Want to look your best on your wedding day (and every day)? Of course you do – everyone does! The first step to looking your best is proper skin preparation. Before the makeup is applied, you need to set the foundation for fresh, healthy skin with a DIY spa facial at home. While planning your wedding, spa visits might not be in the budget, which means you have to get creative with at-home products. Actually, I prefer doing spa facials at home because I love the products I use already (and it’s cost-efficient). Today we’re showing you a step-by-step guide to doing your own DIY at-home spa facial with tips and favorite (totally inexpensive!) products. Read on to find out more + check out an item up for grabs to one lucky reader by Sandra Smith Handmade. Enjoy!

DIY Spa Facial

To start, you’ll need a few easy-to-find (and affordable) products, comfy clothes, a sink, mirror, and towels.

1. DIY At-Home Spa Experience

Everyone can have a spa-like experience at home with the proper ingredients. The five ingredients for a DIY spa facial include cleansing, exfoliating, steaming, using a facial mask, and moisturizing (in that order).

Cleanse

First, wash your face with a cleanser. My favorite? I adore Up & Up Facial Cream Cleanser (by Target). I previously used Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Cream Cleanser, but I tried the knockoff from Target and I love it just the same. Plus it’s under $3 at my local store (can’t beat that!) It doesn’t make me break out and I love the instant fresh-clean feeling.

Exfoliate

Gently exfoliate. I love St. Ives Apricot Scrub and have loved it ever since my sister introduced me to it in seventh grade.

You can also try a microdermabrasion tool, like this one (under $13!).

Steam

Next, you’ll want to open up those pores. You can use one of these, but it’s not really a requirement. Make your own by filling a bowl with hot water. Stand over it with a towel over your head; lean in to absorb the steam for a few minutes.

Mask

Now it’s time for my favorite part: the mask. Pat dry your face and apply a favorite mask. My favorite? Mint Julep. Queen Helene is amazing. (Yet another great find from my sister.)

Moisturize

After cleaning off the mask, pat dry your face. Apply moisturizer. My pick: Oil of Olay Original. (Thanks Mom!) My mother has used this product for years and her skin is positively glowing.

And… that’s it! One DIY spa facial is complete. Repeat the steps above whenever you need to revitalize your skin. And, don’t forget to drink plenty of water (every day), always get plenty of sleep, and remove makeup before bed. That’s a must.

Giveaway

Need a chic place to stow your favorite cosmetics or beauty products? We’ve teamed up with Sandra Smith Handmade to offer one lucky winner a free monogrammed cosmetic bag!

Enter for a chance to win a monogrammed cosmetic bag by Sandra Smith Handmade! Between 10/21-10/27/13 (11:59pm EST), enter for a chance to win a beautiful chevron cosmetic bag with your initial. Use the entry form below to enter. Prize value: $32. No cash value. Free shipping to the United States only. This monogrammed bridal cosmetic bag is personalized with a hand cut and sewn wool felt detail. Lightly padded designer cotton canvas exterior with an 100% luxurious cotton interior. Winner will be randomly selected and announced on 10/28 on this blog post. Winner will be contacted via email; winner must respond to email within 72 (business) hours. Must claim prize within 6 months. Past giveaway winners within 30 days not eligible to win. Use entry form below to enter. Good luck!

Prize

Pick your favorite colors!

Entry Form

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xo

♥
-E.