Take the opportunity this Christmas to treat yourself to some at-home pampering. Set aside a day or night to indulge in your favourite treatments. It may be just what the doctor ordered this Christmas.
We’ve probably all tried our fair share of at-home beauty treatments this year but here are some you can do yourself with minimal effort. In fact, you’ll be able to find most of the ingredients for a facial or exfoliating scrub in your kitchen.
The key to this treat-yourself pampering is preparation. Ditch your phone, put on a fluffy robe, light some candles, and you’re ready for total relaxation.
1. Make a face mask
Celebrities have long been fans of DIY yoghurt face masks to brighten their skin. Tan France, the resident fashion expert of Netflix show Queer Eye, mixes yoghurt with green tea and slathers it on his face. Priyanka Chopra combines hers with oatmeal and adds two teaspoons of turmeric – all you have to do is cleanse your face, whip up the concoction in your kitchen, and paint it on with a clean make-up brush. After around 15 minutes, wash off the mix and marvel at your bright skin.
2. Exfoliate your body
The secret of an at-home treatment is doing things that aren’t in your regular beauty routine. Exfoliation is perfect for this, because it’s not something you should do every day – no more than once a week is best for your skin.
Again, simple ingredients from your kitchen will do the trick. Mix half a cup of brown sugar with half a cup of olive or coconut oil. Rub this all over your body and wash it off in the shower, leaving you with smooth, baby-soft skin.
3. Take a relaxing bath
If you’re lucky enough to have a bath in your house, now is the time to really take advantage of it. We’re not talking about a quick dip, but a long, relaxing soak. Light some candles, get the music going, and add in any bubble bath or essential oils you have lying around.
4. Have a steam facial
Steam facials are hugely popular in salons and incredibly cheap to recreate at home. The steam opens up your pores and helps release any build-up of dirt in the skin, making it ready to absorb any moisturisers or products you apply.
All you have to do is prepare a bowl full of boiling water, add any essential oils or herbs you have handy, and place your face above it with a fluffy towel draped over the top (just be careful with the hot water). Make sure you’re comfortable – you can change the position of your head depending on how hot you can handle – and stay there for five to 10 minutes.
5. Deep condition your hair
Many of these suggestions are about giving your skin some TLC, but what about your hair? If you cook with coconut oil, you can easily repurpose it into a hydrating hair mask.
Use it as you would any mask: after shampooing, apply cooled melted coconut oil to your damp locks, comb it through and leave it to sit for up to 30 minutes. Wash it out, taking care to get rid of all traces of the oil – while it is very nourishing, any left over will make your hair greasy.
6. Tend to your hands
Vigilant hand washing can result in some seriously sore, dry skin. If you have any avocados going spare, mash them up with olive oil and lemon and apply to your hands. Place plastic gloves over the top and let sit for around 15 minutes. When you’ve washed off the avocado mixture, your hands will be feeling soft and moisturised.
7. Give yourself a facial massage
A facial massage focusing on certain pressure points can be really relaxing. First, cleanse your face and apply your favourite moisturiser. Then, use your fingers to press along key areas in your face. Use sweeping motions to massage above the brow bone, along the jawline and the temples, in particular, and feel your tensions melt away. Make sure you’re always massaging upwards for plump and bouncy skin.
8. Do your nails
Pretend you’re in the salon getting a professional manicure by soaking your fingers in warm water, pushing back your cuticles, then filing and buffing your nails. Once the prep is done, you’re ready to paint your nails – we recommend choosing a bright colour to add a bit of sunshine into your day.
9. Make a lip scrub
This is similar to the body exfoliator. Mix together one part honey to two parts sugar and apply to your lips. Leave for 10 minutes then remove the concoction with a face towel, leaving your lips feeling soft and hydrated.
10. Soak your feet
Soak your feet in hot water with some honey and lemon slices for 20 minutes, and when you’ve washed it off apply a thick layer of your favourite moisturiser and pop on some fluffy socks. The next day your feet will feel incredibly soft, with very little effort required.
What is your favourite at-home beauty treatment? How often do you indulge in self-care? Do you prefer DIY treatments or going to the salon?
– With PA
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