more than one mask, apply the next one.
Step 7: Moisturize Your Skin
Hopefully you had time to get a moisturizer sample. Slather it on as a final step. If you don’t have one, use your regular moisturizer.
Step 8: Relax Some More
If you sent your family away for long enough, you’ve probably got at least another 90 minutes to relax. Set up a little nook where you can sit in your robe, eat your light spa snack, and read a juicy gossip magazine or novel. Absolutely no current events, financial news, or heavy tomes allowed. We want fluff and escapism.
Giving yourself a facial at home won’t be quite as soothing as the real thing, but it’s a perfect way to treat yourself amidst all the turmoil of our world without spending a fortune. You can get most of the necessary ingredients for less than $10. Most facials cost at least $90. True, there’s no neck rub, but a savings of $80 might be worth the sacrifice. For that kind of savings, you can also get a discount massage.
