Many of us lead stressful lives, so having a peaceful retreat for a little pampering, rest and relaxation is a must. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create a little oasis for yourself. Read on for a DIY Lavender Bath Salts recipe and how to create a relaxing spa experience at home!
One of the goals I’ve set for the new year was to dedicate some time for “me time” whether it’s meditating or relaxing on the beach. While it’s a tad too cold at the moment for walks on the beach, I can treat myself at home.
Start with a Clean Spa
When you think of spa, you think of an impeccably clean environment where you can relax and unwind. Before you embark on your relaxing spa experience, ensure that your bath area is spotless. The last thing you want while you’re trying to relax is to see soap scum and grime and ruin the mood.
Scentiva is a new addition to the Clorox family and is available in two great scents: Tuscan Lavender & Jasmine and Hawaiian Sunshine in both spray and wipes. And since it comes from the amazing Clorox family of products, it kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria as it cleans, disinfects and deodorizes.
If you, like me, struggle with the trade-off between products that clean well or just cover up odor, rest assured that Scentiva excels at both.
Run the Bath
After your tub is nice and clean, run the hot water and add your favorite bubble bath or epsom salts to the water. Epsom salts helps ease muscle aches from everyday stresses and responsibilities.
Gather and light a couple of candles near the tub while you’re waiting for the tub to fill to really set the mood.
Diffuse an Essential Oil
While this step isn’t totally necessary, it does create a relaxing ambiance for your spa time in addition to other benefits. Recent studies confirm the power of essential oils (like lavender) to reduce stress, lessen anxiety, and promote relaxation.
As your bath tub fills, add just a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or bergamot, and in a few minutes, your home ‘spa’ will start its relaxing and therapeutic effects.
Beauty Treatments
When at the spa, you are treated to extras such as cucumber slices for your eyes, fruit-infused water and light snacks for refreshments. You may also recall mud treatments.
Now is the best time to treat yourself to a mud or clay mask facial. Clay masks can absorb excess sebum, bacteria, and toxins and can exfoliate dead skin cells and blackheads without irritation.
You may also choose to use coconut oil as a natural hair mask.
Soak + Relax
Whether you fancy a book, some candles, or a glass of wine (or the aforementioned refreshments), enjoy your spa time and beauty treatments. If you have access to instrumental, zen-like music, now is the time to start streaming music at a low volume.
Finish with DIY Lavender Bath Salts
On my very first Caribbean cruise, I enjoyed daily access to the spa. My favorite part of our spa visit was the salt scrub they gave me in a little plastic cup. I always used it in the sauna.
What I loved about it was the infusion of crushed dried lavender as an added exfoliant and garnish. It really left my skin feeling super soft and fragrant, and it moisturized my skin as I left the hot sauna. No extra moisturizer needed!
Instead of buying potentially toxic bath salts I thought, why not create my own? They’re simple and easy to make.
DIY Lavender Bath Salts
- 2.5 cups Epsom salt
- 4 tbsp of a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil, shea oil, or pharmaceutical grade vitamin E)
- 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil
- dried lavender (optional)
- In a medium-sized glass or ceramic bowl, mix the Epsom salts and carrier oil.
- Add essential oil.
- Add dried lavender as garnish (optional).
- Store in an air-tight glass container. (Plastic will absorb the essential oils).
That’s all there is to it! Enjoy your well-deserved spa!
Courtney says
Your DIY salt scrub sounds amazing! I love a good spa day!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Lisette says
Thanks Courtney! Everyone deserves a spa day or a treat day. If not, what is the purpose of life? Haha.
Laura says
These are great tips! I might have to do this over the weekend!
Lisette says
Yes! Treat yourself! Life is too short not to!