I’m a trained massage therapist, ran a home-based massage business and worked at luxury spas in Southern California, so I have a unique perspective on how to create a perfect home spa. While my goal was to build a business out of my home, I took what I learned from Massage Envy, Burke Williams and other local spas to create a tranquil and luxurious environment for my clients. Now I’m sharing my professional secrets on how to transform your bathroom o(or any other space) into the perfect home spa experience.
Aromatherapy can Make all the Difference
1. Aromatherapy Candles. There’s hardly a better way to create relaxation in your home spa than through an aromatherapy candle. One of my favorite scents is lavender due to its calming effects. WarmEmbrace makes a great Lavender candle that will burn for forty hours.
2. Aromatherapy Diffusers. If candles won’t work, an aromatherapy diffuser with essential oils is another option for creating a scented spa environment. InnoGear’s Aromatherapy Diffuser set includes ten essential oils, so you’ll be set no matter what kind of mood you want to set.
3. Aromatherapy Shower Steamers. If you don’t have time to set up a proper spa day, you can create a mini spa session with aromatherapy shower steamers by Body Restore. Once again, Lavender is my choice scent but it is available in eucalyptus, jasmine, chamomile, citrus and other scents. Just pop one in the shower to create a spa experience.
Relaxing Music Sets the Spa Mood
4. Calm Within Relaxation Music. When you walk into a spa, one of the first things you’ll notice is relaxing music. This is up to your personal preference, but Laura Sullivan’s Calm Within perfectly sets the mood for a home spa experience. You can also check YouTube or Spotify for relaxing spa music if you go the streaming route.
5. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker. While your phone may do the trick, a Bluetooth speaker is going to sound far better and can really help immerse you more into the spa experience. Anker offers a small, affordable option that is waterproof, wireless and lasts for twenty-four hours on one charge. One of our editors has one, and says it’s held up to more drops than he can count.
6. White Noise Sound Machine. Another White noise machines are great for both loud environments, and places where it’s too quiet — science says that dead quiet makes some people more anxious. Either way, you should add a more relaxation to your home spa with a white noise machine. Magicteam’s Sound Machine has twenty different sounds to choose from including white noise, rain, birds, bonfire and many others. You might fall asleep with this one, but that isn’t so bad!
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Essentials for an Incredible Bath Experience
7. Bath Bombs. Who doesn’t love a fancy bath bomb? I like Beauty by Earth’s Bath Bomb set , which has bombs made from high quality essential oils, shea and cocoa butter, and epsom salt that leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. Beauty by Earth uses all natural ingredients that will keep you (and your tub) very clean and refreshed.
8. Bath Scrubber Brush. While a bath bomb helps soak your entire body, there are still some troublesome spots to reach, especially on your back. A back scrubber brush like one from Metene has two types of bristles so you can use the stiff side for removing dead skin cells, or pamper yourself using the soft side.
9. Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray. To complete the modern bathroom spa experience, a luxury caddy tray like this one from Sen Yi Bao is a perfect addition. If you’re anything like my wife, you’ll want to be able to watch Netflix on your iPad: have a glass of wine; and easy access to lotions and other toiletries.
Hair and Facial Masks for an Authentic Spa Experience
10. Overnight Face Mask. While there’s something special about getting a facial from an esthetician, using an overnight face mask is the next best thing. My wife loves these Biodance Overnight Hydrating Masks. In fact, she’s been using them for over five years and she doesn’t even have one wrinkle on her face at almost 40.
11. Facial Peel. For a more exfoliating spa experience, an Ordinary-brand Peeling Solution is the way to go. It can help clear pores, exfoliate multiple skin layers and even improve uneven skin tone.
12. Mielle Organic Hair Masque. To complete this part of the spa experience, we can’t forget about your hair. Mielle Organics Hair Masque uses rosemary essential oil to help repair dry, damaged and frizzy hair. While this is not essential, it’s a nice finishing touch to part of the home spa experience.
Your Hands and Nails Need Love Too
13. Manicure/Pedicure Grooming Kit. To take care of your hands and nails, a proper grooming kit is essential. While there are countless options , we recommend a good stainless steel set because it’s both affordable and has all the tools you need to maintain clean and healthy nails.
14. Gel Nail Polish Kit. While getting your nails colored professionally is relatively affordable, you can save time and a little money and by doing it at home. Jodsone’s gel nail polish kit has a UV lamp and a 36-piece set so you can get a professional nail job from the comfort of your home spa, and it’s a great thing to do with friends.
15. Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Lotion. After doing your own nails, the classic Mrs. Meyer’s hand lotion can help keep your hands moisturized and soft. It also uses shea butter and almond oil, so it can double as a body lotion if you’d like!
Massage Therapy for Added Relaxation
16. Heat and Massage Pad. As a former massage therapist, I’ll always recommend a person doing the therapy over a pad. However, not everyone has access to or can afford to a therapist, so the next best thing is a heat and massage pad like this one from Snailax. Plus, a therapist needs to be paid for every massage, while a pad is a one-time cost.
17. Massage Therapy Gun. If you’re a bit of a gym rat or just have a lot of tension in your next and shoulders, a massage therapy gun like one from Toloco can help target pain points. It’s a great way to get loosened up before soaking in a bath or using aromatherapy steamers in the shower. If you want to step up, an entry-level TheraGun may cost less than you’d think.
18. Homedics Foot Bath Massager. If you don’t want to fill a tub to just soak your feet, a foot bath massager is heavenly. I like the Homedics brand foot bath massager, which is especially great if you’ve worked a long day on your feet!
Feel Fancy with Spa Quality Robes and Towels
19. Turkish Linen Bath Robe. No true home spa experience is complete without a thick Turkish Linen bath robe. It’s a must have! While white is the typical spa color, the Turkish Linen brand also offers over 20 colors and a personalized embroidery option.
20. Turkish Linen Bath Towel. After working for spas in my 20s, I just couldn’t go back to using rough (and frankly, tiny) bath towels. A small investment into a high quality large Turkish Linen towel like one from Chakir can make a big difference in your comfort when getting out of the bathtub or shower!
21. Turkish Linen Hand and Face Towels. To complete the set, high quality Turkish Linen hand and face towels are essential. Why skimp out on these when you’re already going luxurious with a robe and body towel? Chakir brand towels come in a pack of four and fourteen colors to choose from.
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