If you ask me, there is no better feeling in the world than indulging in a good old-fashioned pampering session. Whether it’s taking some time to practise self-care or simply having a manicure, treating yourself to some TLC from time to time is thought to boost mood, productivity, and better your general well-being.
If you’ve grown accustomed to regular facials, pedis, or spray tans, you might be interested to know that you don't necessarily have to leave the house in order to get spa- or salon-worthy results. So with our diaries looking relatively clear for the next few weeks at least and the whole host of impressive at-home beauty products out there, now is the perfect time to set aside some "me" time and turn your home into a makeshift spa for an hour or so.
Keep scrolling for all of the salon and spa beauty treatments you can carry out yourself at home.
Facial
This one might seem a bit silly at first given that we are all committing to an extensive twice-daily skincare routine anyway (right?) However, if you’re craving a post-facial glow, there are some extra steps that can be taken. First of all, for the extra treat, make sure you’re reaching for your most indulgent products. A spa-like cleansing balm followed by a luxe exfoliating treatment will leave your skin glowing, but why stop there?
Up the ante by treating your face to a deep steam and masking session to help decongest pores. Then, follow up with a depuffing, firming, and (most importantly) super-relaxing facial massage. Not sure where to start? Reaping the benefits from a facial massage doesn’t require expert knowledge thanks to hardworking tools and rollers. Lock in all of the goodness with a healthy layer of radiance-boosting moisturiser and glow forth.
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When it comes to spa-like cleansers, nothing beats this. Not only does it leave skin hydrated, calmed, and plumped but it’s also full of aromatic oils to soothe the rest of the senses, too.
This luxe exfoliator is a best seller for a reason. With hardworking natural fruit enzymes and super-nourishing marine algae, no other product gives a better post-facial glow.
If you want to get serious about your at-home facials, this is an investment worth making. Emitting microscopic steam particles, this clever machine works to decongest and purify pores for a smoother-looking complexion. Oh, and you can expect an out-of-this-world glow.
This heavenly scented cream mask uses lavender and rosemary water to both calm and purify the skin. Plus, it’s filled with hyaluronic acid for plumped and glowing results.
Make your serum work that little bit harder by working it in with a facial massage. This particular oil formula allows for beautiful slip, smells divine, and leaves skin looking bright.
If you really have no idea what you’re doing when it comes to facial massages (let’s face it, who really does?), this little guy is here to help. Simply it roll up and down the jawline, over the cheekbones, and down the sides of the neck to stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve skin firmness.
Be sure to finish up with a generous application of nourishing face cream. This particular one is formulated specifically to combat dullness and to contribute to that post-facial glow.
Brows
Unlike so many other beauty treatments, taking your brows into your own hands does come with the risk of things going horribly wrong. My advice? Steer clear of any wax and try to resist getting pluck happy. It’s hard, I know, but if you want to avoid reliving the '90s and wish to maintain a bushy brow, it’s crucial. The trick is to use a spoolie to brush up strands and reveal the natural shape of your brow and then pluck only from below (never the top). Using precise, high-quality tweezers, remove the stragglers. If you find yourself questioning one particular hair, the chances are it’s meant to be there.
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This particular pair of tweezers is considered the Rolls-Royce of pluckers. In fact, the brand is famous for making high-precision tweezers for the Swiss watch industry to be used on watches by brands including Patek Philippe and Cartier. It’s safe to say, therefore, that these are the best of the best.
To be used only by those with a steady hand. If you like that HD brow effect, these single-blade razors are great for getting rid of peach fuzz above the brows.
This at-home dye promises dark, full-looking brows for up to six weeks. If you ask me, it's one of the best brow products around. But be warned: These dye kits sold like hot cakes back in March.
If you're not quite brave enough to try an at-home brow dye, a tinted brow gel could be just the answer. As its super quick and easy to use, expect salon-fresh brows in a matter of seconds.
Pedicure
I totally get it. No one really enjoys giving themselves a pedicure, right? However, in desperate times, there are several at-home products to help keep your tootsies in check. From relaxing foot soaks to masks that quite literally shed your feet of unsightly dry skin, performing a pedicure on yourself has never been easier.
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This is definitely one to do in the winter after sandal season is well and truly over. These clever foot masks contain a whole host of acids and ingredients that essentially cause your skin to shed. Yes, like a snake. Expect some disgusting scenes for a few days afterwards, but believe me when I say it’s worth every second.
If you’re looking to calm and soften tired feet, this petitgrain-scented soak could be just what you need.
What better way to invigorate tired feet than a good scrubbing? This zingy peppermint formula does just that and then some.
If you find that your feet are only rough in certain areas, this simple foot file is sure to do the job.
If you haven't heard of Peacci before, it's a brand to get on your radar ASAP. Not only does it offer up some of the glossiest, prettiest nail polishes around, it has also just added hand- and footcare to its offering. This super-nourishing mask smells like delicious vanilla and leaves tootsies baby-soft.
Body Scrub
While an indulgent body treatment isn't, by any means, a beauty necessity, visiting your local salon or spa for an hour-long full-body scrub truly cannot be beaten for relaxation. The good news is you can treat yourself (and your limbs) in the comfort of your own bathroom, too.
Start off by offering your limbs and body some deep exfoliation either with a salt scrub or an exfoliating cloth or mitt. Use long, gentle circular motions to massage and exfoliate. Finish up by treating skin to a nourishing body mask and a rich moisturiser, and behold re-energised, baby-soft limbs.
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It’s expensive, yes, but the way it leaves skin so soft and silky makes it worth every single penny.
To save on product, this large body mitt is designed to offer deep exfoliation using just water. It can be washed and reused up to 200 times.
Yes, you read that right. This is a mask for your body. Simply slather it onto dry skin, wait 10 minutes for it to dry, and rinse it off to reveal brighter skin.
This beautiful body cream not only nourishes for a supple finish, but it also contains iris extract to help firm.
Wax
Bad news on this one, I’m afraid. Truthfully, when it comes to at-home waxing, for the most part, its highly recommended to steer clear, especially when it comes to intimate areas. The good news, however, is that at-home hair removal choices have never been greater. From razors that specifically cater to sensitive skin to hair-removal creams that promise to remain gentle, there’s no reason you should be left in the lurch.
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Forget the scary, foul-smelling formulas of yesteryear—this gentle hair-removal cream contains a host of softening oils as well as soothing aloe vera to make it suitable for use in sensitive areas.
If you usually find that shaving only irritates your skin and causes more problems than its worth, these special razors are dermatologist tested for use on sensitive skin.
Spray Tan
While there’s no doubt we’re all lacking some natural vitamin D right now, some of us will also have to forgo skin-bronzing spray tans this month. Luckily, fake-tan formulas have come a really long way, meaning that you don’t have to be without your glow. From mists and foams to serums and mousses, applying fake tan yourself has never been easier, and the results have never looked so natural.
My top tips? Make sure that you have fully exfoliated, that dry areas like elbows and ankles are moisturised well in advance, and that you haven’t shaved 12 hours prior to application. (This reduces the risk of it settling in hair follicles.) Oh, and always (always) follow the directions on the bottle.
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This body scrub is a great way to prep skin prior to self-tan application and beyond. It smells like a tropical beach in all of the best ways, and it is safe to use on existing layers of tan, making it just about the best scrub for tanners.
This clear tan from St. Tropez is infused with skin-loving vitamins to keep your skin looking healthy and, thus, your tan looking more natural. Not only that but the spray mechanism makes for the easiest of applications.
In just four hours, this gorgeous formula leaves skin with a healthy-looking glow. The best bit? It’s scent-free, so it doesn’t leave you smelling like coconut biscuits.
No one does tan quite like the Australians, and no one does Australian tan quite like Bondi Sands. I didn’t use fake tan until I gave Aero a go. As it's easy to apply, streak-free, and unbelievably natural looking, I urge all fake-tan haters to try it. Plus, it now comes in this ultra-dark formula for those who want more, more, more (aka me).
For those who like to keep their face as bronzed as their limbs, this serum leaves behind a beautiful sun-kissed glow and deeply hydrates thanks to hyaluronic acid.
Next up, The Skincare Brands Worth Spending a Little Extra On