After a summer full of friends’ weddings and, consequently, many a preparatory visit to our favorite salons, we’ve spent quite a few pretty pennies on our beautifying routines as of late. Wedding season or not, we like to think of our spa addiction as more than just an act of vanity—it’s proof of a deep commitment to physical health and wellbeing, but the stress caused by what our Mint.com account says we’re spending on these treatments each month is probably negating any benefits. So today, we’re turning over a new leaf by going DIY with our spa days. Here, three homemade versions of our favorite indulgences.
Microdermabrasion
Professional microdermabrasion procedures use crystals to remove layers of skin, reducing and removing age spots, wrinkles, blackheads and acne scars for younger, fresher-looking skin. They’re highly addictive but at a steep price—sessions cost between $100 and $200 apiece and are recommended at least every three weeks. At-home versions, however, are easy and cheap to make using ingredients you already have in your kitchen. (Plus, they're safe enough to be repeated once a week.)
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the sugar, olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly. Add baking powder and lavender essential oil, then blend until mixture is creamy and free of lumps. Gently massage onto your face and neck in a circular motion. Rinse well and pat dry.
Enzyme Peel
Enzyme peels are great for acne-prone skin, and can help remove dead skin cells and boost cell renewal to reduce fine lines and give the skin a youthful glow. Professional enzyme peels can run several hundreds of dollars, but simple fruit enzymes will give you a similar effect. Any fruit works—citrus fruits can be harsher than others, so use caution—but we like this version using papaya.
Ingredients:
½ papaya - mashed
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
Mix ingredients thoroughly and apply to clean skin. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Four Seasons-Inspired Margarita Body Scrub
If we’re being honest, our livers would probably prefer it if this tequila-soaked treatment became our new happy hour. Similar luxury spa treatments (such as that infamous to the Four Seasons hotel) cost hundreds of dollars, but this at-home version costs just a few—and you can drink while you detox without judgment.
Ingredients:
½ cup sea salt (natural exfoliator)
2 tablespoons olive oil (natural moisturizer)
1-2 tablespoons of tequila (natural antiseptic)
1 lime (or the equivalent of one lime in juice)
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Scrub in the shower. Rinse. If you’re lucky enough to have a significant other—or a very good friend—combine some tequila and sage oil for a margarita massage.
