21 Pro Secrets to an Amazing At-Home Spa Experience Read more: At Home Spa Treatments – DIY Spa Treatments - Real Beauty

Who doesn't want to spend an afternoon (or a weekend!) getting pampered at a posh spa? But indulging in a day of decadence at the hands of a pro can be expensive. Luckily, it's actually possible to re-create the experience — from the relaxing ambiance to the impressive results — at home. Here, experts share their best DIY moves.

1. Pay Attention to the Details

Part of what makes the spa experience so luxurious is the little extra touches. That's why you should do some prep work before you start your treatments. Throw your robe in the dryer for 10 minutes so it's warm and fluffy when you want to lounge. Nuke a neck wrap in the microwave for two minutes to help your muscles relax while you soak in the tub, and stash a cooling gel eye mask in the freezer (a bag of frozen peas also works) for a quick pick-me-up.

2. Scent Your Space

What aroma takes you to your happy place? Chances are it's not cleaning supplies or last night's dinner. To make your home smell spa-like, burn a heavenly scented soy candle, place pretty potpourri in each room, or use aromatherapy diffusers. The most universally soothing fragrances: lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus.

3. Create a Calming Playlist

Don't worry — we're not suggesting that you load your iPod with Enya's greatest hits. That said, the right music is crucial to creating a calming atmosphere. A good rule of thumb is to choose songs that are tuned into your heartbeat at rest (about 60 to 80 beats per minute). Some mellow ideas: light jazz and R&B, classical, and anything by Jack Johnson.

4. Jazz Up Your Water

No spa worth its detoxifying seaweed body wrap would serve you a glass of plain H2O. Hydrate in style by slicing up some fruit (fresh mango, orange, peach, and strawberry are all good options, or try cucumber or mint) and add to a large pitcher of ice water. Keep it in the fridge and sip between treatments.

5. Snack Spa-Style

Baked Lays and Twizzlers are delicious, but they're not exactly spa-appropriate fare. Instead, set out a mini-buffet of sliced fruit and veggies, mixed nuts, and whole-grain crackers. You can also treat yourself to a few squares of dark chocolate, since it contains healthy antioxidants.

6. Raid the Fridge

Even the fanciest spas approve of using basic (and cheap!) ingredients in at-home treatments. For example, you can make a moisturizing face mask by mixing a tablespoon of honey with one egg white. Apply the mixture to your face and rinse off after 10 minutes.

Another homespun recipe: Mash a fresh pineapple or papaya into a paste and mix it with a bit of olive oil and honey. Apply to your face and rinse off after 10 minutes.

7. Show Your Hair Some Love

Extend all this pampering goodness beyond your face and body with a nourishing hair treatment. First, turn your bathroom into a mini steam room by taking an extra-hot, extra-long shower. Then, massage a deep conditioner or hair oil into clean damp tresses. Wrap your hair in a towel and hang out in the bathroom with the door closed for about 30 minutes to let your mane fully absorb the treatment.

8. Buff Your Body

Follow the directions in the previous slide to turn your bathroom into a steam room, then turn off the shower and scrub your body with a mix of your regular body wash, plus 1/4 cup raw sugar cane and 2 teaspoons coconut milk (you can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil). Once you're smooth from head to toe, dry off and apply a rich body cream.

9. Clear Your Sinuses

Congested sinuses can create a lot of stress, due to built-up facial tension and resulting headaches (damn allergies!). To get some relief, make like a professional facialist and place two fingertips on the bridge of your nose, then slowly slide them down onto your cheekbones and to the outside of your eyes. Repeat a few times until your face feels relaxed.

10. Take a Milk Bath

One of the absolute best skin-smoothing ingredients can be found in the dairy aisle at your supermarket. The lactic acid in milk softens skin better than most super-fancy potions, which is why spa pros recommend pouring a few cups of the stuff (choose whole milk over low-fat) in your bath. After a long soak, your body will feel buttery soft.

11. Walk This Way

If you've ever been to a destination spa, then you know that it's not all lounging around with cucumber slices on your eyes — exercise is a major component. And that's because working out pumps up endorphins and makes you feel good. So take your spa day outside and get moving. You can actually meditate and walk at the same time by focusing on the specifics of each step, from the sensation of your feet hitting the ground to the breeze and the air around you. After a brisk spin around the block, you should feel less stressed out.

12. Minimize Cellulite

No matter how expensive the treatment, nothing will get rid of cellulite for good. However, you can temporarily reduce the appearance of your lumps and bumps with freshly brewed coffee grounds (seriously!). Mix a handful of grounds with a firming body cream or face mask until it's pastelike. Then rub it over your butt and thighs in an upward circular motion. For extra tightening action, cover those areas with plastic wrap and put on sweatpants. Hang out for a few hours, then rinse it off.

13. Take Deep Breaths

In spa-land there's even a correct way to breathe, and chances are you're not doing it right now. To instantly feel more peaceful and clearheaded, practice deep breathing, which is basically in through your nose and out your mouth.

14. Have a Ball

Nothing compares to the strong hands of a professional massage therapist, but you can ease some muscle tension with this brilliant trick: Stuff a tennis ball into a long sock or a pair of stockings, then throw it over your shoulder and lean against a wall (you can also try lying on the floor). Move around on the ball until you find that annoying knot in your back and hold it there for a minute. Take deep breaths and allow your muscles to relax.

15. Whip Up a Body Treatment

If you're really into homemade concoctions, then you'll love this skin-smoothing recipe: Mix your regular body wash with a handful of oatmeal, 2 tablespoons of powdered milk, a teaspoon of honey, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, some olive oil, and half a serving of coffee grounds (use the spoon that comes in the canister). Rub the combo from neck to toes and your skin will feel velvety soft.

16. Pass the Salt

One of the hottest wellness trends right now is salt therapy, which is based on the belief that when breathed in, salt has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To reap the health benefits, fill a bowl with hot water and 1/2 cup Dead Sea or Epsom salts. Hold your face comfortably over the vapors for 10 minutes. Do this two or three times a week and see if your skin looks more radiant.

17. Revitalize Your Skin and Eyes

Most spa facials involve some kind of face massage to boost blood flow and help the products absorb better. Here's how to get results on your own: Take a warm shower to soften your pores, then cut a chilled seedless red or green grape in half. Grapes contain hydrating glucose and powerful antioxidants that fight skin-damaging free radicals. Slide the flat side of the cut grape over your skin, starting between your brows and moving out toward your temples. Sweep up to your forehead, then down your nose and over your cheeks.

18. Smooth Your Soles

The pro trick to getting rid of nasty calluses is to buff your feet with a pumice stone or file before you soak them since dry skin sloughs off easier than wet skin. When you're done, dunk your soles for at least 20 minutes in warm water. Once a month, treat your feet to a soak in a mixture of 2 cups fresh-mashed pineapple, 2 cups fresh-mashed papaya, and 2 cups hot milk. After 20 minutes, rinse off and apply a rich foot cream.

19. De-Puff Your Peepers

Not only do cucumbers have an instant cooling effect (they're 90% water), but they also contain an enzyme that reduces inflammation, making them a stellar remedy for eye bags. You can put a slice on each eye or chop them up and roll the pieces into a paper-towel eye pack.

20. Drink Up

Believe it or not, some spas actually encourage you to drink alcohol, specifically a glass of red wine. The grape seed polyphenols are amazing antioxidants, plus the vino will leave you totally relaxed.

21. Stay in the Zone

When you're finished with your at-home treatments, sip a spa-approved beverage of your choice (fruit-infused water, red wine, or herbal tea) while relaxing with a book. This is the time to take a break from magazines and newspapers and indulge in an art or architecture book. Allow your mind to wander for just a few moments longer before you join the real world again.

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