Deep-Clean Facial
Beyond the pampering benefits of a facial, you'll get the glow of really clean skin. Plus, it will help unclog pores and absorb excess oil.
1. In the shower, wash your face with an exfoliating cleanser that contains round "beads," so it works without irritating. (Skip scrubs with seeds or shells -- they're too harsh on facial skin.) Our pick: Bior¿¿ Pore Minimizing Foaming Face Wash
2. With your back to the spray, smooth on a clay mask (our pick: g¿¿t2b Pure Intent Clay Masque
3. Wipe off the mask, step out of the shower, and apply a soothing moisturizer (our pick: Olay Definity Correcting Protective Lotion with SPF 15
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Smoothing Body Scrub
The spa goer's choice for treating rough, dry skin? A top-to-bottom salt or sugar scrub to slough off dead cells. Scrubs are often followed by a shower rinse, then an application of a rich oil or body butter that leaves skin luminous.
1. Spread the salt or sugar scrub on dry skin, working from your feet up to your neck to promote circulation. "You'll get better exfoliation by applying it before getting in the shower," says Regina Viotto, spa director at the Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa, in NYC. Citrus or mint scrubs are great for giving you an energy boost. To unwind, try one with lavender or vanilla essence (our pick: Breathe Comfort Instant Warmth Gentle Body Scrub
2. Once in the shower, continue massaging in the scrub as it dissolves in the water. Exfoliate your back and other hard-to-get places with a long-handled loofah or puff (our pick: Target Loofah Brush, left, $5; Target stores). Follow with a moisturizing body wash (our pick: Caress Glowing Touch Silkening Body Wash
3. Turn off the water and smooth on a body oil with the same upward strokes. The oil will help seal in moisture on damp skin. Our pick: Burt's Bees Vitamin E Body & Bath Oil
4. Wrap up in a fluffy towel or robe (even nicer if it's warm straight from the dryer-have someone bring it to you!) and enjoy the moment.
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Shiny-Hair Treat
If you've had a scalp massage during a salon shampoo, you know how good it feels-that's because your scalp's got many sensitive nerve endings. This treatment gives you that blissful feeling while leaving hair smooth and lustrous.
1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dulling build-up (our pick: Herbal Essences Degunkify Tingling Deep Cleaning Shampoo
2. Rinse out shampoo with lukewarm water. Then, to maximize conditioning, turn off water or step away from the spray and pat hair with a towel to remove some of the moisture. Conditioner absorbs better when your hair isn't soaking wet.
3. Next, saturate hair with deep conditioner (our pick: Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask
4. Place hair loosely under a shower cap (our pick: Alan Stuart Silver Polka Dots version, back, $7; bathsplendor.com), then wash your body as the steam from the shower helps the conditioner penetrate.
Rinse your hair with cool water so some of the conditioner stays put, suggests William George, owner of the James Joseph Salon, in Boston.
