I spend about 70% of my time nowadays in my pajamas and at the height of all my exam prep and essay writing there is nothing I wanted to do more than stay home, binge on Netflix, and deep clean my pores. That last one was a joke.
But seriously, nothing is more ‘me me me time’ than face-masking it up with your latest guilty pleasure-watch (right now I’m digging Scandal). And a few months before your wedding, be sure to take time out to pamper yourself (and your besties) with some lovely homemade spa treatments.
So here’s a short list of my favorite non-honey based, totally vegan DIY spa thingies (face scrubs, masks, bath salts, etc.). Consider it my nondenominational, nondescript, super belated holiday gift to you all.
1. Super Basic Sugar Scrub
1 tbsp brown sugar
A few drops of water
A few drops of lemon juice
Combine in a bowl (may require some wrist power). Apply to face. Let the sugar rub away all your worries. If you feel your face is too dry, put on a thin layer of oil or cold cream. I usually feel like a cheap crepe after this one but I feel good nonetheless. Try it if you have no exciting ingredients laying around the house that you’re just dying to put on your face.
2. A Mask for All Seasons (Pumpkin Oatmeal Face Mask)
2 tbsp canned pumpkin purée
1 tsp jojoba or almond or olive oil
1 tbsp of plain oatmeal (grind to make fine)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
I know we’re way out of autumn but this mask will make you feel like a pumpkin pie which, to be honest, is good all the time. Combine all the ingredients and rub into your skin. Leave for 10-15 minutes then rinse with warm water.
3. Golden Glow Haldi Face Mask
2 Tbsp White Rice Flour or Ata (Chickpea flour)
1/2 tsp Haldi (Turmeric)
1 tbsp Almond or Olive Oil
2 tbsp Almond or Coconut Milk
Yeee, this mask is right up every Desi’s alley. It’s like your own Haldi ceremony without all the craziness of a wedding. Combine all the dry ingredients first, then add in the oil for moisture and the milk for consistency. Rub gently into your skin and allow to sit for ten minutes. Rinse away with warm water. This mask is especially good for dry skin.
4. Super California Avocado Face Mask (Makes 3 Servings)
1 ripe avocado
1 ripe banana
1 tsp of olive or jojoba oil
1 tsp of orange or lemon juice
I never need an excuse to put avocados in things (it’s what we do in California) so I have mixed feelings about this mask because I’d rather be eating the avocado (and I do when I make it). Mash the banana and avocado together. Mix in oil and citrus juice. Apply a portion to your skin and put the rest in the fridge for another home spa session.
5. Coffee Grounds Mud Pie Scrub
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp super fine coffee grounds (feel free to grind them a few times if they’re too course)
Ready to get your hands dirty? This one is a bit messy but oh so good for your skin. Mix 2 parts olive oil to 3 parts used coffee grounds and then rub into your skin. After you let it sit for a few minutes, remove with a water rinse. It’s like a coffee break for your face.
6. Strawberry Pancakes Mask (Strawberry and Maple Syrup Face Mask)
1 or 2 mashed/blended strawberries
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp coconut oil
This is a sticky sweet mask that’ll leave you feeling indulged and decadent. Mash up the strawberry and add in the maple syrup and coconut oil. Mix together and apply to skin. Let sit for anywhere between 10-30 minutes. Rinse and wipe away (may take some effort).
7. Tropical Sunshine Face Mask (Makes 3 Servings)
1 papaya’s worth of seeds
1 small handful of oats or almonds
Enough water to make a paste
Be a little careful with this one – it’s so full of delicious enzymes it might burn a little! Blend the ingredients together until smooth and apply to face. Leave for 10 minutes then wash off with warm water. Put on some cold cream, lotion, or coconut oil afterwards to moisturize. Guaranteed to leave you with brighter skin.
8. Bubble Bath Soap
1 cup baby shampoo or dishwashing liquid
1 tbsp pure glycerin – vegetable
1 cup water
1 tbsp almond oil
15 drops essential oil
Bubble baths are the best. Duh. I like this recipe for its simplicity and the fact that I usually have all these things (minus the glycerin) laying around the house. This recipe makes one bath’s worth. Throw the ingredients together in a bowl and mix. Add them to a hot bath and put on your sexiest bubble Santa beard.
9. Super Easy Bath Salts
3/4 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup sea salt
1/4 cup baking soda
6-8 drops of your fave essential oil(s) (think lavendar, coconut, jojoba, etc.)
Yes, basically, put all these things together and then stick ‘em in a jar. Drop a few spoonfuls into a bathtub filled with hot water and allow 30 minutes (or longer, idk how long water stays warm for) to melt into lovely, scented oblivion.
Cheapo spa days for everyone!