Treat Yo’self

With the chilly, rainy weather in Denver this week, running has made for some much-needed post-workout bubble bath time.

Sometimes I’m convinced that I run just so that I can 1.) earn that extra slice of pizza and 2.) indulge in some serious pampering time. These are a few of my favorite things (on the cheap)!

Salt Baths

My absolute number 1 way to do the spa thing at home is an epsom salt bath—and it has the added bonus of helping sooth sore muscles and drain toxins. Win!

Dr Teal’s is my go-to, and I usually get the lavender-scented ones for a bit of aromatherapy. Lavender is my favorite scent; you could also do a scented candle or incense.

I discovered Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Foaming Bath for when I want bubbles! Above you can see me participating in a bubble bath while watching the Oscar’s.

A bubble bath with soothing epsom salts, a candle, a glass of wine, perhaps watching Netflix on your laptop (at a considerable distance to avoid death of you and/or laptop) … this is how I suggest taking all baths. (Last night I ate strawberries in the tub, so.)

Hair Mask

I bought a Groupon to have my hair cut, colored, and conditioned for my 30th birthday (see the result here) and the stylist introduced me to the art of co-washing (something I’ve been testing out a few times a week) as well as hot oil hair masks.

You can make your own hot oil hair mask by just heating up some coconut oil or olive oil (like, 10 seconds in the microwave) and applying it to your hair and scalp. I usually leave it in for an hour or two and then do a double-scrub-wash to get it all out. My hair is always extra sofa and shiny afterward:

It also felt extra bouncy and held a curl well all day.

Face Mask

And last but certainly not least, I have to have a good face mask on hand. This has been one of my favorite ways to pamper myself since I was… probably 12. I have four different kinds of face masks in my bathroom cabinet as we speak. Two of my favorites are the Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask that I wrote about here, as well as the newest spa craze in my life right now: bentonite clay masks.

Here’s my goofy face in one:

This stuff makes my skin feel bright and radiant but not dry/taut afterward. (You can read all about the benefits of bentonite clay here, written by Wellness Mama.)

I’ve been using this Electric Mud Mask formula by Matte + Juliette. They specialize in providing natural solutions for oily (that’s me!), sensitive, and problem-skin (that’s me, too!) types.

You just add water to the dry mix and then paint a thin layer onto your mug.

Warning: Do not participate in any human contact for the 20 minutes it’s on your face or you might scare those humans to death.

You might also want to paint your nails, but I find that I have zero mental and physical energy for this after a long day and/or run. Keep your focus purely on pampering… and enjoy!

How do you pamper yourself?