As any eco diva knows, natural spa treatments are one of the hottest trends in primping and pampering. But your day of pampering at one of these chic eco-spas could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
If you’re looking for a little all-natural luxury on a somewhat more modest budget, we’ve got you covered. Dim those lights and spark up those all-natural beeswax candles. Here are five lavish treatments that you can do yourself.
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1. Sea Salt Scrub
Salt scrubs are one of the go-to spa treatments for rich and famous divas looking to brighten and detoxify their skin. Salt works as a natural exfoliant, buffing off dead skin cells and leaving your skin smooth and soft, and essential oils and herbs rejuvenate the skin for a healthy glow.
Spa-Day Splurge: Rosemary Citron Sea Salt Scrub
Great Jones Spa in New York City
Price: $150 for 60 minutes
DIY: Lemon & Essential Oil Salt Scrub
Price: $20 or less
What you’ll need:
Kosher salt, jojoba oil, one lemon, the essential oil of your choice, and a glass Mason jar (or other securely closing glass container).
Mix it up:
- Measure out equal portions of kosher salt and jojoba oil, and place them in the Mason jar. You can store any extra scrub in the jar at room temperature for up to two weeks. So, make as much as your pampered heart desires.
- Stir the salt and jojoba oil together, and use a zester (or cheese grater) to zest the lemon into the jar. Make sure you are only scraping off the yellow part of the rind, not the white.
- Add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Try lavender for relaxation or peppermint for a quick pick-me-up. Give your scrub a quick stir, and you’re ready to go.
Treatment:
- Take your time when applying the scrub to your skin. Massage it on with slow circular motions, and breathe in the sweet herbal oil smell.
- Draw yourself a warm bath with a few drops of the same essential oil for a good rinse and soak afterwards.
2. Age-Fighting Eye Treatment
Dark circles under your eyes? Your tired, puffy eyes can use some special attention, too. This luxurious spa treatment cools, refreshes, and restores the delicate skin around the eyes.
Spa-Day Splurge: Supreme Rejuvenating Eye Treatment
Sisley Spa at The Carlyle, New York City
Price: $200 for 50 minutes
DIY: Cucumber Eye Treatment
Price: $15 or less
What you’ll need:
One large cucumber, aloe vera gel, and one glass Mason jar.
Mix it up:
- This one is just too easy. Chop up about one-quarter of the cucumber and blend it in the blender.
- Strain blended cucumber into a mixing bowl, and spoon in just a little of the remaining pulp from the blender.
- Add one ounce of the aloe vera gel, and you’re ready to go.
Treatment:
- Cleanse your face first, then apply a generous layer of the treatment under your eyes.
- Allow the treatment to sit on your skin for at least 20 minutes.
The cucumber and aloe will sooth under-eye skin and leave you looking rested and rejuvenated. You can also use this treatment overnight.
3. Relaxing Facial
There’s nothing like a good facial to make you feel pampered. Most indulgent facials at green destination spas use natural fruit and herbal extracts to clean out pores and tone and moisturize your skin, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed. Try our budget-wise DIY spa treatment.
Spa-Day Splurge: Japanese Organic Massage Facial
Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Price: $135 for 50 minutes
DIY: Herbal Steam, Rosewater Toner, & Avocado Face Masque
Price: $20 or less
What you’ll need:
Dried rose petals, dried herbs or essential oil, one avocado, one lemon, extra virgin olive oil, a large glass bowl, and two Mason jars.
Mix it up:
The first step to this at-home facial is making your rosewater, which has been used as a natural toner since Marie Antoinette.
- Place your rose petals in the bottom of a pot on the stove, and pour in just enough water to cover the petals.
- Cover the pot, and let it boil away for about 10 minutes. Once your water smells like rose, it’s done. Take the pot off the stove, and allow your rosewater to cool. You can store any extra in a Mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
While your rosewater is cooling, start on your avocado face masque. Avocados are fabulous natural moisturizers and the fatty acids will give your skin a subtle glow.
- Place your avocado in a blender with the juice of half a lemon and about 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
- Scoop it into your Mason jar, and put it in the fridge for later.
Treatment: Now you’re ready to start your facial off with an herbal steam.
- Fill a large glass bowl about halfway with water, and add your dried herbs or a few drops of essential oil. Cover it with wax paper and put it in the microwave until it is nearly boiling.
- Sit with your head over the bowl, and drape a towel over your head to keep the steam from escaping. This natural herbal steam will open up your pores the same way a professional esthetician would.
- After a 10-minute steam, splash on some rosewater, and smooth on your face masque. Relax with the masque on your face for about 20 minutes, and follow up with another rosewater treatment.
4. Salon-Quality Waxing
Sugar and honey waxing is a popular all-natural beauty trend. The natural ingredients are less irritating to the skin than waxing, leaving it smooth and free of redness, but some of these organic depilatory treatments can get pricey.
Spa-Day Splurge: Sugaring
Swanky Sugar Esthetics in San Diego, California
Price: $95 for one full leg
DIY: Sugar Wax Treatment
Price: $25 or less
What you’ll need:
Granulated sugar, one lemon, vegetable glycerin, cloth waxing strips*, wooden popsicle sticks, and one glass jar, such as a Mason jar.
*You can make your own waxing strips by cutting up some old linens.
Mix it up:
- Combine 2 cups of sugar and ¼ cup of water in a saucepan on the stove.
- Add the juice from the lemon and 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin.
- Stir the mixture constantly until hot. Pour it into the jar, and you’re done.
You can save this wax for weeks. So, make one big batch if you’re feeling ambitious.
Treatment:
- To use your wax, simply place the jar in the microwave for about 15 seconds on high. Stir with a popsicle stick, and allow the mixture to cool for at least a minute before beginning application.
- Be very careful. Sugar wax can get extremely hot and lead to severe burns. Test a small amount of the mixture with your finger or on the inside of your arm before applying a thick coating. The wax should be warm but not hot.
- Use a popsicle stick to smooth the wax onto your skin in the same direction your hair grows. Smooth on a cloth strip, and firmly press down. Rip the strip off in one smooth motion in the opposite direction.
5. Conditioning Hair Treatment
When a luxury-loving girl notices her locks getting a little limp, she runs to the spa for a fancy restorative treatment. These treats for the tresses are mostly comprised of natural oils, which replenish dried-out locks and add shine and luster.
Spa-Day Splurge: Lahdi Scalp Massage
Emena Spa in Miami, Florida
Price: $95 for 30 minutes
DIY: Warm Olive Oil Hair Treatment
Price: $10 or less
What you’ll need:
Extra-virgin olive oil, the essential oil of your choice, a glass jar, and a plastic bag.
Mix it up:
- Pour about a cup of the olive oil into a glass jar with a few drops of the essential oil of your choice.
- Shake it up, and allow it to sit overnight so the oils can mingle.
This will be enough for more than one treatment, and the extra can be safely stored at room temperature for up to a month.
Treatment:
- Before use, shake it up again, and place it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Make sure the mixture is not too hot.
- After rinsing your hair with some warm water, use your fingertips to massage a small amount of the oil mixture into your scalp. Repeat until your entire scalp is covered, and apply the remaining oil to the ends of your hair.
- Use the plastic bag to cover your head, and lock in the oils. Relax and breathe in the essential oil goodness for about a half hour, and then shampoo as usual.
Feature image by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
What’s your favorite DIY spa treatment? !
Editor’s note: Originally published on September 6, 2010, this article was updated in May 2019.