Exetercation: DIY Pamper Party

We all adore a pamper, there’s nothing lovelier than an invite to a spa. But sometimes it’s not possible to head off to a fabulous location to while away the hours, so why not have your own pamper session to de-stress, feel revitalised and ready to face the world again.

The best pamper sessions are pre-planned and well thought out so you don’t have to worry about anything. All your family can join in your “pamper party” or you can choose an evening when the children have gone to sleep early (hopefully) and you are not expecting any zoom calls etc.

If you have a humidifier, add some relaxing essential oils, perfect scents for relaxation and helping with stress and anxiety are;

• Lavender
• Bergamot
• Ylang ylang
• Chamomile
• Lemon Balm
• Jasmine
• Clary sage
• Basil

You can have just one scent or blend two oils, you can also pick an essential oil that you just love the smell of rather than one known for its relaxing properties, for example rosemary and mint.

If you don’t have a humidifier then there are some lovely candles and wax melts around, just be careful you don’t relax too much and forget about a naked flame.

Mood lighting is really useful to get that relaxed calm atmosphere, try side lamps and dimmer lights rather than your main ceiling lights.

Of course it depends what sort of pamper experience you want, are you going for the spa all out relaxation, or the pamper party gossip and giggles. Either way music is a good idea, from chill-out play lists and pan pipes to cheesy sing along pop whatever makes you happy.

You also may want some refreshments, this could be still water with cucumber or lemon, with some fresh fruit kebabs, or some bubbly and chocolate coated strawberries for example.

Easy pampers to do at home

Some people are quite skilled at home treatments but if you want to keep it simple here are a few ideas;

(Please note if you are involving your children then please choose carefully which treatments you allow them. Due to their young sensitive skin it is wise to avoid skin and hair treatments and maybe allow them the foot soak and a basic manicure)

Deep conditioning hair masque

These are readily available in stores but there are also lots of simple recipes for all different types of hair online, here’s a simple one to nourish dry hair (please check you are not allergic or sensitive to any of these ingredients);

• 1 teaspoonful of honey
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• Mix ingredients together in a bowl
• Apply to your hair and leave for around 30 minutes
• Rinse well.

Manicure

• For a simple home manicure you will need:
• Emery board and nail buffer
• Nail clippers
• A bowl of warm water with ½ a teaspoon of your favourite hand and body lotion mixed in
• Cuticle remover
• Hand moisturiser
• Base coat nail polish
• Nail polish
• Clear topcoat nail polish

Method:

1. Clip your nails and if necessary gentle file them.
2. Smooth the tops of the nails with a buffer
3. Soak your hands in the bowl of warm water as for about 3 minutes and gently pat dry
4. If need to remove excess cuticle around the nail, be gentle don’t pull lift tear or force the cuticle in anyway.
5. Moisturise with your favourite hand moisturiser
6. Paint your nails, base coat, colour and top coat allowing each layer to dry in between.
7. Optionally just before bed moisturise your hands again and pop on a pair of thin cotton gloves for soft revitalised hands in the morning.

Face mask

Again there are many masks available in stores to suit all skin types. Here’s an oatmeal based face mask recipe that you can make at home (again check for allergies or sensitivities);

• ½ cup of hot water (not boiling)
• 1/3 cup of oats
• 2 tbsps of honey
• 2 tbsps of plain yogurt
• The white of one small egg

Method:

1. Mix the water and oats and leave to stand for 3 minutes
2. Add the yogurt , honey and egg white and mix well
3. Apply a thin layer to your face
4. After about 10-15 minutes rinse off (put a strainer in your sink so the oats don’t clog)

Foot spa & pedicure

There is nothing better after a long day on your feet that a foot soak, All you need is a spare clean washing up bowl or similar, fill with pleasantly warm water (not too hot) then add the ingredients of your chosen foot soak , you can either buy from stores or here are a few suggestions to make at home ;

For a moisturising foot bath you’ll need:

• 1 cup of honey
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 tsp of cinnamon powder

Method:

1. Get a small bowl of boiling water and mix in the honey and coconut milk
2. Slowly add the mixture to your foot bath (do not have your feet in it at this point)
3. Swirl the cinnamon in and check the water temperature
4. Put your feet in and sit back and relax

For an invigorating foot bath you’ll need:

• 6 tsps. Of a carrier oil for example argan, olive, avocado, evening primrose, or jojoba oil.
• ½ a cup of ground or freshly grated ginger
• 5-20 drops of essentials oil for example clary sage, lemongrass or lemon.

Method:

1. Add the ginger to a small bowl of boiling water and mix
2. Pour bowl contents into foot bath (do not have your feet in it at this point)
3. Mix the carrier oil of your choice with the essential oil of your choice and then add to the foot bath and check water temperature.
4. Put your feet in and sit back and relax.

Once you have soaked your feet gently pat them dry with a towel and proceed to trimming and painting your toe nails if you wish.

Then follow up with your favourite moisturiser and add a soft pair of socks to wear to bed for lovely soft, refreshed feet in the morning.

Say hello to a brand new you!