Treat yourself: A self-care evening on a budget

If you’re looking to make rest and relaxation a part of your evening routine, here’s how to do it while being kind to your wallet

When you’re busy it’s often the last thing on your mind, but carving out some time in your day or week for a little self-care can do wonders for your mental wellbeing.

And let’s be honest, we’re not all like those people who can rise at 5 a.m., do a workout and do a light meditation before they start their day. The good news is, you don’t have to be.

Self-care on a budget is possible. It can be as simple as taking the evening for yourself, enjoying a little pampering session and giving yourself a chance to really relax. The benefits are many, from lowering the production of stress hormone cortisol to helping you get a better night’s sleep.

There are plenty of simple ways to make sure you enjoy the self-care evening you deserve. Remember to set the scene, creating a relaxing environment makes it much more likely that you won’t get distracted and will truly take the time for yourself. 

And then, decide how you want to pamper yourself. Will it be a luxuriant face mask or a soothing bath? Perhaps both? With the right products, you can create a spa effect, without needing a spa budget. Read on to find out more.

The best affordable candles 

Nothing beats the soft lighting of flickering candles to immediately relax you. It’s as if you can feel your shoulders loosening and your breathing slowing down.

And there are few moments of relaxation that aren’t enhanced by candlelight, from yoga and meditation to a bubble batch. As well as setting a pleasant scene, candles are a proven part of aromatherapy. 

In fact, research has found that we can improve our mood up to 40 per cent by exposing ourselves to pleasant scents. They can uplift us with positive thoughts and memories, give us energy, slow our pace, and reduce anxiety and stress. 

Looking for great candle options at a great price? Yankee Candle produces an amazing variety of long-lasting candles with almost every scent you could imagine. One of our current favourites is Iced Berry Lemonade, a refreshing blend of strawberry and zesty lemon underlined by creamy vanilla notes, a light, and airy summertime scent.

You can also explore the candle collection at TK MAXX. The Eucalyptus scented candle brings you all the reinvigorating benefits of eucalyptus, including mental sharpness and focus. 

The richness of eucalyptus’ antioxidants and antimicrobial properties can also aid your breathing. The aroma is also a natural insect repellant and deodoriser, meaning it will neutralise less pleasant smells. Try it next time you unwind in a bath or enjoy a yoga session.

Cheap body lotion 

Using a top-quality body lotion is a must after an evening shower to go to bed relaxed and make sure your skin is moisturised and healthy after a long day. 

Our bodies are more prone to dry skin than our faces, which is why an effective moisturising cream is so important - and slathering on a sweet-smelling lotion soothes the mind as much as moisturises the body. 

Our skin repairs and grows as we sleep, so applying a body cream as part of your evening self-care routine helps provide nourishment and ensure it remains hydrated. Doing this after a shower helps to keep the moisture locked in, so your skin looks even more energised.

You can find effective and affordable body lotions that help maintain healthy skin.  For example, Savers has an excellent selection of body creams and lotions that fit every budget. From Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter Cream for just £1 to products from top cosmetics brands such as Garnier for as little as £2.99, you’re sure to find the perfect product for your self-care routine. Affordable skincare never felt so good.

Cheap face masks 

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a face mask that hydrates and plumps the skin. Budget face masks can still be packed with plenty of lovely active ingredients that really make a visible difference.

At LOOKFANTASTIC, you can find a variety of face masks for all budgets. One of our top picks is the Garnier SkinActive Firming Ampoule Sheet Mask - Watermelon and 1% Hyaluronic Acid. 

This is a vegan product, so purchasing it is a win for sustainability. This fast-acting face mask will brighten and re-energise your complexion for smoother, plumper-looking skin and it will de-puff the eyes. 

The addition of 1 per cent hyaluronic acid helps to effectively moisturise, while the inclusion of watermelon extract acts as an antioxidant defence.

Sheet face masks have made their way over from South Korea and are now hitting the mainstream. The Garnier SkinActive Firming Ampoule Sheet Mask only needs to be used for five minutes for skin that feels soft, soothed, and glowing.

Cheap bubble bath

For those intense and stressful days when you just want to disconnect from everything, a bubble bath is the ideal way to create a soothing retreat from the world. 

There are other proven health benefits too. Bubble baths can relieve skin irritation, muscle aches, and pains, and warm baths induce the production of melatonin, which can help you get a better night’s sleep. Best of all, you can get creative when drawing a bath with an array of oils, salts, and soaps to choose from that improve your skin and immune system.

Take the Weleda Citrus Refreshing Bath Milk, available from LOOKFANTASTIC. This citrus blend of essential oils and fruits is a wonderful and revitalising pick-me-up after a long day. It’s suitable for vegans and great for sensitive skin. You just need to add two or three capfuls to your running bath, and you’re all set for a luxurious bubble bath at home. 

Why stop at bubble bath? Give your hair the TLC it needs to feel smooth and look shiny. Check out our affordable haircare article to add to your self-care bath routine!

A moment of self-care

An established evening self-care routine will help you go to bed relaxed and refreshed. It’s not just important for the body, but also for inner peace, helping you face the next day with confidence. 

So go ahead and take an evening for yourself, stock up on a few budget self-care products and create your own spa experience at home.