While it’s always great to robe up and spend the day catching up with a girlfriend over pedicures, there’s no reason you can’t capture that zenned-out experience at home. We chatted with Krista Foulis, spa director at the Stillwater Spa in Park Hyatt Toronto, for her expert tips on when to head to the spa, and bliss out with at home spa beauty treatments.

Splurge-worthy spa treatment: The massage
While we’re often partial to a facial spa treatment because of the natural glow it leaves on our skin, consider a body treatment or massage to indulge everywhere else. “Some body treatments incorporate massage for added relaxation.” If you can, go for the 60 or 90-minute beauty treatments. Trust us, anything under an hour is a cruel relaxation tease.

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At home spa equivalent: A relaxing soak
Sometimes it’s just not possible to cram in a massage appointment at the spa, and the stress of finding time for it is counterintuitive to the relaxing experience anyway. Post-workout or after a long day at the office, “take a relaxing soak using your favorite scented Epsom salts or bath salts,” says Foulis. “Two to four cups of lavender-scented Epsom salts in the bath is a perfect way to relax and soothe tired muscles.”

And don’t skimp out on recreating that same indulgent and blissful experience at home. Scented candles are great for creating a home spa ambiance, says Foulis. Consider how you would like to set the mood: “Citrus scents can be very uplifting while vanilla or bergamot can be very calming,” she adds. “You will also find body wash, body lotion and oils using these scents.

Splurge-worthy spa treatment: The facial treatment
Whether it’s your first-ever spa appointment or you’re a repeat attender, “You can’t go wrong with a great facial treatment,” says Foulis. “It is relaxing and essential for maintaining a healthy glow.” Before your treatment begins, the spa therapist will assess your skin to tailor the experience to your skin care concerns and issues. Based on your skin type, they will also recommend products and tips on how to extend the life of your facial treatment with your at-home routine. “They are the expert and can guide you into the correct products,” she says.

SKIN CARE TIPS: Get the most out of your facial treatment

How to make your facial treatment last at home on the next page…

At home spa equivalent: Your daily skin care routine
However amazing and healing the skin miracles a facial can perform, great skin is all about taking the time to commit to a thorough routine at home. In fact, the two go hand in hand. “Women should be moisturizing every day—even oily skin types need moisturizer,” says Foulis. As for the complementary skin care products to try, “Anti-oxidants, serums and a commitment to sunscreen are essential if you want to improve the appearance of your skin.”

And it’s important to exfoliate at least twice a week to remove dead skin and help to reveal a fresher look. Again, consult a skin care expert for spa treatment recommendations based on your specific skin type. “And have facials throughout the year for accelerated results.

Splurge-worthy spa treatment: Body treatment
While a facial treatment is always a great way to instantly brighten and make over skin, at the end of the day, sometimes it’s the rest of the body that needs some extra TLC to look its best. “We are often so focused on the skin on our face that we forget to pay close attention to exfoliating and moisturizing the whole body,” say Foulis. Choose from a selection of body wraps or detox therapy beauty treatments to exfoliate and rehydrate skin (for a total-body relaxation treatment, try the Essential De-Stress Therapy treatment at the Stillwater Spa).

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At home spa equivalent: Use exfoliants and body butters
Just as you incorporate exfoliating into your weekly skin care routine (right?) it’s important to take a loofah or scrub to buff away dead skin everywhere else. “Always remember to exfoliate the skin on your body,” says Koulis. “You can use an exfoliating glove or mix raw sugar and sweet almond oil.” After stepping out of the shower, “finish with a heavy body butter or a body oil to lock in moisture,” she says.

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