It’s been a stressful couple of weeks/months. I’m sure I’m not alone in this feeling. Usually I’d take a trip, I’d plan time with close friends, or I would book a day at the spa.
I don’t have an actual spa in my house (can you imagine?!) but I endeavor to create a “spa” space in as many corners of my home as possible.
Every time I go to a spa, I find myself looking around for ideas to bring back home to make my personal space feel more luxurious and oasis-like. So I’ve been digging deep to elevate my own home “spa” space into something that feels more luxurious and special.
I’m worth it!! And…so are YOU!
Step 1: Wrap yourself in luxury
When you walk into a spa, the first thing they do is hand you a robe and slippers. I’m far too clumsy for slippers in my house, but a good robe is step one on our spa journey. My current favorite is from Parachute (not sponsored!).
Obviously you can find any old robe and make it work. But this one feels “special”. It’s soft and lightweight and cozy all at once. It feels like more than an ordinary old bathrobe. It comes in a bunch of beautiful colors and I think well worth the splurge.
Feel like too much? You know the holidays are just around the corner…
Step 2: Take Care of the Hair
This requirement differs based on what your hair is like – and if a good hair treatment is part of your definition of luxury. I like my hair out of they way even for a nice facial or mask. Here are my “elevated” favorites.
Clockwise from the top:
- Shhhowercap in leopard. The patterns vary but they feel like a luxury addition to your at home spa experience. You can shower or soak without a worry. These are a little pricey and you can find them in higher end department stores too. Well made and well crafted. I happened to be lounging in Miami and struck up a conversation with a total stranger who is the designer/owner of this brand. Imagine me telling her the benefit of her own brand!
- Kitsch headband in mini dot (affiliate link). This headband has a cut out in the back for you long haired beauties. It’s handy for daily use but I like it if I’m going to be doing a mask.
- Velcro headband. The silly one with the bow is from Ulta. It’s cheap and not very well made but it makes me giggle. If you are much more serious than me, here are some very straightforward wraps (affiliate link) to get stray hairs off your face. You can find them many places. Just make sure they feel luxurious to you.
- Kitsch shower cap in black and white stripe (affiliate link). These also come in a variety of patterns so perhaps you can find one that fits your personality. I love the throwback style of these – I imagine I’m channelling old Hollywood! Bonus, they are almost half the price of the first shower cap.
Step 3: Soak Your Cares Away
I take my baths very seriously. VERY seriously. They are sacred – where I can go to leave the stress and strain of the day behind. For years (years!) I’ve searched for the best bubble bath – you know the one that will fill your tub with bubbles that don’t disappoint! Search no further.
Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath (affiliate link) is the best. I like the Relax and Relief scent because the eucalyptus feels very spa-like to me. There is a lavender scent (very mild), a coconut oil one that makes your skin feel buttery soft. I can find this at the grocery store, in Target or on Amazon. It all depends where I’m shopping when the mood hits me. It’s very affordable and it’s the best I’ve found in years of testing out bubble bath. Don’t skimp. It may feel like you’re dumping in half the bottle. You’re not. But just sink into the bubbles.
Step 4: Get Your Mask On
You probably know by now that I have a real mask obsession. I couldn’t start to recommend one because it’s such a personal choice. Sheet masks are abundantly available but I always splurge for the higher end ones for my “spa day”. Something that feels decadently luxurious.
If I’m doing a facial with a mask from a jar (is it only me or do you kind of love when they paint the mask on your face?), I found that actually using a brush makes a world of difference in the spa sensation.
I’ve tried the silicone spatulas – they are okay. I just found they lacked a visceral sensation that I associated with a brush. You can buy a more expensive mask brush if you just do a search. I found that inexpensive flat foundation brushes work just as well. Just make sure they feel soft to the touch and they don’t shed bristles!
Kiehl’s face masks are my favorite! They have a multitude of “flavors” for different needs and a little goes a long way. I don’t personally need clay masks, but they have a lovely one if you enjoy a clay layer. Their hydrating and firming masks are lovely as well!
Step 5: Dry Off and Rejoin the World
Believe it or not, my whole spa day elevation started with a towel. Maybe it’s being cooped up with my towels for months now – but I wanted to up my towel game. And not just any towel would do. I needed luxury. I needed a good spa towel. I realize this will differ from person to person – but I’ve always opted toward the big, fluffy, large loop towels that envelope you in their massiveness. And that’s exactly what was feeling tired and old to me. Maybe I got too used to the luxury – but elevating my towel game was the lynchpin to upping the ante.
You’re not going to believe me when I tell you this isn’t sponsored, but I love these towels! Love them!!
The Fouta Stripe Towels (I opted for the bath sheets) has a flat weave on one side and a terry loop on the other. It’s again both lightweight and cozy. It’s like a hug! Parachute has other types, deep fluffy pile towels and waffle weave towels – whatever your thing is. As soon as I used them, I seriously considered replacing every towel in my house. But then they wouldn’t feel as special – and that’s the objective I was had.
George is not as big a fan of the Fouta Stripe Towel as I am – so follow your own lead and pick something (anything!) that feels luxurious to you!
Luxury is a perspective that differs for each of us. If you’re already good at pampering yourself, consider little things that help elevate your already perfected self-care routine. If you find that you are the bottom of your list because everything else threatens to overwhelm you – pick just one thing to do for yourself and build from there.
… If you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.
Dalai Lama
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I may receive a commission for the sale. It does not cost you anything extra and you are free to use the link or not. Product purchases for review are made with my own money and my opinions are my own. If product is ever provided or the article is sponsored, it will be clearly noted at the top of the page.
