August 18 | 4 minute read
Words by Kaylah Joelle Baker
However, we're realists: escaping to a bougie spa retreat and shutting the door on our responsibilities just isn’t reasonable – or feasible – for most of us. But you know what is? A couple of small additions to the routine you already have at home, and a little extra time carved out to enjoy them.
So, forget the hassle of scouring for appointments and a chaotic commute there and back (that, quite frankly, undoes all the relaxation) – we’re going DIY instead. Consider this your friendly nudge to book in a little top-to-toe TLC, without leaving the house.
The Calmer the Space, the Easier It Is to Unwind
It would be remiss of us to launch straight into a breathe-in-breathe-out sequence without first ensuring we’ve set up your ambience for success. But before you ask Alexa to turn on the mood lighting, spark a scented candle or incense.
Crafted to transform the mind and home, Vyrao’s Verdant Incense disperses an aromatic scent that is both energising and renewing. Made with clarifying bergamot and musk, uplifting cyclamen and mood-easing orange flower, it’s a true become-one-with-nature fragrance. Alternatively, if you'd rather be transported to Europe – without the flight – Flamingo Estate’s Golden Pollinator Candle echoes Milan's linden blossom season in peak bloom.
Your Luxurious Spa Treatment, Now in Session
First on the agenda? Dry body brushing with the hand-crafted kit: All Body Dry Brush. With roots in the ancient Ayurvedic practice of Garshana, dry brushing not only buffs away dead skin cells, but also stimulates the skin – our largest organ. Our expert tip: brush upwards, toward the heart, in sweeping arcs.
Next, figuratively transport yourself to a luxurious Aman Resort from the comfort of your bathroom. For those lucky enough to have a tub (and an extra 20 minutes), the Aman Purifying Auric Cleanse Bath Salts promise a powerfully invigorating soak in palo santo oil and Himalayan salt. Washing vertically instead? The brand’s stress-relieving Grounding Amethyst Scrub & Soak can be massaged onto skin in the shower.
While you let the warm water work its magic, it’s time to begin the hair treatment part of your spa day – starting at the roots. Before wetting your hair, massage the Go-To Rapid Scalp Exfoliant into your scalp, letting the skincare-first formula of AHAs and BHAs unclog follicles, balance excess oil and support the skin barrier.
Next, continue with your choice of shampoo before applying a hair mask. For a deeply nourished and smooth finish that rivals any salon trip, the SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL Dark Oil Smooth and Shine Mask or colour-protecting Josh Wood Colour Miracle Mask are a must.
The perfect finish? Run a treatment oil through towel-dried hair for added shine. Or, if your colour's looking lacklustre, give it a boost with one of Josh Wood Colour’s Hair Glosses (rinsing out after 20 minutes).
Elevate Your Routine to a Five-Star Treatment
It’s massage time, and what better way to ease muscle tension, depuff and stimulate your skin than with gua sha? Backed by centuries of practice, this Traditional Chinese Medicine method is easy to incorporate into your everyday routine and can be paired with your lotion, balm or oil of choice. At MECCA HQ, we love pairing the versatile kit: Gua Sha Body Tool with OSEA’s Undaria Algae™ Body Oil to instantly replenish all the moisture winter has zapped from our skin. For a more concentrated massage, dial up the pressure with the Lola Massage Tool – bonus: it can be done from the couch or on-the-go (no oils or lotions needed).
Is there a more ideal way to hit complete relaxation mode than with a facial? Whether you’re setting aside quiet time or multitasking while you prep breakfast or dinner, it’s amazing what a mask can do for your mood (and skin).
If you’re someone who has hoarded face masks for a rainy day – i.e. a special event – let this be your reminder to find joy in the small things today. We love treating ourselves to VERSO’s Hydro Soothing Face Mask, infused with barrier-strengthening exosomes and intensely moisture-locking ceramides, and the MECCA COSMETICA FUTURE FACE Hydrogel Mask that leaves you instantly glowing thanks to plumping peptides. Lock in any serum left on your face with Herbar’s The Gua-Shroom, using upward, gliding motions from the centre outwards to depuff and remove any leftover tension.
Have a little more time to spare? For a dermatologist-level treatment that’s unbelievably close to being in Dr Dennis Gross’ Manhattan clinic, open pores post-cleanse with the Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer, swipe your face with the brightening, smoothing Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel, then spend three minutes under the award-winning DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro. If that’s not enough, really bougie-fy your at-home experience with the DRx SpectraLite™ LipWare Pro, fitted with 56 red LED lights to smooth fine lines and visibly volumise lips.
Get Set for Your Week Ahead
You’re calm, you’re glowing and you – hopefully – still have some time to unwind with your favourite movie or show. (An ambitious assumption, we know!) And that’s the perfect opportunity for an at-home mani.
Start by removing old, chipped polish – the manucurist Magic Drip Remover de-polishes its own formulas in 10 seconds – then prepare your nail surface for longer-lasting results with the brand’s Green Nail Prep. Next, it’s on to the polish itself: apply your base coat, colour coat and top coat, then speed up the drying time with the Green Drying Drops (if you’re anything like us, you’ll accidentally catch your wet nails on something mere moments after a painstaking polish application, so this final step is a non-negotiable!).
Turn Your Self-Care Up a Notch
We know we said you wouldn’t need to leave the house, but every now and then, getting outside is just what you need to feel completely renewed. Make the most of your next MECCA trip and book a service: an express or more indulgent facial, brow and lash maintenance (here’s our team’s verdict), and more.
