Rest and Destress With a DIY Spa Night That Every Sister Deserves

By Anissa Gabbara

try a turmeric mask. You might also benefit from using a retinol-infused under-eye mask to smooth fine lines, or cucumberinfused eye patches to reduce puffiness, hydrate and diminish dark circles.

5. Wash your woes away. Immerse yourself in a tub of warm water diffused with calming bath salts that put your mind and body at ease while detoxifying your skin. If you opt for a shower instead, lather up with a hydrating body wash with humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Amplify the experience by placing a shower steamer infused with essential oils on the floor, and let the steam from the hot water fill the air with soothing aromas.

6. Moisturize your melanin. Follow a good scrub down with some moisture restoration. Try a floral-scented botanical body oil with nourishing oils, such as avocado and grapeseed, to feed your skin with nutrients that replenish dry skin. Additionally, shea butter leaves your skin feeling soft and supple the morning after, thanks to its naturally occurring fatty acids.

7. Retire to bed for a restful slumber.

Give yourself — and your pockets — a breather with these oh-so soothing steps. Did you get enough self-care hours this week, sis? If your answer is no, now may be the perfect time to hit the reset button. How about fitting in more me time into your regimen with some weekly tranquility and rejuvenation in the sanctuary of your own home? Ditch the daytime spa and treat yourself to an evening of at-home pampering and relaxation with these spa-worthy steps:

1. Simplify the experience.

To get the most out of this self-care session, do a bit of light prepping in advance. Begin by decluttering your environment because, as they say, a clear space can help promote a clear mind. After you tidy up, get some of your pam- pering steps out the way. For example, you might consider scheduling wash day a few days before since the goal is to actually relax on the day of. Be sure to stock your shelves with hair products that cater to your crown, such as nourishing masks and deep conditioners.

2. Set the mood.

Rid yourself of the usual distractions (e.g., emails, texts, phone calls, etc.). Wrap yourself up in a light and airy robe and find your Zen with the soft sounds of ambient music playing in the background or a little bit of Sade for a true soul cleanse. Unwind with a whiff of lavender- or eucalyptusscented aromatherapy candles. Then, turn on your favorite podcast or relish in a good read, and drift into bliss.

3. Free your scalp from tension.

Since your tresses are already clean, use this time to give your scalp a midweek moisture boost and a much-needed massage, with a soothing, nutrient-rich oil that you don’t need to wash out. Good to know: In addition to possibly promoting hair growth, stimulating the scalp with daily massages may have therapeutic benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing tension headaches.

4. Freshen up with a face mask.

After cleansing your skin, pamper your pores with a gentle detoxifying mask, such as a charcoal-rich product to remove impurities and excess oils. To help fade dark spots and even out your complexion,

Pull on a pair of cozy PJs and brew a calming cup of chamomile tea. Finish your regimen with a lip sleeping mask to replenish a parched pout. Tuck your tresses in a satin scarf or bonnet, spritz a fine mist of lavender-scented sleep spray on your pillow and sheets and enjoy the light pressure of a weighted eye mask to help you doze off in no time. Your beauty sleep begins now, and when the morning comes, you’ll awaken to a feeling of clarity and renewal.

About The Author

Anissa Gabbara is a Michigan-based freelance writer who enjoys the beauty, health, lifestyle, and pop culture space. In addition to Sisters, she has contributed to Sesi magazine, and Maple City Our Town. She is also an experienced PR and marketing professional. •

Rev. Jacqueline Ford