Health and Beauty

By Jennifer James

At the end of a long and exhausting week of countless errands and appointments, often the last thing you want is one more thing to do – even if that something involves being steamed, exfoliated or massaged into blissful oblivion at your favorite, ultra-luxe spa. While scoring an impossible-to-get appointment at the trendiest spa in town is the beauty equivalent of winning the lottery, sometimes not having a schedule to keep is infinitely more relaxing (not to mention, convenient) in and of itself.

Just imagine: No month-long waiting lists to contend with, no appointment necessary, and no mad dash across town to get there on time. Whether your hectic calendar doesn't allow for a lunchtime facial or after work mud bath, or you simply need a pick-me-up between monthly appointments, bringing the spa to you with an at-home treatment is a great alternative – and endlessly beneficial.

"The best way to stay young and healthy, and to get rid of stress, is to take some time to pamper yourself," says Daphne Seligmann, owner of Déesse Studio in New York City. And it's easier than you might think. "There are no hard and fast rules with an at-home spa treatment," says Seligmann, whose all-natural ingredients-based facials and body wraps keep her rock- and pop-star clientele coming back for more. "It's all about mixing ingredients that leave you looking and feeling beautiful, inside and out, and honoring yourself on a spiritual level." To that end, turn off the phone, light some candles, put on some tranquil music – whatever it takes to help you decompress – and try one of the recipes below. Your body – and soul – will thank you.

DEEP CLEAN: "The White Rose Facial," one of Seligmann's most requested, has earned rave reviews for its skin softening, redness-reducing, restorative results. Good news for complexions that have taken a beating from unavoidable environmental factors like the sun, wind and pollution. While recreating every aspect of a spa facial is not feasible at home (extractions, for instance, should only be done by a professional), you can reap the same skin-boosting benefits with Seligmann's do-it-yourself version. Begin by steaming your face over a pot of hot water infused with a few drops of calming chamomile essential oil to open up the pores and reduce any existing redness or irritation. Next, combine 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice to cleanse the skin, 1 teaspoon of cucumber juice to remove excess oil and energize, 6 ounces of plain yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon of honey to hydrate, and a few drops of rose essential oil ("It's the most powerful protection against the environment," she says) to increase the skin's immunity defenses. "You can even add avocado for more moisturizing," explains Seligmann. Apply the mask evenly to the entire face except for the eye area. Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

PERFECTLY POLISHED: Ask Bliss founder Marcia Kilgore to describe the Hot Salt Scrub and it's instantly clear why the dry skin-defying body treatment is always in demand at this celeb-packed spa. "It's a rubdown with our secret self-heating, sinus-clearing, mind-melting, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oil sea-salt scrub," she explains. Pure heaven if you're lucky enough to visit one of Bliss's four locations (three in New York City, one in London) and, better yet, a cinch to recreate at home. Make the base of the exfoliating scrub by combining 3 cups of salt with 1 cup of oil (any kind will work). After that, the recipe is open for interpretation. Bliss uses a few drops of rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oils for a soothing, mentholated scrub, but you can also experiment with your own custom-made combinations. For example, jojoba and rose oils are very moisturizing and ideal for hydrating extra dry skin; peppermint oil works wonders for muscle fatigue and soreness. Mix the ingredients until they become paste-like in consistency. Rub the mixture in a circular motion all over your body (except for the face, where skin is more delicate and easily irritated) to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. But whatever you do, don't shave or wax pre-treatment. "The salt may really sting," warns Kilgore.

SOLE REVIVAL Think of "The Grape Gatsby" pedicure, one of the most popular treatments at the downtown New York City spa Just Calm Down, as a happy hour for your feet. Not only is the wine-laden soak incredibly relaxing thanks to the muscle-soothing properties of lavender and rosemary essential oils, but it also leaves your skin incredibly hydrated – and begging for more. "Grapes are emollient," explains owner Tara Oolie who dreamed up the winning concoction. "The enzymes soften the skin and turn dull, dry skin into silky, soft skin." To mix this cocktail yourself, add 1/2 cup of red wine, four drops of both lavender and rosemary essential oils, and a few drops of grapeseed oil (to moisturize and to prevent the wine from staining your skin) to a bowl of warm water. Toss in a handful of grapes in the bottom of the bowl to stimulate the soles of your feet. If you're feeling especially decadent, you can take the treatment one step further. "You can bathe in it," she says, for impossibly soft skin from head to toe. After soaking for 20 minutes, polish nails as desired.

Jennifer James is a freelance writer for national magazines, newspapers and corporate clients. The former beauty and health director at Teen People, James has written for Shape, Lucky and The Washington Post and has more than five years experience reporting on beauty- and lifestyle-related topics.

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