Ok so when I was in college I totally had spa, cucumber eye pad, champagne, outside shower by the ocean-kinda taste.
When I was stressed with finals, I wanted to go to the spa.
When three jobs were sucking up all my energy, I wanted to go to the spa.
When I worked my ass off in the school gym, I wanted to go to the spa.
I, unfortunately was a broke college student trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life.
The struggle was real.
So needless to say, THE SPA WAS A LAUGHABLE, REAL LOL-ER I WISH/DREAM during that time.
Let’s just say there were about 5 million other things that needed my financial attention…so #spalife wasn’t really in the cards.
But of course I had to find a way to make my damn spa dream come true.
& SO I CREATED AN AT HOME SPA ONCE A MONTH.
My feet were always killing me ( bartending will do that! ) so I’d take a big bowl, pour hot water in it, & add lavender Epsom salt ( << especially in love with this brand— not sponsored, just realness ).
Enter epsom salt…according to salt works “studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.”
In my case, college caused migraine headaches. Totally kidding.
But not really.
I’m OBSESSED with Epsom salt because A.) it’s inexpensive B.) it’s been well known for hundreds of years for it’s healing proprieties C.) it has health benefits to soothe the mind/body/soul & relaxes the nervous system ( << which I SOOOOO needed in college ), & D.) there’s a million other benefits…
Like: “curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, & drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of the salt. Some of the magical benefits of Epsom salt include: Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP ( adenosine triphosphate ), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly” ( source ).
If you’re in college & you have a bath tub…well then aren’t you the lucky bitch.
I didn’t have a bathtub so I had to make some compromises, hence the feet soaking at ‘Lauryn’s At-Home Spa.’
Remember magnesium?? If you read above you can see HOW IMPORTANT IT IS!! Magnesium is sooo insane. Epsom salt replenishes the body with it. So it’s kind of a win/win. Read more here.
P.S. other budget friendly ways to use Epsom salts: fertilize house plants, clean bathroom tiles, remove foot odor, exfoliate dead skin ( << the best mixed with coconut oil! ), use it to prevent slugs, & helps clear build-up out of washing machines.
Ok so, other ways I created an at-home spa on a beer budget? Use tea lights, twinkle lights from Target, or incense for ambience. I also used ( & use ) oils like coconut oil, grapeseed oil, &/or almond oil to rub all over my bod. I’d make DIY masks out of bananas, tea, & oatmeal & paint my own nails ( << Sally Hansen has awesome tools ). Also my at-home treatments usually included cucumbers on my eyes, because a spa without eye cucumbers isn’t a real spa.
Lastly, I always facial steamed.
This sounds dirty, but it isn’t…
Facial steaming is “great for those with blackheads and for a cheap, deep clean! Deep cleaning with steam is an ancient method used across the world. It’s not only cheap but highly effective. It’s very easy to do to. All you need is a large bowl or basin/container, which you need to fill with one litre (2 pints) of boiling water. You then site before the bowl and cover your head with the bowl whilst taking in the steam. You do this for no more than 8 minutes. You can add two drops of lavender or tea tree oil to enhance the experience. You do not need to literally sit on top of the bowl to benefit from this method of deep cleaning so avoid making yourself sleepy and just relax and inhale” ( source ).
How do you spa it up on a budget? Would love to know?
– Lauryn, xx.
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I still do this! Love these baths.
I Love doing hot water foot soaks with epsom salts!
http://www.FashionSnag.com
Love this post, so funny you mentioned this tip. I take lavender epsom salt baths at least 3x a week! They are amazing after a workout!!! The sleep you get after them is the deepest sleep! I like to drop some eucalyptus oil in the bath and also use this bath soak for bubbles which I think you can get at Sephora! xx http://www.lookfantastic.com/life-nk-daily-fix-muscle-relief-bath-soak-500ml/10806541.html which
Love this idea. I don’t even remember the last time I had a relaxing bath or a nice little spa day at home. I definitely need to do this soon as I need a nice little relaxing night!
Great post. I actually had to buy lots of epsom salt to heal one of my fish and now I have loads left over. Now I know what to do with it. I had heard of the beneficial side efefcts of epsom salt befor ebut I never realised it was so good to alleviate stress. I think I will definitely swap my typical bathbombs and tetesepts for some epsom once in a while. xx Dandy I http://www.dandelionblue.co.uk
I just bought 4 pounds of Epsom Salts. They are really great for shrinking you down a size or two if you need to fit into your skinny jeans post holidays! Just remember don’t use them more than 2-3 times a week or for more than 20 minutes. Get out if you feel dizzy or overly weak too.
My guilty spa pleasure is doing a mask.. I did one last night while doing stats homework! Unfortunately I hadn’t used it in forever so it smelt pretty gross, so any tips on awesome facial masks (or DIYs) are welcomed.
Bret
I absolutely love epsom salt to just relax my muscles.
http://www.sponsoredbycoffee.com
The face steaming seems awesome, especially since blackheads are a big problem for me! Do you know how steaming helps eliminate blackheads though?
Steph
http://hellostephni.blogspot.com
I LOVE this! I’m not a broke college student anymore, but I do have a baby on the way (financially speaking, they might be equivalent these days! Lol). I’m definitely going to take some of these ideas, because I won’t be seeing a spa anytime soon. Great post 🙂
XoXo Shea L. ——-> kissmychocolate.com
I can’t wait to try this out. School only begun again last well and I am already in desperate need of a spa day ! Thanks for the tips !
xx Angel
http://www.speakoftheangel.com
When I was training for my first marathon, those thrifty epsom baths were EVERYTHING. Love love love this post!
Epsom salt is really my go to, its so versatile and great for detoxing everything haha
So happy you were able to fix the problem and make your own spa! Looks lovely my dear, keep working hard x
http://lilliemysel.blogspot.com
Love these spa ideas! Will be sure to try this out!
love epsom salt. this looks easy enough for me! love having spa on a budget 🙂 one of those treats that we often don’t allow ourselves. thanks for the tips! xo
cheshirekatblog.com
No worries! Glad you liked it.
Hi Lauren,
Love your blog! I’ve started adding collagen to my diet and I’m already loving the results. Wanted to make sure you are looped in on classpass. You pay $99 a month and have access to lots of cool studios in LA including barre, reformer pilates, dance, yoga and spinning. So its awesome for the babes on a budget that like to mix up their workout rountines. Including a link below that give you $50 for signing up. They are also in a lot of major cities in the US which makes it an easy way to find a class if you travel.
http://classpass.com/buynow?utm_content=60490401115472
Cheers!
Mel
So cool! Will check this out now!
Epsom salt baths are superb for muscle recovery and tired, stressed out bodies! As a full-time working artist in NYC, I am on my feet all day and these baths save me – especially in winter!
Another budget friendly treat: a honey face mask. I have a 50 year-old Spanish friend who lives in Barcelona. She does not look a day over 30! Her secret: she swears by her weekly honey facials. Raw honey smeared on the face for 30 minutes then delicately removed with a soft cloth every week. (And SPF every day !!)
I’ve been doing this too – for like ever! It’s totally helped my complexion and I rarely need to use foundation.
(BTW, Lauryn, I LOVE your blog – where were you when I was in college ?! I’m glad I recently discovered your book too – all your fab tips are right on target and really WORK !!) Keep up the great work!!! xo
YESSSS. And this honey mask sounds AMAZING!!! I love this tip!!
I’m so flattered you’re loving the blog! x
How much of the salt do you put in the bath and the foot soak? After serious athletic endeavors, I’ve used up to 5 lbs in a bath (which kind of makes it less affordable!), but for regular/casual use I’m not sure what a lower “dose” would be that would still be effective. Thoughts?
1 cup : ) xx and then some essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus.
Facial steaming is NOT beneficial for your skin UNLESS it is being done to very clean, healthy skin by an esthetician. If your skin is sensitive/acne prone/irritated, etc, or if there is any makeup, dirt, debris or excess oil on your skin, it will only make things worse.
Good to know! I usually use a pot over the stove!
I love the posts about college life! I would love more about life as a student and budgeting!
xoxo
I will keep them coming ; ) x
As a current (and broke) college student, I love this idea! Definitely going to try it out soon!
Anna
I need to start carving out a once-a-month spa day for myself…thanks for another awesome tip!
Yessss do it!
Great post for the weekend! As a broke teacher now, I try once a week to take a long, hot shower (not a big fan of baths), do a face mask, and finish with an at-home manicure while watching Downton Abbey. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday night!
LOVE it!! Sounds like heaven.
Hey Lauryn! I’ve heard about Epsom salts from a bunch of people but haven’t had the motivation to buy any yet, LOL. I think I definitely will now!
Also, check out Halfsiesblog.com — I recently discovered this fashion/adventure/lifestyle blog and I LOVE them ( and think you would too!)
I will check it out!! : ) xx
Love the post. I am on my feet at work 40 hours a week. I need a quick go too spa lol..
Love this post! I live in Mexico and there is not a bath tub to be found, so my spa day usually includes taking a hot, steaming shower, where I will exfoliate my face and use this delicious Argan oil body scrub I got from TJ Maxx, followed by slathering myself with even more delicious almond oil. If I am feeling wild, I may give myself a pedicure, and usually top things off with really good sushi after that:)
Stephanie
http://ishowedupinboots.com
LOVE Argan oil!!! Sounds amazing!! : ) I need to get to Mexico ASAP.
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Ohh this sounds like a lovely way to pamper yourself from the comfort of your own home! ^ ^
http://www.thedailydollyblog.com
Great post and perfect timing! I’ve been suffering from aching, tense muscles and wicked headaches the past couple weeks…Canadian flu season 🙁 . I’ve done epsom salt baths for the past week which has helped tremendously…is there a limit to how often you should do it?
I like to do it at least once a week. Everyday would be fine though (in my opinion). Feel better, Amanda!
Love this! I am on a strict college budget so I completely feel you on this… I do my own mani/pedis at home (or should I say in my dorm?) and I also do at home face masks. I love pinning different face mask recipes on Pinterest and trying them out.
xo, chekara | shadesofchekara.com
I was recently told by my massage therapist that taking an Epsom salt bath is good to do after a massage because it helps get rid of the lactic acid that the massage released into your system. I also love using the Lush toner tabs to steam my face before I use a face mask. It makes them work so much better!!!
These are really useful tips! I am especially curious to try deep clean my bathtub as you suggest! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Oh my goodness I love Epsom salt baths with
lavender Epsom salt and that’s my favorite brand too!
I love to add a little lavender bubble bath as well, and have some gardenia and jasmine scented candles going, with the latest Glamour!