Soaking It Up
Sun Herald
Sunday August 3, 2003
Take time out to pamper yourself with some indulgent at-home spa treatments. They'll make bath-time blissful.
Easy steps to the ultimate home spa
To create the ambience of a luxury spa, make sure your bathroom is warm, clean and clutter-free. Fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers will help set the mood. Give your senses
a treat by burning essential oils. And, most importantly, don't rush it.
* To begin, gently brush your dry skin with a body brush. Start at your feet and make your way up, using sweeping strokes towards the heart.
* Use a body scrub to slough off dead skin cells. Rub the scrub over your body in circular motions, then rinse off under a warm shower.
* Mud wraps are great for draining toxins. To tone your skin, try Orlane B21 Contouring Mud Pack "Sauna" Effect ($105 for 500ml). Slather mud all over your body and relax
for 30 minutes.
* If you prefer, sink into a tub of warm water infused with essential oils. To relieve stress, try a lavender bath. To invigorate, use citrus oils such as lemon. Don't make the water too hot as this can leave you over-tired. After your bath, have a cool shower to tighten up your skin.
* Cleanse, then exfoliate your face to whisk away dead cells. Fill a basin with warm water, drape a towel over your head and lean over the water for five minutes. Gently steaming the face will open the pores, making a facial mask more effective.
* Choose a facial mask that suits your skin's needs. Some varieties are great for deep cleansing, while others hydrate and moisturise. Apply a thin layer, avoiding the eyes and mouth. While the mask is drying, smother yourself with a body moisturiser. Rinse your face and apply a facial moisturiser while your skin is still damp.
* To complete your at-home spa treatment, file, shape and buff your nails. Before pushing back the cuticles, soften them by soaking your fingers in warm water mixed with a few drops of lavender oil.
* To soften your feet, soak them in a bowl of warm water. Cut the toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Use a pumice stone or foot file to smooth the skin on your heels. Finish with an exfoliating scrub and massage in a nourishing foot cream.
For stockists in your state: Candana Designs (02) 9389 8631; Canningvale 1800 801 728, and from leading department stores; Country Floors (02) 9362 0900; David Jones 133 357; essie (02) 9310 3379; Funkis (02) 9130 6445; ~H2O+ 1300 138 355; Laura Mercier (03) 9645 6800, and from selected Myer/Grace Bros and David Jones stores; L'Occitane (02) 8912 3000; L'Oreal, from pharmacies and department stores; Orlane (02) 9317 2171, and from Myer/Grace Bros and selected David Jones stores.
© 2003 Sun Herald
