Before becoming a single parent, I used to go to a health spa/fitness resort twice a year. Now that I am a single parent and money is tight, I try to create my own mini-spa experience at home once a week.
The following is my routine. It may not appeal or work for you. But if you get even one new idea, then investing your time to read this article is worthwhile- note: everything linked are to Amazon.com products that Salty Vixen uses.
1. Set aside one and a half to two hours when there is a high confidence of being uninterrupted
2. Prepare the bathroom:
- Light a candle. My favorite is “My Lumina Ardent Love Pink Candle – Romantic Sweet Love Candle Natural Soy Wax – Rose and Jasmine Natural Scented Purifying Candle for Aromatherapy” – all the candles from this brand are amazing!
- Start filling the bathtub with tolerably hot water
- Put about a tablespoon each of the following into the tub under the running water (All listed are Amazon.com Links):
- Lavender Citrus Body Wash – Made with Organic Ingredients, Body Wash Sensitive Skin, All Natural Body Wash, Shower Gel
- Crabtree & Evelyn”s Aloe Shower & Bath Gel
- Bath & Body Work’s Stress Relief Mineral Bath Salts
(I don’t remember how I came up with this combination, but I like it better than any of the more expensive spa products I’ve tried)
- Make sure the following is easily accessible from the tub:
- A washcloth
- A razor with a new blade (I prefer shaving to waxing)
- A nylon net scrubbing puff
- A Moisturizing Body Wash
- Attach an inflatable terry cloth pillow to the wall behind the tub
3. Take care of maintenance – pluck, bleach, remove fingernail polish, etc.
4. Apply a facial mask
5. Dry brush entire body to exfoliate
6. Rub ” Facial Exfoliating Gel, Non-Scrub Gentle Exfoliant for Face & Body Dead Flaky Skin Peeling & Cleansing, Revealing Glowing & Bright Skin, 150 ml/5 fl oz“all over body
7. Get into the tub
8. Lay back and rest head on pillow
9. Practice relaxation techniques for 10-15 minutes
- Take a few deep, cleansing breaths
- Clear the mind of all outside thoughts and concerns
- Mindfully tell the muscles to relax. Start with the face, move on to the neck, shoulders, and finish with the toes.
10. Remove the facial mask with the washcloth.
11. Put Oil of Olay Body Wash on the net puff and scrub all over. Use the foam from this to shave legs and underarms.
12. Rinse off, get out of the tub,and pat dry.
13. Gently apply a moisturizing body lotion. I like “Cruelty-Free and Paraben-Free Kukui Body Lotion by Hanalei – Dye-Free Moisturizer with Kukui Nut Oil, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil – Made in USA – Full Size (200 ml)“
14. Apply a moisturizing face cream. I like “Alpha Skin Care Essential Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid | Soothing Hydration | Reduces the Appearance of Lines & Wrinkles | For Normal to Dry Skin | 2 Oz”
15. I then put something comfortable on, lie down on my bed, and listen to a hypnotic relaxation cassette tape.
16. Shape and polish nails.
This routine leaves my skin feeling soft and the rest of me feeling very refreshed. Even if you don’t follow my routine, I think it’s important to establish one of your own. Everyone needs and deserves to pamper themselves now and then.
