Some women love heading to beauty temples to be pampered, while others prefer whipping up their own elixirs at home. The two aren't mutually exclusive: here are three homemade spa recipes, made with simple, easy-to-find natural ingredients.
The Ayurvedic Treatment: A Perfect Start to Your Spa Session
This time-honored facial cleanser, known in India and Japan, gently exfoliates and leaves skin clean, smooth and radiant — the full recipe, its ingredients and step-by-step method are detailed in our dedicated feature: Ayurvedic Facial Treatment.
Pumpkin Mask, From Head to Toe
Pumpkin's nutrients are said to be a boon for the skin: naturally exfoliating, hydrating and nourishing. Combined with orange's brightening effect, oatmeal's soothing touch and olive oil's moisture, this mask can be applied from head to toe. A slight tingling may appear on application, caused by the pumpkin's active enzymes combined with the gentle warming effect of cinnamon and fresh ginger.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin, diced | 1 cup |
| Cooked oatmeal | ½ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | ¼ teaspoon |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Fresh grated ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Orange zest | ½ teaspoon |
| Orange juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
Steam the pumpkin for about 10 to 15 minutes, until tender but not overcooked, then let it cool before scooping out the flesh (about one cup's worth). Meanwhile, cook the oatmeal (80 ml of oats to 160 ml of water, simmered gently for 5 minutes while stirring), then let it cool completely. Mix the oatmeal, cinnamon and olive oil, let sit for fifteen minutes, then add the pumpkin, ginger, zest and orange juice. Finish with the sugar.
This mask keeps for a few days in the fridge in an airtight container — it's best to make it in small batches, since pumpkin oxidizes quickly. After a bath, apply a generous layer, wrap yourself in cellophane for fifteen minutes, then apply to the face for 5 minutes before rinsing off.
The Milk, Honey and Rose Radiance Mask
Legend has it that Cleopatra's favorite beauty ritual combined milk, honey and roses. This blend is said to nourish, hydrate, exfoliate and tone the skin.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rose petals | 2 roses |
| Honey | ½ cup |
| Coconut cream (or thick heavy cream) | ¾ cup |
| Almond powder | 1 cup |
| Rose water (spray) | as needed |
Blend the rose petals, honey and cream until smooth, then gradually work in the almond powder until you reach a consistency close to a spreadable paste. This mask keeps for 2 days in the fridge in an airtight container. After a bath or shower, apply in upward strokes from the body toward the face (avoiding the eye area), leave on for 15 minutes on the face and 30 minutes on the body, then rinse with water — no soap — and mist with rose water.
The Ambrosia Mask, To Feel Like a Goddess
In Greco-Roman mythology, ambrosia was the food of the gods, linked to their immortality. This pineapple and coconut mask won't make you immortal, but it's said to help preserve the skin's freshness.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pineapple | ½ cup |
| Orange juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Coconut cream | ¼ cup |
| Coconut powder | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Orange zest | from one orange |
Blend the pineapple, orange juice and coconut cream until smooth, then work in the coconut powder, sugar and orange zest until you reach a spreadable paste. Storage and application are the same as the previous mask: 2 days in the fridge, applied in upward strokes, 15 minutes on the face and 30 on the body, rinsed off with water and no soap.
You'll also find the recipe for whipped shea butter to extend your homemade spa ritual. Some of the recipes in this article are inspired by 100 Organic Skincare Recipes by Jessica Ress.
