Are you feeling stressed or run down? Life can sometimes get in the way of taking care of yourself can’t it? You go to work, you come home and make dinner, tidy up, watch television and fall into bed by 9pm. Then start all over again. That feels like my life at the moment! So I thought it was time to put the brakes on and give myself some stress-free, me-time, and have myself a pamper night. It’s a great way of really relaxing and can give you the motivation to get out of that daily routine you’ve got into. To make it as easy as possible to create your own at-home pamper night here are 5 simple steps to make it a truly enjoyable experience.
1. Put your pamper night date in your diary
It’s so easy to just say ‘oh yes I’m gong to have myself a night of pampering. But unless you actually pick a specific date and time you won’t ever get around to it. There will always be some reason not to do it that night. So get your diary out and choose a date when you know you have nothing planned and write in the time you’re going to start. This way you can let your partner, family and friends know you’re busy that night so you’re not disturbed by anyone. Your pamper routine can last for as little as an hour or all night if you want it to. You could even turn it into a whole day of pampering if you feel like you need it.
2. Choose your pamper night treatments
When you go to a Day Spa you usually get the option of a couple of treatments, but as you’re going to be at home you can really go to town on the treatments you choose. There are lots of pamper night treatment products to choose from, so why not build your night around these areas and gather a selection of products to pamper yourself with:
- Facials: cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliator, face mask, facial roller, eye mask. You could even search YouTube for some facial exercises to do.
- Massage: although you won’t have someone on hand to give you a full body massage, there are lots of massage tools you could treat yourself to. This Beurer Mini Massager helps to ease tension and loosen muscles in yor neck, shoulders, back, arms and legs and is very reasonably priced.
- Body care: shaver, exfoliator, body butter.
- Bathing: bath oils, bath bombs, muscle soak, bath pillow, bath tray.
- Head & Hair: scalp massager (really helps you relax), shampoo, conditioner, hair mask.
- Feet: foot scrub, foot mask, foot cream, nail polish remover, nail clippers, nail polish, cosy socks and/or slippers
- Hands: hand scrub (make your own), hand mask, cuticle softener, nail file, nail polish
I recently discovered the Upcircle Sample Kit, which includes 11 samples of face and body products which would be ideal to use in your pamper night. I tried them and they feel very luxurious and smell fantastic.
If you think of anything I’ve missed out let me know!
You might like to watch my DIY Budget Spa Day at Home video I did last year where I bought most of the products from Primark, Aldi & Poundland. (Please note the competition I mention in the video has now closed).
3. Select your reading materials
Having a pamper night means lying back and relaxing as well as giving yourself spa treatments. I always feel relaxed when I read a book or a magazine. Or your could use Audible so you can just lie back, close your eyes and listen. Get a selection of your favouritemagazines together or grab that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages. If you’re not a person who reads, then you could try journalling. I hear that can be relaxing too (although I haven’t tried it yet). The idea is to stay away from TV, but if you don’t usually have time to watch television then line up a feel-good film to indulge in.
4. Get your refreshments ready
Pamper night ideas must include some good food and drink. That doesn’t mean order a chinese takeaway and a crate of lager! Go buy some of your favourite light nibbly things or maybe a crisp fresh salad. Include a small sweet treat if you really must … I always do 🙂 Have some water on hand to sip during your evening. It will help you stay hydrated and is good for your skin. If you dont’ fancy plain water then give the Cucumber, Lime & Mint Sparkling Water from Sainsbury’s a try, it’s very refreshing. Herbal teas are also good when you’re having a relaxing pamper session. Or if you really want to indulge then ONE glass of prosecco is allowed. Make sure you shop for all your refreshments a day or two beforehand so you have everything ready.
5. Set the scene
It wouldn’t be a relaxing pamper night if you just sat in your lounge would it. So if you can, get your bedroom and bathroom ready for maximum relaxation. You will need:
- Lamps (to give a warm glow)
- Scented candles (more than one creates a lovely spa-like ambience)
- Relaxing music (search YouTube for spa music).
- Comfy seating area – either an armchair or even your bed
- Cushions
- Fleecy Throw (in case you get cold)
- Bathrobe
- Pyjamas
- Plenty of soft, fluffy towels
- Small table for your books/water/cup of tea
Get all your pamper products and equipment ready before you start your night, light your candles, turn on your music and start pampering yourself. You deserve it!