It’s one of life’s cruellest ironies that the point at which we are completely broke is also the moment we could most do with a spa break. January is when we count the cost of Christmas – on our bank balances and our health – and the chances are it won’t add up. But not to worry, because we’ve got a few spa at home ideas that will help you shake the January blues without busting your budget.
All you really need for a good facial is a 99p face mask, a facecloth, a steamy bathroom and some time. Start by removing any makeup then apply your usual cleanser or facial soap with a facecloth, rubbing in circular motions so that you are exfoliating the skin.
Open up your pores by taking a long hot bath, or covering your head with a towel and leaning over a bowl of boiling water. Then apply your face mask and relax. For extra indulgence, pop a couple of cucumber slices on your eyes and drape a warm and damp facecloth over your face.
Wait at least 20 minutes then remove the mask and slather on your favourite facial oil or moisturiser – in a pinch, olive oil will work a treat.
Cosmetic treatments such as threading, eyebrow tinting and eyelash extensions have become part of our regular beauty regime – but they are expensive.
Get the same effect at home by investing in your own kit. For approx. £6 you can buy an eyelash dye kit which will work just as well on your eyebrows. Read the instructions carefully, and apply carefully. If you’re worried about accidentally dying your skin, apply Vaseline around the area.
The dye will last for up to 4 weeks, and will make eyebrows seem more groomed, and eyelashes seem longer.
Finally, buy a really good pair of tweezers (expect to pay £20 or less) and check for stray eyebrow hairs every couple of days. This will help you to stay along the lines of your last professional threading treatment, but for free.
Natural spa waters are renowned for their healing properties and naturally occurring minerals, but you can cheat this spa experience at home with a hot bath and a box of Epsom salts. You can buy Epsom salts for less than a fiver at any good chemist – just tip 500g-1kg into your bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. The hot water and salts will draw out excess fluid from your body and aid muscle repair.
Even better – a handful of salts rubbed into dry or slightly damp skin will have an incredible exfoliating effect – similar to a spa-style salt scrub.
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
