At-home Spa Tips From Guru Cornelia Zicu

Allure Daily Beauty Reporter

By Heather Muir, Allure magazine

Allure's not the only one celebrating a big milestone this year-Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas are toasting 100 years in the beauty business. (Fun fact: Red Door was the first spa in New York City, founded by health and yoga enthusiast Elizabeth Arden.) On a mission to keep the spa in tune with the latest beauty treatments, the company recently brought on spa expert Cornelia Zicu as creative director. While most of us wish we had the time to spa 24/7, Zicu filled me in on some easy ways to bring a similar experience into your home.

Create a serene ambiance.
"It's not just about performing treatments. Turning your home into a spa means creating the whole atmosphere. This includes putting on spa music, lighting aromatherapy candles, and privacy," explains Zicu. "You can recreate the spa at home with relaxing sounds on YouTube!" she says.

Investigate.
"If you recently had a spa treatment and enjoyed your experience, find out what candles were used in your room and if the spa sells them. Purchase the candle to take home, and it will remind you of your recent spa experience and state of relaxation," Zicu says.

Tub it up.
"Take a warm bath. The benefits on relaxing the body and nervous system are unparalleled," Zicu says. "Stay in for at least 20 minutes to fully soak in the benefits and calm your mind and body. For a refreshing, invigorating experience, try eucalyptus or peppermint oils. For a soothing, relaxing one, use lavender or chamomile."

Max the relaxing.
"After your bath, put on a robe and apply a neck pillow infused with aromatherapy that you've heated it in the microwave for a minute. Lie on your couch, listen to the music, and breathe deeply. At this time, you can also apply an eye pillow to soothe tired eyes. Look for one made of silk and keep it cool in the refrigerator. Also, try a cucumber-infused toner to spritz on your face," says Zicu.

Treat your feet.
"To maintain just-left-the-spa feet, use a pumice stone after your bath to polish dry areas. Then apply a thick cream and put on socks to let it absorb for deep hydration. Once a month, heat olive oil in a bowl and soak your feet for 10 minutes. Then massage with the olive oil and rinse. Your feet will feel like silk and velvet," she says.

And in case you want to do some pampering behind the red door (literally-the spas' doors are shiny apple red), take advantage of Spa Week-it's nationwide, today through Sunday, April 17-for which Red Door has discounted the prices of these treatments:

Spa Week Pedicure
This includes a creamy sugar scrub, reflexology massage, and a warm paraffin treatment. (I got this pedi from Natalia Sandu at the Fifth Ave. NYC location on Saturday, and it was heavenly).
Cost: $50 (regularly $70)

Spa Week Facial
This rejuvenating facial uses Elizabeth Arden products to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin.
Cost: $50 (regularly $110)

Spa Week Stress Melter
This 110-minute treatment includes body exfoliation, an aromatherapeutic body wrap, and a deeply relaxing scalp massage.
Cost: $50 (regularly $235!)

To find a Red Door Spa location near you, check out spaweek.com.

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Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas