Relaxing at the day spa is always a treat. But if you don't have the time or money, you can make your own spa at home. We asked beauty experts to share their easy, all-natural recipes for everything from a body scrub to an enzyme peel. These three DIY treatments come close to professional service for a fraction of the price. So slip on a robe, crank up the Enya and get the spa party started.
The expert: Becky Sturm, the founder of StormSisterSpatique.com and a luxury grooming line, 3waybeauty.com.
The recipe: A skin-softening tribute to Sophia Loren, who, Sturm said, "has long been rumored to use just one product to cleanse and moisturize her body: olive oil."
The benefits: Gently exfoliates and deeply moisturizes skin without the use of harsh scrubs or chemicals.
Olive Oil-Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
• 1 c. olive oil
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• A few drops of your favorite essential oil
Directions:
Combine olive oil and sugar in a sealable bowl or jar. In shower, thoroughly wet body. Turn off water. Apply mixture to skin and massage in circular motion. Rinse well. Gently pat dry to leave a trace of olive oil behind like a built-in lotion. Scrub can be stored in a sealed container for a couple of weeks. (To avoid irritating skin, don't massage any area for longer than 1 minute. Don't use on face.)
The expert: Kassie Kuehl, owner and stylist at Kasia Organic Salon, 822 W. 50th St., Minneapolis, 612-824-7611, kasiaorganicsalon.com.
The recipe: A deep-conditioning hair mask that's rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
The benefits: Adds moisture, shine and protein for stronger strands.
NATURAL CONDITIONING HAIR MASK
Ingredients
• 1 egg white
• 2 T. Greek yogurt• 2 T. avocado, mashed
• 1 1/2 T. kiwi fruit, mashed
• 2 1/2 t. honey
• 5-8 drops rosemary essential oil
• plastic wrap
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk egg white until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and stir until blended. Coat clean, wet hair with mask. Massage into hair and scalp until fully saturated. Wrap head tightly with plastic wrap. Leave mask on hair for 15-20 minutes. For maximum benefit, sit in the sun or in a steamy shower. Rinse with cool water to seal in moisture. Finish with a light application of your favorite conditioner.
The expert: Facialist Sarah Kurn, who owns Sarah Kurn Skincare, 86 Mahtomedi Av., Mahtomedi, 651-426-6040,sarahkurnskincare.com.
The recipe: A fruit-enzyme and lactic acid facial peel that rejuvenates the appearance of aging skin.
The benefits: Exfoliates, softens and tightens skin while lightening sunspots.
ANTI-AGING ENZYME PEEL
Ingredients
• 1 papaya, mashed
• 1 T. sugar
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 c. plain, organic yogurt
• 1/4 t. grape seed oil
• 1 white hand towel
Directions:
Combine mashed papaya and sugar in a small bowl. Apply to cleansed face and gently massage for 1 minute. Rinse well with warm water. While skin is drying, squeeze half of lemon into a bowl, add yogurt and blend. Apply mixture to face and gently massage. Leave yogurt mask on. Fill a sink with very warm water. Squeeze remaining half lemon into water in sink. Immerse towel in water, ring out, then wrap face, leaving nose exposed. Apply gentle pressure to towel and leave towel on for 60 seconds. Relax by taking deep, slow breaths. Remove mask with towel. Apply grape seed oil to entire face by gently tapping into skin.
Minneapolis-based lifestyle writer Elizabeth Dehn is the founder of BeautyBets.com.
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