Yesterday, one of our friends had a birthday party. I literally can’t remember the last time I went to a party. A couple we know had a housewarming party back in late spring or early summer, but I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t go.
Given all the crap that has been happening lately — and the fact that I actually felt emotionally stable enough to go — I decided some pampering was in order.
So, mini spa day.
Body treatments
Because of Tim’s skin, we have a lot of Philosophy products lying around. Before you judge, just remember we do get them at reduced prices via eBay and store sales — always combined with cash back via Mr. Rebates or Ebates.
But, even using that combination, Philosophy products are still pricier than many frugal folks like. Fear not, there are plenty of other options.
For those who enjoy the the slightly cheaper fine things in life, there are plenty of luxurious (feeling) body washes. My favorites were usually from Nivea or Softsoap, with ingredients like shea butter or milk and honey. They feel indulgent, but a whole bottle is less than $7 retail. (And we know never to pay retail, right?)
If you prefer a bath, use oatmeal. Aveeno makes a lovely oatmeal bath product, but the generic version is just as good!
Go through a cash back shopping site, like Mr. Rebates or Ebates, and buy the items through Drugstore.com, Soap.com or even from Amazon.
To add a little extra indulgence — and to come out feel really radiant — add a sugar scrub to your routine. For a truly frugal product, make your own scrub.
Conditioner
I know I should condition more. I’m lucky if I remember to do it once a week. (Though I use products that help protect my hair out of the shower. I guess that helps.)
But when I’m pampering, I make sure to give my hair a nice, deep conditioning. It feels indulgent, even though you really don’t have to spend much.
First of all, it turns out that high-end brands are often sister companies of less prestigious brands. For example, Kerastase is made by Loreal. The former’s $50 “hair masque” has almost identical ingredients as the latter’s $4.99 Vive Pro Smooth Intense Conditioning Treatment. Nuff said.
I got some Pantene Professional Damage Repair at BlogHer. I have been using that every couple of weeks — well, at least once a month — with pretty good results. Amazon has the best deal at $5. You only get 5 in a pack (though if your hair is shoulder length or above you can get two uses per ampule), but that’s still a reasonable price.
For the best deal, though, just combine your normal conditioner with a shower cap. Or, if you’re classy like I was growing up, a plastic grocery bag. I’ve also heard of using saran wrap.
Just slather it on, tuck your hair up under some form of plastic and wait half an hour. The idea is that the plastic seals in the moisture (and conditioner) and your hair gets a rich treatment. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly. If you don’t, it will show.
Face Masks
I find there’s very little that can beat face masks for feeling pampered and fussed over. Even if the person doing the fussing over me is, well, me.
My general go-to for a few years was The Body Shop’s Tea Tree face mask. I considered it an indulgence at $15 because, uh, I was broke. But it was great, and if/when we run out of Philosophy face mask products, I’ll probably gravitate back to it. If you shop carefully, you can also get the $15 price tag down. There are frequent sales, plus social buying sites tend to offer $20 vouchers for $10. Keep your eyes peeled.
Alas, that’s where my face mask knowledge ends. So I defer to the experts at Allure. They listed Queen Helene’s Mint Julep mask ($4.75 or less), which was in a few other “affordable face masks” lists. Another one of inetrest was Freeman Beauty masks ($3.99 and up).
As always, though, you can save the most money by being industrious and whipping up something at home. There is a long list of face mask recipes on About.com Beauty, and a list of 50 mask recipes on Witty Living.
Pedicure
Personally, I don’t bother with this all that often. But a pretty color — which drugstores have in a range of affordable prices — on your toes can be a nice cheap way to feel pampered.
But first, get a mid-size container and soak your feet in Epsom salt. If you prefer some more fancy soaks, look at the recipes here and here.
When they get out, you can give them a scrub — then a rub.
Spa Buddy
Of course, girly days are much better with the girls. Invite your friends over for extra fun. Tell them to bring beverages. Plus then you can give each other shoulder rubs for the true spa experience!
And let’s not forget…
Good music is a must — whatever your definition of that is. You need something to bounce around to as you apply a face mask/toe color/makeup. Or play something lovely and soft to relax to.
Whatever tunes you choose, you should emerge from your DIY spa day refreshed, moisturized and feeling pretty confident. And that’s worth any price.
Anyone have any product suggestions or extra steps for pampering?
Maia says
Yay! Favorite subject! (And I'm glad you're doing nice things for yourself, Abby. You deserve it.)
Lush has been doing a brisk business in sugar lip scrubs, for which they charge $8.95. For less than an ounce of sugar and oil. You can make your own for way cheaper, with ingredients you probably have around your kitchen: http://belowfreezingbeauty.blogspot.com/2010/11/i…
Your lips feel really great, and your lipstick (gloss, balm, etc.) will go on smoother and wear more evenly.
The Queen Helene's Mint Julep mask really is wonderful, and super affordable. They carry it at Sally Beauty and at drugstores. I actually just used it earlier today.
If you're looking for an inexpensive drugstore nail polish, Sinful Colors is really affordable (under $2 in Alaska, so definitely cheaper other places), and the quality is as good as some more-expensive brands.
There are a million beauty review blogs out there, so you can save a lot of money by Googling around to read reviews before you buy (at any price point). Some drugstore beauty products are better than some of the high-end brands and others are a waste of money no matter how low the price, so a little research can help save you a lot of wasted time and money.
Donna Freedman says
Having been the recipient of a handmade sugar scrub one Christmas, I can attest that it makes you feel like a rich woman.
I bought my pumice stone at the dollar store. When my feet get too awful I soak them, use a pumice and right before bed I will (ick) rub on a thick coat of Vaseline and put on white socks. Yep, it's icky and yep, it works.
Catseye says
Thanks for the dip conditioning tip. My hair could really use it!
fabulouslyfrugirl says
I love DIY spa days 🙂
Thanks for the tips on face masks and deep conditioner. My favourite DIY mask is to mix 1 tbsp of sour cream with 1 tbsp of honey, and then leave it in for 20 minutes. My face always looks so great afterwards.
Sandy says
I love to make my own beauty products whenever I can, and I love sugar scrubs. Oil of Olay makes a moisturizing dish soap (several other companies make something similar), and I mix a spoonful of sugar with the soap, lather and rinse. Makes my hands feel amazingly soft & clean, and I use it every time I have a spa day!
Abigail says
Oooooh, that sounds lovely. I’ll keep that in mind if my hands start to get too dry. Easy to have happen here in the desert. My grandmother used to put a couple of inches of water in a bowl, squirt some Dawn in and sit her elbows in there for a bit. Supposedly helped keep your elbows from getting all dried out and flaky. You just soaked ’em, then scrubbed ’em. It didn’t do much for me up in Alaska winter weather, though. I think that was just a doomed enterprise.