Anyone who has recently been to a salon or spa knows it’s a high-ticket indulgence. A manicure, hairstyle, foot massage, and facial mask can cost hundreds of dollars. So why not do it at home? And why not make it fun with a group of friends? When done right, a DIY spa day can be just as luxurious (and way more entertaining).
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Best of all – you get to get pampered from home without busting your budget! This means that you can sit around the house, snack the day away, and not feel rushed at all to get out the door. Talk about a spa dream come true!
How to throw a budget-friendly spa party
Give yourself a day of pampering! You (and your friends) deserve it! Here’s how to pamper yourself without breaking the bank:
Gather Your Spa Squad
Get three good friends (a total of four is a magic number, in my opinion) to meet at your home. Serve a light lunch (a charcuterie board or finger food) and some wine (essential for relaxation). Everyone should bring some old towels, their robe and slippers, and any fun spa goodies they already have—mud masks, nail polish, curling irons, or essential oils. The more variety, the better!
Think of it as a potluck, but with attendees bringing their own beauty supplies instead of food!
DIY Facials and Laughter Therapy
Slather on facials and laugh until your mud masks dry, then rinse them off. (Old towels = lifesavers here.) Place cucumber slices on your eyes—not just for puffiness, but for the giggles.
Bonus Tip: Mix honey, oatmeal, and yogurt for a homemade face mask that hydrates on a dime.
Hands & Feet Glow-Up
Melt some paraffin (found in the supermarket with canning supplies) and treat your hands—just be sure the wax isn’t too hot! Peel it off for baby-soft hands, and if you’re a “picker,” this is also super soothing and quite therapeutic.
Then, take turns giving each other manicures and pedicures. Play with fun nail colors, add nail art, and soak your feet in a warm tub with Epsom salts (great for relaxation and cheap). If someone has a foot massager, even better!
And even if you’re a fan of feet, just do what you want. You can pick and choose to participate in whatever you want to do – or not.
Hair Styling Fun
No haircuts or dyes—let’s leave that to the pros. But curling, straightening, braiding, or playing with hair accessories? Absolutely! Watch a few YouTube videos on braiding, and have fun!
Raid your stash of styling products or grab some trial-size ones for cheap. Try out fun hairstyles you wouldn’t normally do. Who knows? You might find your new signature look!
Massage Magic on a Dime
Give each other shoulder and foot massages. No fancy products are required—just use olive or coconut oil with a drop of essential oil (or a splash of perfume if you’re improvising).
Got a tennis ball? Roll it under your feet or against your back for an instant tension-relief hack.
And for those who don’t like massages (yes, they’re out there!), you can have a back scratcher on hand!
Chill Time & Final Touches
Know a few relaxing yoga moves? Do a mini-session. Then, everyone lies down—on the floor, couch, wherever—and plays meditation music for 15 minutes. No talking. No scrolling. Just zen.
This is an amazing way to end the day with your friends, and to think about all the relaxing, and almost free fun that you’ve had!
The Ultimate Budget Bath
For a real moment of luxury, set up a “dark bath.” Run warm water, add bubbles (even a squirt of cheap shampoo works in a pinch), light a candle, and turn off the lights. No interruptions, no talking—just 15 minutes of bliss.
Of course, you must keep this to just one person doing it for sanitary purposes, but it’s still a great way to end the day after everyone has gone home!
Bonus Money-Saving Tips:
- Repurpose kitchen staples: Sugar + olive oil = DIY body scrub. Avocado + honey = super hydrating face mask. Used coffee grounds? Great exfoliator. Check out pantry to see what you can find and use safely.
- DIY aromatherapy: Simmer a pot of water with orange peels, cinnamon sticks, or rosemary for a spa-like scent without the expensive candles. It will literally have your house smelling amazing all day!
- Use a pillowcase as a head wrap: Skip pricey turban towels and just wrap your hair in a soft pillowcase to dry without frizz. I love using a satin pillowcase for this!
- Make spa water: Infuse water with lemon, mint, or berries—feels fancy, costs pennies. Make sure to have pinkies up when drinking!
Talk, laugh, sip wine (or tea, or fruit spritzers if you prefer). Most importantly, enjoy. Relaxation doesn’t have to cost a fortune—it just takes creativity, good company, and a little DIY magic!
For more Living on the Cheap articles you might like:
- Great gifts for a first Mother’s Day
- Ways to get a cheap gym membership
- How to make a DIY spa day gift basket
