It’s the morning of Nov. 1. You open your eyes and reach for your phone, the screen burning as brightly as the sun. Much to your surprise, it’s only 10 a.m. Daylight saving time has ended and you’ve been granted the gift of an extra hour to recover from your wild Halloween festivities. Whether you braved the crowds on Sixth or passed out on the couch at 11 p.m. during your “Halloweentown” marathon, use your extra hour wisely and treat yourself to an at-home spa.
Story by Caitlin Phan
Dry Brushing – 10 minutes
You might have a ten step skincare routine for your face, but can you say the same for your body? Dry brushing will exfoliate your skin and slough off those dead skin cells. It also improves circulation and assists your lymphatic system, which gets rid of waste in the body. Use a stiff brush made of natural fibers and brush your limbs upward to your heart. It sounds outlandish, but it’s worth a try. Dry brush before you get in the bath and your products will absorb into your skin better.
Bathe with a Bomb – 25 minutes
Toss a bath bomb into the tub to make marinating in warm water feel a little more soothing. LUSH bath bombs, handmade and all-natural cult classics, will brighten up the first day of November with their fun colors and wide range of scents. You might have seen photos of dissolved LUSH bath bombs transforming bathwater into vivid, marbled works of art floating around the Internet. LUSH makes bath bombs for every mood, so with an extra hour on your hands, there’s no better time to experiment. If you don’t have any bath bombs on hand, bath salts will have the same effect. If you had too much of a good thing last night, opt for a detoxifying salt. Don’t forget your glass of wine (or Gatorade) and a good book (or your reading for class).
Hair Mask – 10 minutes
While you’re soaking in the tub, maximize your time and apply a hair mask to your stressed tresses. You probably didn’t do your hair any favors by getting into costume mode last night and maybe you can’t remember the last time you deep conditioned your hair. Break out a mask from your stash of samples, reach for your neglected deep conditioner, or concoct a simple mask using Pinterest and ingredients from your pantry. It can be as simple as coconut oil or as complex as you’re willing to make it. Moisturizing your hair is an easy way to feel like you’ve got it together.
Face Mask – 10 minutes
Apply your favorite face mask while relaxing in the bath or following your bath if you feel like waiting for your pores to open first. There are endless options of face masks for various skin ailments, with types ranging from mud masks to sheet masks. Whether you once bought a Glamglow mask from Sephora or a sheet mask from a local Korean grocer, now’s the time to dig it up from the depths of your bathroom drawers. If you’re feeling crafty you can make one before you start your spa treatment, Mindy Kaling style.
Face Massage – 5 minutes
Massaging your face stimulates circulation and reduces tension, something people overlook when trying to get the best out of their beauty regime. While you’re washing your face or moisturizing, use circular motions and upward strokes on your face muscles which go against gravity. Don’t use an excessive amount of pressure and don’t spend too much time with your hands on your face. Many techniques can be found on the Internet if you need some guidance. A face massage is a good way to wrap up your spa day, no aesthetician required.
The time change will inevitably throw you a little off your game, but some pampering will ease you into it. Don’t waste your extra time snoozing. Shake off last night’s hangover with an extra hour of spa treatment.