12 Relaxing At-Home Spa Secrets

Looking to be pampered this winter? You don't have to look any further than your own bathroom. Try one of these DIY stress-relief techniques at home by yourself or with a plus one. You'll feel like you just spent the day at the spa, without ever leaving your bathroom.

1. At-Home Spa Secrets: Brrr...baby, it's cold outside! Don't let the cold weather wreak havoc on your skin or mood. Snuggle up with yourself or your sweetie and try one of these at-home spa techniques to stay sane and beautiful all winter long.

Read more: Pamper Yourself Healthy

2. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy has been proven to invigorate, calm, and relieve stress. It also stimulates your immune system, keeping you runny-nose-free this cold season. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, from gels to candles to scrubs. For a quick fix, try Bliss Hot Salt Scrub to reap the benefits.

3. Mood Lighting: No need to splurge on an entire dimmer system for your home. If you're looking to spice things up or just kick back and relax for the evening, a few candles are the best - and cheapest -stress buster on the market. To relax, opt for lavender, sandalwood, or bergamot, as they can lower your blood pressure and set you in instant chill-pill mode.

4. Bubble Bath: Is there anything more relaxing (or sexier) than a bubble bath with your guy? It is one of the only ways to unwind and stay connected in a small, and sudsy, confined space. Whip up your own bubble bath recipe for an even more romantic and relaxing affair. To do this, mix 3/4 bottle of natural dish soap in the tub with the food coloring of your choice. Add oils like lavender one drop at a time until you get the desired scent. Top off with rose petals, kick back, and relax!

Read more: Eat Your Way to Better Sex

5. Deep-Conditioning Treatment: Your guy might not be too keen to let you condition his hair, but with this DIY recipe he'll be excited you're in the shower with him instead of sitting at the salon on a Saturday morning. Avocado and Coconut Oil Conditioning Mask: Mix 2 teaspoons coconut oil with 1/2 mashed-up avocado. Add 1/4 cup coconut milk and let sit in hair for 15-20 minutes. Take turns rinsing each other's hair out and...

6. Fruit Facial: Fruit is the best ingredient for your skin. The vitamins and minerals help clear up blemishes and leave you feeling soft and smooth. Each fruit has its own benefits, but for a quickie DIY facial, grab a banana from your fruit basket and try this recipe: Banana and Honey Facial: Mash a ripe, medium-sized banana and mix with 2 tablespoons honey. For a thicker consistency, add 2 tablespoons plain yogurt. Apply to your face and neck for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off.

7. Foot Soak: Your feet are usually the busiest part of your body during the day, so it's important to treat them right at night. Make a foot soak for two with Bath & Body Works' Effervescent Foot Soak. It will relieve fatigue and leave your piggies smelling nice and feeling even better. Who knows: They may even be up for a game of footsies after.

Read more: 15 Ways to Seduce Your Man

8. DIY Mani/Pedi: It may seem a little odd to want to give your man a mani, as it's far from manly, but we aren't saying you have to take turns painting each other's nails hot pink - instead, take the time to lather up and give him a hand massage. Make sure to apply pressure between each finger and on the area between his thumb and pointer finger. For your feet, use the same massage method as you did with your hands, with a few additions. Take turns massaging the bottom of your feet with a tennis ball or wooden foot massager. After you've soaked and moisturized, use a buffer like Bliss Diamancel #10 The Classic Big Buffer to get rid of calluses and dead skin.

9. Massage Oils: Massages are great, but they are even better when the masseur is your guy! For fun for two, try Lush's Wiccy Magic Muscle Bar in the shower. You'll loosen up your sore muscles and have fun doing it!

10. Red Wine: Some say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and now it looks like red wine will do the trick too! Studies have proven that having a glass of vino in moderation releases antioxidants and protects your arteries and heart from damage.

Read more: Sunscreen Fights Aging… But There's a Catch

11. Exfoliating Scrub: There are tons of exfoliating scrubs out there, but not all may leave you smelling and feeling the way you both want to. To solve this, make your own scrub using Epsom salts. Fill half a medium-sized jar with Epsom salts and the other half with olive oil. Add a few drops of scented oil, like jasmine or sandalwood, and voilà! Dead skin be gone for both of you, without forcing him to smell like a peony.

12. Scalp Massage: Massages shouldn't stop at your neck. It's important to pamper your brain too! Starting at the hairline, firmly tap the back of his head, down to the shoulder blades. Work your way back up to the hairline by moving two fingers in a fast, circular motion. Then, rake your fingers over the entire head (careful not to pull any hair!) up to the forehead. Work your way back to the nape of the neck with small, fast circles starting at the crown. Now it's your turn!


For More From Real Beauty:

Get to Know Your Skin with My Own App
Beauty Bummers Solved
15 Must Have Hot Weather Products
Summer Proof Your Skin


Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.