WHEN it comes to winding down in today’s turbulent times, a face pack on the sofa just isn’t going to cut it.
But the de-stress antidote doesn’t always have to lie in luxury spa breaks or indulgent treatments, especially when time and money is tight.
The real tonic is lurking behind a bathroom door near you – in your own home, to be precise.
Beauty’s home spa industry is booming right now, and it’s little wonder with 97% of women admitting that being unable to relax has an adverse effect on their lives, according to Sanctuary research.
“There’s a real relaxation need for people who can’t get to a spa,” explains Fiona Brackenbury, head of Decleor training and education. “Statistics show that the number one way to relax is to run a hot bubble bath in your own home, with the second being to visit a spa, so this is the best of both worlds.”
Time to stock up your shelves and book a slot in your bathroom . . .
PAMPERING PRODUCTS
The popularity of DIY spas is evident in the range of at-home products on the beauty shelves.
Earlier this year, Elemis launched a new Sp@Home bodycare range and The Sanctuary unveiled a Spa Therapies sleep, relax and revive range.
Decleor are also releasing a Relax Intense capsule collection to make home spa-ing a cinch.
But, if you have to invest in just one do-it-all product, Brackenbury recommends an oil: “This multi-faceted product will really help you set the spa scene.
“You can put it in the bath, massage directly onto the skin and even create a hot oil treatment – simply apply to your hair, wrap a warm towel around the head and leave on for half an hour.”
TIME TO SPA
Everyone loves an occasional facial or massage from the professionals, but there’s always one drawback . . . getting home afterwards when you’re floating somewhere on cloud nine.
Now, with the latest at-home spa innovations, you don’t have to move a muscle. Home spa-ing eliminates the getting changed and hopping on the bus scenario, but you need to choose your time carefully to make the most of the blissed-out experience.
“Find a day where you can give yourself some TLC,” Brackenbury says. “For many, Sundays are the best day of the week to prepare your mind, body and spirit for the week ahead.”
It’s also well worth setting the spa scene with dim lights and therapeutic music to maximise your “me time”.
“The easiest way to home spa is to light candles, run a bath, add essential oils and exfoliate your skin as you’re breathing in the aromas.”
