One of my favorite things to do when I’m stressed is to get a spa service.  My favorite destination: Burke Williams.  Unfortunately, spa services don’t come cheap, making it difficult to treat yourself on a regular basis.

Tip: If you sign up to receive emails from Burke Williams you will receive specials like a 50 minute facial or massage with spa facility use for $89.

When you’re feeling stressed, and can’t splurge on a professional service, treat yourself to a treatment at home.  Spending time with your girl friends can be just what you need to relieve some stress and forget about the pressure you’re under.  Over the months I’ve picked up spa products from various locations.  Every time I get a treatment done, I picked up a product I enjoyed.  The products may be slightly pricier than your CVS brand, but they are an affordable alternative to getting the treatment done every week at the spa.

With my products stocked, I invited my girls over for a spa day.  Don’t forget atmosphere is important.  I downloaded some relaxing music off of itunes, picked up some flowers at the local market for under $15, and set up some scented candles.  I organized the products, prepared the towels, and prepared some easy to make appetizers.

When my girls arrived we sat down to our facials, did each other’s nails, enjoyed the food, and girl talk.  After an evening like that, I was ready to face my obligations again.

When you purchase the right products you can perform your own spa services any day of the week at a fraction of the cost.  Sure it’s relaxing to have someone else perform the service, but the scents from the products, the way they make your skin feel, the soothing music are all just as enjoyable from home.

Here is a list of my favorite spa products:

H2V Hydrate Cleanser

My skin gets dry, especially during the winter months.  H2V is a line of skin care by Burke Williams.  This hydrating cleanser brings moisture back to your skin.  Hydration hides the signs of aging, making wrinkles appear less visible.  Use this cleanser every day, or mix it up depending on your skin needs.  Unfortunately, H2V products aren’t available online yet, but you can purchase them from a Burke Williams near you.  The H2V hydrating cleanser costs $38.

H2V Buff

I never feel like my skin is really clean unless I use a buff.  Micro-dermabrasion facials are all the rage right now.  The H2V buff is a scrub that invigorates and polishes your skin using, “refined micro-dermabrasion crystals combined with cornmeal to achieve a new level of exfoliation for the face and body.”  I mix the buff with a little bit of the H2V hydrating cleanser then apply to wet skin.  Steam helps open your pores, allowing the deepest clean.  To achieve best results use the buff in the shower, or let the hot water run in your sink while you stand/sit nearby.  The H2V buff costs $45, but should last you a few months.  I purchased mine a few months ago, and still have enough to last me for a couple more months.

Pumpkin Facial

H2v Pumpkin Puree Mask

The pumpkin puree mask was the first H2V product I ever purchased.  I purchased a facial from Burke Williams, and was pleasantly surprised by this product.  As my esthetician rubbed the mask on my face I smelled pumpkin pie.  It was so pleasant, I knew I had to purchase the product.  By far it’s my favorite mask.  It hydrates skin, and the pleasant scent truly helps you relax.  The “beyond” mask doesn’t come cheap at $40 for a small bottle.  I only use this mask once a month for a special treat.  Apply the mask to slightly damp skin, and leave for 10 minutes.  Always use a warm damp cloth to remove masks.

Tee Tree Face Mask

If you are dealing with pesky black heads or growing pores, the Body Shop tea tree face mask is the product for you.  This affordable face mask is great at removing impurities, absorbing excess oil, and soothing skin.  The best thing about this product is that it reduces oil without drying out your skin. The tee tree face mask was just listed by Yahoo as one of the best skin treatments for a deep clean.  Read the article here.  At just $15.50 this face mask is affordable, and worth the results.  Buy it online here.

Remember to take a little time to relax this month.  Stress is a major factor in heart disease, migraines, obesity, diabetes and more.  In order to be your best self for others you have to treat yourself best.