A Spa Moment

New Orleans Bride Magazine travel editor Becca Hensley continuously transports us to luxe honeymoon and travel destinations through the pages and webpages of the magazine and “Let Them Eat Cake.” Through her travels, Hensley has experienced countless spas all over the globe. Today, Hensley shared DIY body scrub recipes she picked up from the CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona.

Because Louisiana, and many parts of the country, are still in Phase 1 of the coronavirus reopening plan, booking a spa appointment is not an option for anyone looking for a moment or two of Zen. With these body scrubs, a bride or groom can begin thinking about their skincare routines ahead of their wedding, or a couple can use the DIY project as a luxurious date night activity that also benefits your skin. You can make the scrubs together and enjoy the benefits will never having to leave your house.

Nothing beats a pampering spa day, but until appointments can be booked again, everyone can benefit from a date night and self-care moment.

-KM

Directions for All:

1. Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. 
2. Mix thoroughly, adding more oil if too dry and more salt/sugar if too wet. 
3. Store in an air-tight, glass container like a mason jar.
4. Use in the bath or shower and massage into the skin. 
5. Rinse and apply with your favorite lotion. 
6. To make your salt and sugar a smooth texture, use a coffee grinder. 

Lavender Vanilla Body Sugar Scrub

Lavender is commonly used for its calming effect, helps to reduce redness and heal blotchy skin.

• 2 cups Epsom salt
  
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 cup coconut oil or olive oil
  
• 15 drops of lavender oil

Aloe Vera Salt Foot Mask

Aloe Vera, a succulent commonly found in the Sonoran Desert, is a medicinal plant that has many antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The gel inside the leaves is a natural sunburn soother and helps relieve skin irritation.

• 1 cup oatmeal
  
• 1 cup cornmeal
  
• 1 cup sea salt, smooth ground
  
• 1 cup olive oil
  
• 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel (fresh if available)
  
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil (topical)
  

Mint & Lemon Mint Sugar Scrub

Mint helps to brighten complexion and soothes irritations and has a natural cooling effect on the skin.

• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  
• 5 fresh mint leaves, chopped finely
  
• 1/2 cup coconut oil or olive oil

Pink Himalayan Salt & Rosemary Scrub

Rosemary and pink Himalayan Sea salt have natural antiseptic properties and helps to disinfect the skin. The salt also helps to soothe cramped muscles and relieve joint pain.

• 3/4 cup coconut oil
  
• 1 tablespoon Vitamin E oil
  
• 3 rosemary sprigs (leaves pull off & chopped finely)
  
• 2 cups pink Himalayan salt, smooth ground or purchase as Epsom salt
  

Basil & Lime Sugar Scrub

Basil has antioxidant and soothing properties that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  
• 6 basil leaves, chopped finely
  
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon lime zest

Thyme & Olive Oil Scrub

Thyme has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties making a great cleanser for the skin.

• 1 fresh lemon juice
  
• 2 sprigs of thyme leaves, leaves removed & chopped finely
  
• 6 tablespoons sea salt, smooth ground
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil