We are officially in the month of L-O-V-E and while I admittedly haven’t always been the biggest fan of holidays like Valentine’s Day, I do love that more and more the theme for this month has become, for me, about SELF LOVE. I’m a better partner, mama, and friend when I’m prioritizing myself and making sure that my proverbial cup is full. Often times, the term “self-care” gets a bad rep and in the past it usually conjured up images of fancy spa packages, expensive treatments, getaways, and things that just weren’t in the budget for us. I used to think if I wasn’t doing massages and vacations every month then I was doing it “wrong.” I’ve struggled a lot of my life with this “all or nothing” mentality, and I’m just now coming to a place in my life where I KNOW that it doesn’t have to look like that for it to be self-care.

Some days, self-care is a walk, going to a workout even when I feel guilty for leaving my family, catching up with a friend over coffee, or simply savoring and enjoying my nightly skincare routine. There are no boxes to check for it to mean something. Be on the lookout later this month for a post all about simple budget friendly ways to self-care!

Like I mentioned above, investing in a good quality safer skincare routine has been one of the easiest ways for me to love on myself. I’ve married practicality (everyone needs to wash their face, right?!!) with safety, performance, and just the luxurious feel of products that work and a ritual that feels indulgent without being over the top. As I’ve nailed down my daily morning and evening skincare routines, I’ve also started to slowly add on products that go above and beyond the basic cleanse, prep, treat, and protect regimen steps. These are products that give your skin that little something extra - the glow, the goddess look, the really happy and supple feeling that makes you do a double take in the mirror each morning. THESE are what I like to use in my at-home spa night routine.

I’m 36 and i’ve only ever had two facials in my whole life, and they both happened to be in the last year! While I definitely waited a long time to see what they were all about, I now know that they are so incredibly relaxing and effective! I WISH my budget allowed for monthly spa trips (maybe one day!) but as it stands now, I needed to find a way to recreate my spa experience, at-home, on a budget. And don’t get me wrong, getting spoiled and pampered in the salon is amazing, but have you tried getting in your robe in the comfort of your own home with a glass of wine and watching Schitt’s Creek while you mask? IT’S THE BEST.

After several years of playing around with different products, I’m here to share some of my personal favorite at-home spa like products with you! My hope is that instead of feeling obligated to fork over hundreds of dollars each month for a fancy facial or body treatment, you can invest in a few quality safer products that will bring you months and months of joy, so you can DIY your own at-hoome spa night routine!

What products are in my DIY At-Home Spa Night Routine?

Ok, let’s just dive in and get down to it friends! First and foremost, if you don’t already have a solid skincare routine you’re going to want to start there. Spa days and fun skincare extras are amazing, but you’ll see the most benefits over the long term by consistently using an appropriate skincare regimen for your skin type and needs - THAT’S where the magic is! If you don’t have a routine nailed down you can take this skincare quiz or email me at jess@jessgaertner.com for a customized individual free consultation to nail down what would work best and where to start for your budget! I currently use our line for mature skin and I’ve seriously never ever been happier with my skin!

Ok, once you’ve nailed down your basic skincare routine we can get busy with the art of creating your own DIY at-home spa night routine!

Pre-shower/bath:

Foreo Silicone Cleansing Brush - I LOVE THIS NEW GADGET. At my facial at Hiatus Spa in San Antonio the aesthetician used this little Foreo Silicon Cleansing Brush on me and I fell in love so much so that I had to purchase one. I’ve never actually used a Clarisonic(though I’ve heard great things about them) but my aesthetician loves this little guy because she said it’s more gentle than a Clarisonic and because of that you can use it daily! It vibrates and massages during cleansing to help remove dirt and impurities, and I am obsessed with it!. I just put my cleanser on my face, and use this to massage it in, then rinse off as normal.

Masks - There’s nothing a good ol’ fashioned mask can’t fix! The first “treatment” I ever did for my skin was my weekly Balancing Charcoal Mask. It was one of the first safer products I ever invested in, and it’s one I find myself coming back to over and over again! I use this AT LEAST once a week, if not more, and always on spa nights! I apply it with a flat complexion brush to reduce product waste, get an even application, and to keep my hands as clean as possible. To make clean up easier, I apply it to a clean face before I shower, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then hop in the shower to rinse off before I do the rest of my shower routine. It makes clean up so easy! A good mask pulls excess oils, toxins, and impurities from the skin, evens skin tone and decreases pore size amount many other things! While the charcoal mask is my go to, I also love these new mask options from another safer brand as well (use code JESS10 for 10% off your first order)!

In the shower/bath:

Lemongrass Sugar Scrub - This is the unsung hero of skincare in my humble opinion! I did a podcast episode with aesthetician Genevieve Blair all about postpartum skincare, and we talked AT LENGTH about addressing dry skin (because that’s a huge issue postpartum for a lot of people). One of her biggest recommendations for dry skin on your body was to use this Lemongrass Sugar Scrub. Because of the structure of sugar crystals and how it dissolves, plus the luxurious feel of the oils used, this product really helps slough off dead skin cells, and create a protective layer on the skin to prevent moisture loss. You will even see water beading on your skin after use because the oils are that serious! Not to mention lemongrass scent is one of my favorite scents on the planet! I use this in the shower right before I get out.

Goop Scalp Scrub - Holy moly you guys, I’ve never had so many people obsessed with a product like they are with this one. I did a giant review on the Goop Scalp Scrub a while back with really detailed instructions on how to use it, but bottom line, it fits in perfectly with a once a week spa night! I use this as a scalp treatment once a week, and usually time it with my spa night (Sundays for me!). It’s a product that makes my hair feel AMAZING, and has such a luxurious lather that it feels so indulgent. I use this when I first get in the shower, and rinse it right before I’m ready to apply conditioner to the ends of my hair.

Bath Soaks - So, I’m admittedly a shower taker, but when for my bath loving friends, I cannot recommend these bath soaks enough! I’ve tried them, and you cannot beat how incredibly relaxing and effective they are! While many conventional bath salts contain HIGHLY questionable ingredients, these soaks are safer and just as effective. I love the Flower Soak when I’m feeling particularly girly, or the Sea Soak for when I’m wanting something a little more therapeutic in nature. You can always use the code JESS10 for 10% off your first Primally Pure order if you want to get one for yourself!

Bamboo Bath Tray - Ok, this isn’t a skincare product, but nothing and I mean nothing screams indulgence like a tray..in the bath..for your wine..and candles…and books…..I don’t have one, but our new house has a SOAKER tub and you best BELIEVE that I’ll be purchasing this bath tray soon!

Post-Bath/Shower Hair & Body:

Body Oils - Probably the most splurge-y of all the body products I have, but if you're going for that really luxurious feeling post-spa you’ll want a great body oil in your arsenal! Though they are more pricey than say a body lotion or butter, both of my favorites absorb really well, and last a LONG TIME. I love this citrus rosemary scent and this lemongrass scent the best!

Body Butters - If body oils aren’t your thing, I can’t recommend enough a thick body butter. Most of the time, I reach for a lightweight body lotion for daily use, but during the winter or on my self-proclaimed spa nights, I always want something more moisturizing that feels just slightly a step above the everyday. My favorite body butters include this Citrus Mimosa body butter and this Almond + Vanilla scent!

Body Balm - Another incredible option and really could be my favorite in terms of body moisturizers, is the Melting Body Balm. The scent on this product is called Monoi and it reminds me so much of being on a tropical vacation! It’s the THICKEST of all of the body lotions that I own, and I reserve it for Spa nights almost exclusively because it just feels so decadent! It absorbs quickly too, so you won’t be left feeling super greasy. It’s perfect for extemely dry winter skin as well!

Aquis Hair Towel - I have been also loving this microfiber hair towel that was gifted to me! Apparently, hair is up to 56% weaker when it’s wet, which means getting it dry as fast as possible WITHOUT heat is a good good thing. The towel is designed to shorten drying time, and reduce frizz and I’d say it delivers! Though this is definitely a little extra splurge, I love the results when I use it regularly!

Post Bath/Shower Skincare:

Overnight Resurfacing Peel - Magical unicorn tears. A facial in a bottle. The only product you’ll ever need in your whole life. Just a few of the many things that have been said about this product and I’m being modest! If I had to pick one product to take with me on a deserted island the Overnight Resurfacing Peel would be it, hands down. It’s changed my skin in pretty much every way. It’s a gentle chemical peel made of plant based acids that is designed for at home use multiple times a week. It doesn’t actually physically peel your skin, but what it does do is lift that top layer of dry and dead skin gently overnight, leaving your skin as smooth as a baby’s behind when you wake up in the morning. It evens skin tone, reduces redness, exfoliates, reduces pore size and hyper pigmentation, helps reduce the look of fine lines, and helps your skin better use the products you already have for your skin. I use this 3-4 times a week (usually every other night) in place of a serum as my “treat” step. I cleanse, prep, and then apply the peel. Often times I will use the below facial roller, to help product absorption, and then apply my night time moisturizer and go to bed. When you wake up, your skin looks and feels amazing!

Facial Rolling - I don't even pretend to be an expert in facial rolling, and to be honest, everything I’ve learned about things like facial rolling and gua sha, I’ve learned from my friends at Primally Pure! You can check out their many incredible blog posts on how-to's and whys behind facial rolling. What I do know is, that it works! I use my jade rollers primarily to aid lymphatic draining and to provide some swelling relief while aiding my skin in product absorption. I usually use my roller after applying the treat step of my routine (serums or peels). I also love keeping mine in the fridge so that it’s nice and cool - especially for morning rolling! I love these ridged rollers and the gua sha tools from Primally Pure!

PRE-BED TIME:

Hand Cream -I think of all things, we might neglect our hands the most when it comes to skincare. Hands can show signs of aging just like our faces, and yet, oftentimes we (I) can forget to care for them! I always love how soft my hands feel after a good mani/pedi, so I make it a point on Spa Night to use the Lemongrass sugar scrub all over my hands as well, and then follow it up with a great lightweight hand cream. This Citrus Mimosa hand cream is my favorite, but if you’re looking for something thicker, I will often times use our Baby Balm on my hands during the winter!

Lip Care - Last but not least, don’t forget your lips!! There are tons of lip products out there, but choosing safer is definitely a priority for me as I know I’m ingesting at least some product every time I apply! The Lip Conditioner from Beautycounter is my absolute favorite and it works like a dream! I love that it comes in these beautiful little glass jars, and lasts FOREVER. This is usually the last thing I apply right before bed to protect my lips overnight from the dry winter air, and any mouth breathing I might do (so attractive, right?!)

Treat Yo’ Self Gift Set Ideas:

Now that we have gone over all of the things you can slowly start to snag to create your full DIY At-Home Spa Night Routine, in the spirit of the upcoming Valentines/Galentines/Self-Love holiday, I’ve put together some reasonable DIY gift sets you can shoot to your partner for inspiration, or just snag for yourself! I hope this helps navigate the crazy waters of self-care even a little bit!

• Mini Facial Kit: Snag two of my favorite products to create the cutest little home facial bundle! With the Overnight Resurfacing Peel and a brand new facial roller, you’ll have glowing skin at your fingertips every single day!

• Pamper Your Hair Kit: Grab a Goop Scalp Scrub and an Aquis Hair Towel to take your mane to the next level!

• Pre-Bed Ritual: Snag a hand cream and a lip conditioner to make sure that your pre-bed moisture routine is on point!

• Soft Skin Bundle: With the sugar scrub and the melting body balm, you’ve got dry skin in the bag! Not only will your skin be incredibly soft and smooth, but you’'ll at least smell like the beach if you can’t actually be there!

• Clean Skin Duo: Grab up my favorite silicone cleansing tool and a detoxifying charcoal mask to get your face a squeaky clean palette for the rest of your daily routine!

• For the Bath Lover: You NEED these bath soaks and a bath tray in your life. If you’re not bath tray-ing, then are you even living??

I hope this fun little DIY At-Home Spa Night Routine has been helpful for you friends! Remember, start slow, build up your routine, and soon you’ll have everything you need for months and months worth of self pampering from the comfort of our own home!