In January, time is still somewhat new and exciting, but slowly, daily life sets in, and by February life is in a routine again. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing – we are creatures of habit, after all. It’s still cold outside and since the snow can’t decide whether to stay or go, you can get cozy at home.
How about a small spa evening at home? This month I’ve picked out the perfect products for such an occasion, and of course tested them myself.

So, I designed my personal “I’m-being-so-fancy-wellness-treatment” and even turned off my smartphone for the evening.

STEP 1: Set the mood

This was the most difficult step for me. My bathroom is anything but inviting, and, god forbid, photogenic. It looks like a cheap motel from the ‘90’s. Seriously, it’s not nice and it looks like it was constructed for a hobbit. The floor tiles vary between an ugly yellow and equally ugly mustard, and of course there is absolutely no sunlight; only a single depressing light bulb hanging, which was left by a previous tenant. Moreover, 30 seconds after turning the light on, an automatic air ventilation switches on. The sound is so loud, I feel like I am standing right next to a plane taking off. But hey – I have a bath tub and that’s all the really matters.

So, if you’re like me, and have only a nightmarish bathroom available, it’s still possible to create a relaxing ambiance. The magic word is: candles, candles, candles. It’s a simple trick, but in the dim warm light, even my bathroom seems cozy. If your apartment smells a little, you’re killing two birds with one stone. To set the perfect mood, turn on your favorite album or audiobook. I often opt for Harry Potter (and, yes, I am stuck in the past).

STEP 2: RELAX

I love hot baths. Not lukewarm – HOT. This is obviously not good for dry winter skin, but a simple fix is to add a bath oil, such as almond oil. Problem solved. If you want to create a wellness factor, add a few drops of an essential oil to the hot water. I prefer the classic lavender essential oil. You can read more about the benefits of lavender oil here.

STEP 3: It’s time for BEAUTY

And now the fun begins: time to open up the peeling mask. I chose the Peel Exfoliating Mask by M. Picaut. This is a Swedish brand that I have heard of before, but it never really caught my (or the blogs) attention. Huge mistake. This mask is not just pampering, but also works as a scrub. It’s done excellent work in relaxing my skin and making it look visibly renewed. What’s more, it smells good, which I find very important.

While the mask was taking effect, I tried the massage belt from Martini Spa on for size. I chose this product, which is made from only Sisal and organic cotton, because it struck me as charmingly dated. Where else today can you find something like this? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I haven’t seen anything like this in ages.

After the peel, your skin will feel incredibly soft and you will notice better circulation.

The final touch is Tata Harper’s Revitalizing Body Oil, which can be applied to wet skin. It smells super fresh and moisturizes the skin perfectly after a hot bath.

After a procedure such as this, the next step naturally should be to continue to relax. Don’t be ashamed: Put on your sweatpants and lounge on the couch.

You’ve deserved it.