Ask the Esthetician- Ways to Relax

My life is stressful so I enjoy relaxing spa trips. However, I can’t afford them all the time. Are there any inexpensive services I can do at home?

-Needing the Spa

A: Dear Needing the Spa,

With the holidays and finals just around the corner, everyone can use some relaxing spa services that won’t break the bank.

One of the quickest was to relax is with a hot towel. Simply soak a hand towel in water, ring out the excess, and warm it in a microwave for about two or three minutes.

If you add some lavender oil to a napkin and warm it with the hand towel, it will add a relaxing sent the towel that won’t be over whelming. Be sure to test the temperature of the towel before applying it to your face.

A second was to relax is with cucumbers and classical music. Place some sliced cucumbers in the freezer for a couple of hours. After they are nice and cold, apply them to your eyes while you lay back for 15 minutes listing to soft, classical music.

The music will help your mind relax and the frozen cucumbers will help your eyes relax and de-puff. Finally, try getting a group of girlfriends together and create your own natural face masks.

Mix a hand-full of sliced strawberries, plain oatmeal, about 1/3 cup of milk or water, and a splash of lemon juice in a bowl until you have a nice paste (if you have food allergies to any of these ingredients, do not use them. Do a patch test on your wrist to make sure there will not be a reaction).

Apply to your skin, let sit for about 10 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will be glowing and you and your girlfriends will have a much deserved break from studying. This recipe will make enough for about 3 masks.

With these quick tips, you can be relaxed and beautiful even while studying long into the night.