A year into the pandemic, our stress levels have never been higher — and neither has the need for many of us to continue staying home. And while manufacturers contribute $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy, countless Americans are looking for ways to save money, make the most of what they have, and to become more self-sufficient during this time. Ultimately, you can address all of these goals by partaking in self-care at home. And if you’re really serious about taking the DIY route, there are plenty of ways to create some luxurious products without ever having to leave the house. Here are just three ways to create your own spa day essentials with materials you probably already have in your possession. Once you master how to make these, you’ll never have to venture out to relax (unless you really want to).
DIY Candles
Although lathes are often used to make an array of products, including candle sticks, you don’t need any fancy equipment to make your own candles at home. All you’ll really need is a pot, an electric stove or hot plate, a thermometer, some wax, wicks, heat-proof containers (like recycled jars), and some fragrance oils (if you want). Basically, you’ll want to place your wick in your heat-proof container, melt your wax in a pot to 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, add fragrance or color if desired, transfer the melted wax into your container, and allow to cool. You can then trim your wick to your preferred size, light, and enjoy for hours! While it may not be as fancy as a candle you’d buy in the store, it’s a really sustainable option that can add ambiance to your spa day for an affordable price.
Homemade Face Masks
You’re probably sick of wearing masks while you’re out of the house. The average person has about 300 million skin cells — and a homemade face mask can show your skin some much-needed TLC. Natural face masks can be made from items you already have in your pantry or fridge, like avocado, honey, cocoa powder, turmeric, coconut oil, and more. One of the most simple recipes involves mashing half an avocado and mixing with a teaspoon each of honey and cocoa powder. Apply to your face, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash off gently with warm water. Your skin will soon be feeling soft and smooth — all without having to buy anything with plastic packaging.
Make-Your-Own Bath Soak
There’s nothing better than ending your spa day with a long soak in the tub. But you don’t need expensive bubble baths or artisan soaps to enjoy the experience. A rose oatmeal bath can feel perfectly indulgent while using just a couple of ingredients. Simply combine one cup of coats and one cup of dried organic rose petals in a blender or food processor to make a fine powder. Then, you can add up to one cup of this mixture into your bath by mixing it with running water. While this recipe is super simple, it can soothe the skin and will smell amazing!
We could all use a self-care day — but if you don’t want to visit the spa, you can still participate in some well-deserved rest and relaxation at home. With these DIY ideas, you can easily create some self-care staples to enjoy whenever the mood strikes.
