Do-It-Yourself Spa-cation
A few weeks ago, my day job sent me out to the middle of New Jersey for a trade conference. After some internet detective work, I realized that the conference was nowhere near any of the Garden State’s fabulous malls.
With no coworkers to keep me company, I was going to have to enjoy myself (and by myself) at the mid-tier hotel I was staying at.
Then it hit me. I realized I could bring along some beauty goodies to make the best of the situation and treat myself to a spa-cation.
I began my DIY spa experience by lighting The Fragrance Collection 3-wick Soy-Based Candle in Pomegranate & Cranberries ($9.99 US). The entire Fragrance Collection by Glade is affordable, widely available and smells like its expensive cousins found in fancy candle shops.
Glade’s soy-based formulation is pure, natural and doesn’t smell like the fake stuff. The candle even comes with a lid so it is travel-friendly. Pomegranate & Cranberries is a limited edition holiday scent. If you prefer the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree, try the Fresh Pine & Cedar scent instead.
Like the rest of my body, I’ve been neglecting my hair too. My mane was in need of some serious TLC and it gets some in the form of Bumble and Bumble Crème de Coco Shampoo ($21 US) and Crème de Coco Masque ($25 US).
The Crème de Coco line is dense with hydrating butters and the coconut scent is a major plus. The amazingly authentic coconut scent transports me to some tropical isle.
After Crème de Coco Shampoo, I squeeze out as much water from my hair and follow with a generous amount of Crème de Coco Masque and wrap a hot towel around my head for about ten minutes to let the deep conditioner penetrate. By the time I rinse it out, my hair feels soft, silky and so much more manageable.
Just recently, a friend turned me onto body oils for post-shower moisture. I admit that I wasn’t a fan at first as it seemed messy. Then I noticed that oils were more easily and quickly absorbed into the skin than my favorite body lotions. Since then I’ve been trying scented oils to take advantage of the sensory experience.
My favorite is Organic Apoteke Sicilian Orange & Mandarin Body Hydrate Oil ($47 US for 5 fl. oz.). Natural Sicilian orange, carrot and coconut oils put the “Hydrate” in this body oil.
Aside from its wonderfully energizing smell and glowing sheen, Organic Apoteke’s Body Hydrate Oils are also 100% from natural origins and certified as natural and organic cosmetics by the EcoCert.
To hydrate my over-washed hands, I used True Blue Spa Beauty Queen Wave Moisturizing Gel Gloves ($25 US) found at Bath and Body Works. With the residual Body Hydrate Oil still on my hands, I slip on the gloves and leave them on for almost an hour.
For my tired and puffy eyes, I brought along Essence of Beauty Gel Eye Mask ($2.99 US). I improvised for a missing freezer by cooling the eye mask in an ice bucket filled with ice. The private line from CVS Pharmacy also makes makeup brushes, makeup sponges and other beauty tools at ultra-affordable prices.
Have you ever created your own spa-cation? What are the must-have products for your home spa experience?
Love this post? Subscribe to The Daily Cookie RSS feed and email to get more beauty features sent straight to your inbox!
This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. We do not do paid or guarantee reviews. We promise to remain truthful with you, our readers, in our editorial content in an effort to provide honest reviews. For more information, please read our Editorial & Content Disclosure page.
On October 26th, 2009 Karrie said:
The body oil you used sounds great.
I’ve always wanted to try them, but I too figured it would be messy post shower.
But I think I’ll be giving it a try.
I think sheet masks and eye masks are a definite must for a at home spa experience.