Mother's Day Homemade Spa Recipes

Treat mom (or yourself!) to a spa day at home with these made-from-scratch salt scrub and face mask recipes. Save money by making your own spa treatments at home. Here are some recipes and tips from Michelle Naylor, volunteer for the American Cancer Society's Look Good…Feel Better program:

Avocado Facial mask Avocados make a moisturizing mask that's nourishing for dry or sun-exposed skin. •1 avocado, peeled and seeded •2 tsp. sweet almond oil or virgin olive oil 1.Mash avocado and add oil. 2.Apply mixture to face and leave on 15 to 20 minutes. 3.Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with towel. Salt Glow Salt scrubs are among my favorite home spa treatments. This one leaves your skin soft and glowing. •1/4 cup coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt) •2 Tbsp. virgin olive oil •3-4 Tbsp. lemon juice 1.Mix salt and oil. 2.Add lemon juice. 3.Massage into skin while you shower. 4.Rinse, pat dry and apply a natural moisturizer. Gentle Oatmeal Mask This is a good face mask for oily skin. The recipe makes enough for one treatment and should be applied as soon as it's mixed. •1 Tbsp. honey (runny) •1 egg yolk •4 Tbsp. fine oatmeal 1.Mix honey and egg yolk together in a small bowl. 2.Slowly stir in enough oatmeal to make a soft paste. 3.Smooth mask across face and neck and keep on for 15 minutes. 4.Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry with towel. Eye Brighteners •Place a slice of cucumber over each eye. Lie back and relax for 15 minutes while cucumber tones and soothes skin around the eyes. •Take two tea bags and make tea. Gently squeeze out the brewed tea bag and let cool. Place one slightly damp bag over each eye. Chamomile is good for tired eyes, while Indian tea (such as Darjeeling), an astringent, will firm the skin. Source: Country Woman April/May 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the Pantry These two easy spa treatments are made entirely from pantry staples, cost just pennies, and will leave your skin silky-soft. Enjoy the scrub in the shower or fill the tub for the oatmeal mix. Either way, you'll soak up some much-needed "me time." Almond Exfoliating Body Scrub Stir 1/4 cup coarse sea salt and 1/4 cup baby oil until the oil is thoroughly incorporated. Add 1/2 tsp. almond or vanilla extract or lightly scented perfume oil; stir until combined. Cinnamon Oatmeal Milk Bath Place 1 cup powdered milk, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup finely ground oatmeal, 2 tsp. cornstarch, 1 tsp. cream of tartar and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a food processor and process to combine. Put in a clean, tightly covered, moisture-proof container. It will keep indefinitely. To Use: Add about 1/2 cup of the Cinnamon Oatmeal Milk Bath to a full tub of warm water, and enjoy the soak. Source: Simple & Delicious February/March 2012