Let’s face it: Life is stressful, and most of us don’t take enough time to pamper ourselves. Often, it’s because we think an expensive spa day is the only way to do it. The good news is that you can enjoy a little R&R by creating your own home spa day.

Wondering how to transform an ordinary day into a home spa day? The RetailMeNot team reached out to relaxation experts to get you the best tips for transforming your bathroom into a spa. We’re also sharing some of our favorite products for a spa day at home.

Tips and tricks for creating a luxurious home spa day

A little preparation can help you make the most of your spa day before even getting started. Below are some tips to help you start the day off right:

• Set the stage for the best spa day. Pick a moment when you don’t have to rush and choose a calm and quiet space in your home. According to Jacquelyn Ramsey, founder of WoodSprite Organic Body, “A real spa day starts with intention. Set aside a dedicated block of time and put your phone on Do Not Disturb, or better yet, out of the room entirely.”

• Transform your space with minor changes. Hide the clock and dim the lights. Then change into a comfy robe or pair of pajamas. Finally, put on some soothing music and light a calming candle to set the spa mood.

Best pick for basking in red and near-infrared light

Red and near-infrared light is a powerful treatment for all skin types, and the spa isn’t the only place you can find it. Just 10 minutes in front of the right at-home red light device can leave your skin glowing and refreshed.

Omnilux Men

Source: Omnilux

Despite its name, the Omnilux Men device isn’t just for men. We selected this model over the Contour Face device because of its versatility and effectiveness. 

• In addition to offering 633nm (red) and 830nm (near-infrared) wavelengths, the Omnilux Men device also provides the option to use 1072nm (near-infrared). All wavelengths are gentle and non-invasive for all skin types.
• This red-light therapy device can promote a smoother and more even complexion. It can also help reduce everything from wrinkles to under-eye bags.

Note that this device often goes on sale around holidays with its price dropping by $50. As a result, it can be wise to wait for one of these savings events before investing in this device for your at-home spa.

Price: $395 at Omnilux

Best options for revitalizing your hair and refreshing your face

After luxuriating under some red light, you might be ready to hop into the tub. However, before you do, you’ll want to consider putting on a hair mask and a sheet mask. While you soak, these products will be hard at work to restore your hair and refresh your face.

Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask

We love the Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask for its powerful blend of antioxidants, biotin, caffeine, collagen and niacinamide. This winning combination can repair coarse, damaged hair and boost its softness and shine. Best of all, it’s not too heavy for fine or thin hair.

Price: $72 at Sephora

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

As far as sheet masks go, we’re big fans of the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask. It’s affordable (one is about the cost of your morning coffee) at Sephora, and it offers serious hydration. It’s all thanks to our friends, collagen and hyaluronic acid. Although you can wear this mask overnight, it works just as well if you wear it for three to four hours.

Price: $5 at Sephora

Best for enhancing a relaxing soak in the tub

While your hair and sheet masks work, you can sink into a relaxing bath and wash away your troubles. However, you don’t want to spend hours in the bath. Jacquelyn says, “It sounds counterintuitive, but soaking too long actually dehydrates your skin. Twenty minutes is plenty.”

To set the scene and soak smarter, light some candles around your bathtub, run some warm water and sprinkle in dried flower petals. Finally, don’t forget to add bath salt or oil.

• Bath oils offer delightful aromatherapy and intense hydration for your skin.
• Bath salts can help with muscle relaxation and detoxification.

ESPA Positivity Bath Body Oil

Source: Dermstore

ESPA Positivity Bath Body Oil is our bath oil pick because you can use it in the tub or on its own after a bath. Triglycerides and avocado, sweet almond, and sunflower oils condition your skin. At the same time, you’ll enjoy an incredible scent that blends fragrances like jasmine, bergamot and sweet orange.

Price: $75 at Dermstore

Lavender & Chamomile Calming Herbal Spa Salts

For bath salts, you can’t beat the Lavender & Chamomile Calming Herbal Spa Salts from WoodSprite Organic Body. This luxurious product combines mineral-rich sea salts with organic herbs and aromatherapy-grade essential oils. The result is a bath that soothes the senses and releases tension.

Price: $42 at Wood Sprite Organic Body

Best for massaging your tired muscles

After your bath, your muscles are relaxed and warm. This makes it the perfect time to treat yourself to a massage. 

Below are a few self-massage tips from Stephanie Honorato, lead massage therapist at Squeeze Massage:

• “If you have neck and shoulder tension, you can use medium to firm pressure, slow strokes, or trigger point work with your thumbs at the base of the skull and into the neck and top of shoulders.”
• Stephanie stresses the power of massaging those shoulders too. “You can also do gentle kneading along the shoulder and into the deltoids. Even simply squeezing the trapezius muscle can help release tension,” she explains.
• As for lower body discomfort, Stephanie recommends “techniques like squeezing the calves or using broad gliding strokes up and down the calves. Using a massage ball/tennis ball for glute and sciatic tension can be really effective.”

Theragun Mini (3rd Gen)

Source: Amazon

Stephanie also suggests using a handheld percussion therapy device to “loosen knots and increase circulation.” We personally love the Theragun Mini (3rd Gen). This ultra-portable massager is just as light and portable as it is powerful. It comes with three adjustable speeds and three scientifically designed attachments to give you the perfect massage every time.

Price: $219.99 at Amazon

Also, don’t forget to put on a little massage oil or lotion. We love using the ESPA Positivity Bath Body Oil we mentioned earlier to serve this purpose.

Best for treating yourself to an at-home facial

After your bath and massage, it’s time for the final step of your at-home spa journey: A facial. It might seem intimidating, but you can do it by following a few easy steps:

• Place a warm compress on your face for a minute. This melts away tension and opens your pores.
• Gently massage an oil cleanser into your skin for 60 to 90 seconds and then exfoliate your skin.
• Use soft, rhythmic motions to apply your favorite face oil and finish with a moisturizer.

As for the products you use, this will vary depending on your skin type and concerns. However, the tips above will help you enjoy the perfect facial for your at-home spa day.

The post Creating a Home Spa Day: All the Tips, Tricks, and Products You Need appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

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