The idea of a “spa day” sounds great, doesn’t it? But a full day at the spa can be hard to fit into a busy schedule (and budget). So, the next time you long for a spa day, create one at home! To help, here are five at-home spa recipes you can whip up with products you probably already have in your kitchen pantry or medicine cabinet:
Coffee Exfoliating Scrub. The same coffee you drink to wake up in the morning has soothing effects on your skin. The antioxidants in coffee can calm inflammation and redness and decrease the appearance of sunspots and fine lines. Plus, this coffee scrub combats cellulite and gives your skin a natural glow. You can use this coffee sugar scrub on your entire body. To make it, mix the following ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well:
¼ cup coconut oil
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup finely ground coffee
10 drops cinnamon essential oil
Rub the scrub on your face and any areas of your body you want to refresh and tone.
Hydrating Avocado Hair Mask. Not only are avocadoes and olive oil good additions to a healthy diet, they also do wonders for your hair. The oils and minerals in avocadoes prevent breakage, soften hair and reduce dandruff. And olive oil adds extra protection and shine to prevent damage. Here’s how to make an avocado mask for your hair:
½ avocado
½ cup olive oil
Mash the two ingredients together in a bowl with a fork. Apply the mixture to the ends of your hair, leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Honey Lavender Bath Bombs. Honey can help reduce anxiety and fight bacteria. And lavender oil has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and help improve mood. For a soothing spa-like bath, make honey lavender bath bombs. Combine:
½ cup cocoa butter
½ cup shea butter
¼ cup steeped lavender tea
1 teaspoon lavender flowers
30 drops lavender essential oil
Mix cocoa butter and shea butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or until the butters liquify. Fold in the remaining ingredients and pour the mixture into a silicone mold tray or ice cube tray and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. When you’re ready for your bath, drop a few bombs in the hot water and relax.
Sugary Hair and Scalp Scrub. Just like you need to exfoliate the skin on your face and body, your scalp craves exfoliation, too. This scrub works as a hair mask and scrub, nourishes hair and removes flakes that lead to buildup. Combine:
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons almond oil
3 tablespoons coconut oil
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and apply to dry hair, section by section, until it’s covered. Massage the scrub into your scalp. Leave on hair for five minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner. The purpose of facial toners is to remove impurities and moisturize and protect skin. An ancient medicine and preservative, apple cider vinegar contains astringent acids and does all these good things. To make a homemade apple cider vinegar for your spa day, mix:
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
8 ounces water
3 drops chamomile essential oil
1 teaspoon rosewater
1 teaspoon witch hazel (if you have oily skin)
Mix ingredients together in a glass container. Dab toner on a cotton ball and apply to the face and neck after cleansing.
The post Pamper Yourself from Your Pantry: 5 At-Home Spa Recipes appeared first on Mindful by Sodexo.