Nine Great At-Home Spa Treatments That Won’t Break the Bank

Every woman loves to be pampered, but going to the spa can cost hundreds of dollars!  Fortunately, you can make your face, hair, and body as beautiful as if you had just came from the spa – right in your own home.  Here are nine great at-home spa treatments that won’t break the bank.

1. Every good spa experience includes a facial!  If your skin needs a lift, this peel-off mask is the perfect solution:  Pour a half of cup of juice into a heat-proof bowl.  Dry-skinned ladies should use apple, peach, pear, or papaya juices, while those with oilier complexions should try orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit.  Add one teaspoon of plain gelatin to the bowl; heat the mixture in the microwave until the gelatin is completely dissolved.  Refrigerate the mask for 15 – 20 minutes, then apply the thickened mixture to your face.  Be careful to avoid your eyes, eyebrows and hair-line!  Leave the mask on your face until it dries and is no longer sticky, then, peel it off, throw it away, and rinse off any residue to reveal beautiful, deep-cleaned skin.
2.   Another mask for oily skin requires one half cup of oatmeal, one quarter cup of plain yogurt, and two tablespoons of honey.  Grind the oatmeal in a food processor, then add the honey and yogurt.  Stir until the mixture is smooth, and spread the mask over the face and neck.  Rinse the mask away after fifteen minutes:  Your skin will be clean and oil-free!
3. To make a moisturizing mask, mix one teaspoon powdered milk, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon aloe very, and two drops of any essential oil.  Wear the mask for fifteen minutes, then rinse with warm water for soft, smooth skin.
4.  Salt scrubs are great exfoliators.  To make this scrub, you will need half a cup of sweet almond oil, one cup of sea salt or sugar, and five drops of any essential oil.  Combine the oil and the salt in a bowl; mix them well.  Add the essential oil until combined.  Using circular strokes, massage the scrub onto dry skin.  Be very careful not to get the scrub in any cuts.  Focus on areas such as the elbows and knees to slough of dead skin cells.  Shower off the excess, or follow your scrub with a warm bath.
5.  Want to rehydrate your dry, damaged hair?  In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix half a cup of dried rosemary leaves with half a cup of olive oil.  Stir the mixture constantly until it is warm.  Remove from heat, and strain to remove leaves.  Be careful that the mixture is not to hot!  Having checked that you will not burn your head, coat the scalp and ends of hair with the oil, then wrap hair in plastic wrap.  Cover your head with a towel to retain the heat.  Leave the mask on your hair for fifteen minutes, then thoroughly wash your hair – it will be soft and smooth.
6.  If you want to add shine to your locks, mix the juice from half a lemon, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and one cup of water.  Shampoo and rinse as usual, then pour the mixture onto your hair.  Massage it into your scalp, and rinse it out with cool water to add beautiful sheen.
7.  So you had a late night, and the stress of work is getting you down.  Don’t worry!  Chamomile tea bags will reduce the puffiness around your eyes.  Just submerge two tea bags under cool water.  After about ten minutes, remove the tea bags, wring out excess moisture, and place them on your closed eyes for reduced swelling and redness.  Don’t forget to keep those peepers shut!
8.  If winter has left your lips dry and chapped, exfoliate once or twice a week with baking soda.  Combine a small amount of baking soda with warm water and apply the mixture to the bristles of your toothbrush.  Using circular motions, gently brush your lips.  Rinse the baking soda away with cool water, and don’t forget to apply lip balm.
9.  You can use strawberry or cherry Jell-o to make a gorgeous (and delicious) lip stain.  Empty a Jell-o packet into a small container.  Use a Q-tip or a lip brush to apply the lip color – it might stain your finger!  Wet your applicator, then dab it into the Jell-o.  Apply the mixture to your lips.  Want more color?  Apply the stain again.  Want shine?  Add a little lip balm.  This mixture also makes a good cheek stain.

Happy beautifying!