How to Pamper Yourself at Home (On a Budget!)

Sometimes we all need a little TLC. Whether you’re going through a rough patch, you’ve had a bad day at work or you just feel a need to look after yourself, there can be nothing better than having some “me” time.

After all, you know what they say, “you cannot pour from an empty cup”! In other words, you won’t be able to give your full attention, energy and love to others without giving it to yourself first.

That’s where learning how to pamper yourself at home comes in.

And the good news? You don’t have to go to a fancy spa to have the best experience. There are some tried-and-tested ways to do self-care in the comfort of your own surroundings without having to break the bank.

1. Wash Your Hair 

How to pamper yourself at home 101: get that hurr clean.

I know it sounds simple, but it’s amazing just how much a good shampoo and condition of your locks can transform you from a greaseball into a goddess in a heartbeat. I love Garnier’s Nourishing Blends range for their super hydrating yet affordable Banana Shampoo* and Banana Conditioner*.

You could even treat especially dry tresses to a bit of nourishment with a hair mask, such as The Body Shop’s Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask*. As well as smelling unbelievable, this product leaves your locks feeling smooth and looking shiny.

Did someone say “new woman”?

2. Put On Some Relaxing Music 

There’s no better way to create your own spa in your home than putting on some soothing music. In fact, studies show that calming sounds have the power to ease stress and anxiety.

The slower tempo can simultaneously quiet your mind while relaxing your muscles so you feel all floppy and de-stressed. Win-win.

3. Take a Long, Warm Bubble Bath 

An old favourite in terms of how to pamper yourself at home, taking a long, warm bath (with tons of bubbles!) makes it pretty difficult to be mad about anything.

I’m a fan of adding Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak* to mine. It’s packed with therapeutic birch, juniper, clove, alpine lavender, wild thyme and chamomile to soothe overworked, tired and aching muscles.

A capful is all you need, along with something good to read and a lit candle or two, to fully unwind. Just don’t be surprised if you spend the entire evening in your bathroom with my tips. (Bring on the wrinkled, prune-like skin!)

4. Groom Yourself

If you’re feeling rather “bleurgh” and want a quick fix, get out your razor/waxing strips/tweezers and prepare to shave/wax/pluck yourself to perfection.

Even if you’ve got nowhere to be, grooming maintenance is an essential part of womanhood. Therefore, taking some time to transform yourself into a baby seal somehow makes you feel better if you’re not having the best day.

I can’t exactly explain it, but it just works. Try it.

5. Wear Your Comfiest Clothes 

Once you’ve had the longest bubble bath and finished grooming yourself, you can’t beat throwing on your comfiest clothes, pyjamas or onesie. This is like receiving a warm hug from a loved one, even if you’re alone in the house. 

At the moment, I’m having a loungewear love affair (teamed with fluffy socks, of course). And I’m not even sorry.

Get the snugly look and feel with these cute co-ordinating sets from M&S*, ISAWITFIRST* and ASOS*.

6. Light Candles

If you want to create a peaceful ambience in your home for your self love session, why not light some candles? Known for their soothing, healing properties, this simple act will make you feel like you’re back in your beauty therapist’s room.

Not only do candles have the loveliest glow that eases the mind, but they also tend to fill your home with gorgeous, long-lasting smells. Bliss.

I love The White Company Seychelles candle* range, which will luxe up your bathroom decor and serve as a treat for the eyes as well as the nose.

7. Give Yourself a Facial 

The best way to pretend you’re in your local spa (and not at home) is to give yourself a makeshift facial:

• Massage your face with a cleansing oil, such as Super Facialist Vitamin C Cleansing Oil*, and pat yourself dry
• Apply your favourite cleanser to the face, neck and underneath your chin and rinse with warm water
• Exfoliate all over with a small amount of product, such as Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant*
• Apply a replenishing mask for 10-15 minutes, such as Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque*, and remove it with a warm damp flannel
• Moisturise with Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream* to give yourself a dewy glow

If you follow these steps, you can kiss goodbye to any dryness and dullness, and instead say hello to brighter, smoother and more hydrated skin.

8. Give Yourself a Manicure 

Still wondering how to pamper yourself at home? Give yourself a manicure using the H&S Nail Kit*.

• Get rid of any existing polish with acetone or nail polish remover.
• Shape your nails with a nail file.
• Smooth the tops and sides with a buffer to create an even surface.
• Soak your nails in a bowl of warm water and a bit of your gentle face cleanser for 2-3 minutes.
• Use a cuticle pusher to remove excess cuticle and callouses around the nail.
• Paint nails in layers.
• Apply a quick-drying top coat* to lock colour in place.
• Moisturise your nails with any nourishing body or hand cream, such as The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector*.

Personally, I’m loving spring hues like lilac, baby pink and mint green for nails right now. WBU?

9. Give Yourself a Pedicure

In addition to a home manicure, you could also give yourself a home pedicure when you’re unable to make it to the salon or you simply don’t have the funds.

Use the same kit we mentioned previously and follow the below steps.

• Remove existing nail polish with a cotton pad, acetone and/or nail polish remover.
• Soak your feet in a tub with warm water and soap or body wash for 15 minutes.
• Get rid of dead skin from calloused, hard areas with a foot file*.
• File and shape your toenails using clippers and a nail file.
• Apply cuticle oil* at the base of every toenail to prevent your polish from chipping.
• Moisturise your feet with your usual body moisturiser. I’m a fan of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Body Lotion*.
• Use toe separators* to make the toe-painting process easier.
• Apply your chosen nail polish.
• Finish with a quick-drying top coat.

Oh, and if you’re worried about chipping your toes straight away (shoutout to fellow clumsy friends), you could keep your separators on for a while as you potter around the house.

10. Read a Good Book

Finally, self care doesn’t just involve your beauty routine. It’s about how you’re looking after yourself in all aspects of life. 

To look after your mind and give your brain some exercise, try reading a good book. 

I’m a sucker for curling up with some reading material at the end of our weekly self-care routines. In fact, whether you’re a regular reader or haven’t read a book for years, I’d recommend the following page-turners that are just as comforting as they are gripping:

• The Harry Potter Series* by J.K. Rowling
• The Hunger Games Series* by Suzanne Collins
• This is Going to Hurt* by Adam Kay
• Gone Girl* by Gillian Flynn
• It Ends With Us* by Colleen Hoover
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Check out more of my favourite books in this article about good summer reads. (Fleecy blanket optional.)

Remembering How to Pamper Yourself at Home

Oftentimes, life gets in the way and we can forget to take care of ourselves. That said, it’s important not to let that happen.

I totally get that it can be difficult to find the time or energy, but always remember that everybody deserves to be spoilt. And sometimes we have to be the ones who spoil ourselves.

What’s your favourite way to pamper yourself at home? Do you have any other self care tips?