After a hectic week running to meetings or chasing after the kids, there’s no better cure than a little self-care. But when your wallet or calendar doesn’t allow for a trip to the spa, it can feel like your options are few and far between. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune or clear your schedule to make it happen. To prove it, we reached out to the Dia Community, beauty experts, and the Dia&Co team for self-care ideas using items you likely already have in your cupboard. So let’s get pampering! *Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Coffee Body Scrub
“I like doing a DIY scrub because I can control exactly what goes in. Nobody knows your skin better than you do, so having that full control over the ingredients is fantastic. I also can make it the right consistency, scent, and abrasiveness.
I like to make a coffee body scrub and eyeball all the measurements. I use ground coffee, raw coconut sugar (because it’s more abrasive), grapeseed oil, and some essential oils (usually orange).”
Victoria D.
Beauty Expert
Eye Cucumbers & Greek Yogurt Face Mask
“There’s always the classic ‘put a cucumber slice over each eye,’ but there’s a reason it’s so cliche—it actually does add moisture around the delicate eye area. For a deeper explanation, cucumbers contain ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, which help reduce puffiness by reducing water retention.
I personally love using Greek yogurt as a mask because it’s so simple and quick. We know probiotics are good for our insides, but they’re great for our outsides, too. It’s easy to amp up your glow with Greek yogurt by applying a thin layer to freshly washed skin, leaving it on for 10 minutes, rinsing it off, and then following up with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration.”
Angela C.
Beauty Vlogger
Coconut Almond Foot Scrub
“I love this recipe because I can whip it up with items that I already have in my kitchen. It’s a nice way to show myself a little self-care while keeping it on a budget. Plus, it’s super exfoliating and nourishing—perfect for those dry winter months.”
Sahily P.
Fashion Blogger
Tennis Ball Massage
“Massages may feel like a luxury, but that doesn’t mean they’re not an important part of self-care. When I was in acting school, I learned a great, cheap tip from my movement teacher. If I ever have a bad knot in one of my shoulder blades or tightness in my lower back, I take a pair of tennis balls, place them under the affected area, and roll back and forth—either on the floor or against the wall. If my budget or my schedule doesn’t allow for a trip to a professional, this is a great DIY way to relieve tension. All it takes is a trip to the nearest Walgreens and a few bucks!”
Sarah d.
Dia&Co Copywriter
Easy Body Scrub
“A quick, low-cost DIY body scrub is Vaseline and sea salt. You can also use olive oil and sea salt. For dry to normal skin, use once or twice a week. For sensitive skin, use once a month. These scrubs can keep up to a week if made ahead of time. It’s both natural and fun to make!”
Eileen S.
Dia Domino
Lavender & Eucalyptus Bath
“I love throwing together this DIY bath soak because not only is it simple to make, it also saves money! I no longer purchase fancy soaks or bath bombs because I can make my own from home with ease. This soak works great for my bad pain days when I just want to relax in the tub, and the addition of the essential oils just sets the tone for relaxation. I also love to gift this in a small jar for holidays and birthdays—it’s just so versatile!”
Kendall R.
Lifestyle Blogger
Simple Foot Soak
“You don’t have to spend a ton of money on self-care if your budget doesn’t allow for it! I picked up a bag of Epsom salt and essential oils at CVS. Total cost: $12! I like to sit on my balcony and enjoy a foot soak.”
Danielle F.
Dia Domino
Hot Oil Hair Treatment
“One of my favorites is an at-home alternative hot oil treatment. Just take virgin coconut oil and heat it up in the microwave or on the stove for 30 seconds, then saturate your entire head and cover it with a shower cap. It’s best to sleep on it overnight, but at least an hour is good. This treatment will help nourish your scalp, promote hair growth, and help with split ends or heat damage. The coconut oil also has antibacterial properties that will help break down build-up from products in your hair. My one pint of virgin coconut oil from the grocery store costs about $5.00-$6.00 and lasts me several months. After doing this treatment, my hair will be so much more plump and soft and shiny for the next couple of weeks following the treatment. It’s cost-friendly and completely natural and safe for any kind of treated hair!”
Hillary H.
Dia Stylist
We’ll be sharing self-care tips all month long, so keep an eye on the “Live” category for the latest! Looking to treat yourself even more? Order a Dia Box this month and you’ll be entered to win a prize from our self-care suite!
Photo by Jen Davis
Prop styling by Genevieve Yraola
