So I can't really afford to go out and get manis/pedis/and massages... any tips for creating spa-like treatments that I can do at home with friends? I have heard that soaking your feet in hot water with a few drops of peppermint oil can totally relax you... has anyone tried this or other in home treatments, and how did you like it?
For your feet, get a washing up bowl and a couple of bags of marbles. Put in nice warm water, a few drops of an essential oil of your choice (it's going to do more for your mood than for your feet, so pick something that makes you feel happy and relaxed), and roll your feet over the marbles to relax them. Afterwards, dry your feet carefully, put oil or lotion on if you fancy, and get them nice and warm with socks (two pairs or thick socks if you want really toasty feet). If you like mixing up your own aromatherapy blends, infused calendula is a great base oil for feet, and there are various essential oils which are good. I got the marbles recommendation from an aromatherapist, she said it works just as well as those fancy foot spas you can buy.
I've done home facials before. Steam your face by putting boiling water into a boil, adding 1-2 drops essential oils, waiting a moment for the heat to calm down a bit, and then putting a towel over your head and sitting there for 5-15 min. This can be really useful for headaches, colds and sinusitis, by the way, in which case lavender and eucalyptus are good oils to use. I've used ground almonds to exfoliate my face, and a mixture of sugar and oil to exfoliate my body in the shower (though no longer, as the oil coats the bottom of the bath and makes it a death trap! I should try it with lotion). Face masks are easy to buy, either ready-mixed or in the form of something you mix with water. I like green clay for face masks myself. Avocadoes are meant to be good, but as another aromatherapist I've known said, "I always get stuck at, 'Stop! Do not eat the avocado!'"
I also like the oil cleansing method (google it for instructions), and actually use this to wash my face every day. I use mainly olive oil for the oil, and a bamboo washcloth/flannel as it's much softer than the cotton ones. I just do it briefly as a daily thing, but for special occasions I'll do the full version where you spend a while massaging the oil in, and then steam your face repeatedly rather than just draping the washcloth over your face the once (and if you're me, doing a little dance to freak out your partner - if you've seen Stargate Atlantis, I look like one of the Wraith soldiers with a flannel over my face). I did this for a family wedding recently, first time I've been to a wedding without makeup, and my skin turned out looking much better than usual.
Soaking your hands in a basin of warm water, with a drop of two of essential oil if you want, is surprisingly good if you have achy hands. My physio has told me to do it as I have problems with RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
For your feet, get a washing up bowl and a couple of bags of marbles. Put in nice warm water, a few drops of an essential oil of your choice (it's going to do more for your mood than for your feet, so pick something that makes you feel happy and relaxed), and roll your feet over the marbles to relax them. Afterwards, dry your feet carefully, put oil or lotion on if you fancy, and get them nice and warm with socks (two pairs or thick socks if you want really toasty feet). If you like mixing up your own aromatherapy blends, infused calendula is a great base oil for feet, and there are various essential oils which are good. I got the marbles recommendation from an aromatherapist, she said it works just as well as those fancy foot spas you can buy.
I've done home facials before. Steam your face by putting boiling water into a boil, adding 1-2 drops essential oils, waiting a moment for the heat to calm down a bit, and then putting a towel over your head and sitting there for 5-15 min. This can be really useful for headaches, colds and sinusitis, by the way, in which case lavender and eucalyptus are good oils to use. I've used ground almonds to exfoliate my face, and a mixture of sugar and oil to exfoliate my body in the shower (though no longer, as the oil coats the bottom of the bath and makes it a death trap! I should try it with lotion). Face masks are easy to buy, either ready-mixed or in the form of something you mix with water. I like green clay for face masks myself. Avocadoes are meant to be good, but as another aromatherapist I've known said, "I always get stuck at, 'Stop! Do not eat the avocado!'"
I also like the oil cleansing method (google it for instructions), and actually use this to wash my face every day. I use mainly olive oil for the oil, and a bamboo washcloth/flannel as it's much softer than the cotton ones. I just do it briefly as a daily thing, but for special occasions I'll do the full version where you spend a while massaging the oil in, and then steam your face repeatedly rather than just draping the washcloth over your face the once (and if you're me, doing a little dance to freak out your partner - if you've seen Stargate Atlantis, I look like one of the Wraith soldiers with a flannel over my face). I did this for a family wedding recently, first time I've been to a wedding without makeup, and my skin turned out looking much better than usual.
Soaking your hands in a basin of warm water, with a drop of two of essential oil if you want, is surprisingly good if you have achy hands. My physio has told me to do it as I have problems with RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
Thanks so much! These are great tips, and things that I am definately going to try
At home "spa" treatments???
