Beauty: It's in your hands

Picture / Babiche Martens

It is possible to have a spa experience at home, although there are drawbacks doing it yourself. A good facial is as much about massage and technique as the products used, a back massage is out of the question, your average bathroom is not kitted out with the fancy equipment, and ultimate indulgence is when you're not the one having to do the hard graft. But with a handful of great products at the ready you can always get a booking in your own bathroom and it's still pampering, even if it is by your own hand.

1. Estee Lauder Perfectionist Peel
$165 for the kit

This is a watered-down version of a chemical peel done by professionals. Its 30 per cent concentration of glycolic acid works with salicylic acid and a sugar derivative, all helped along with thermal energy to get rid of dead cells and refresh the skin. After 15 minutes the neutraliser pads are used to stop the action and calm the skin with green tea. Next patient, please.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

2. Aesop A Rose By Any Other Name
$59 for 100ml

The name is a bit of a mouthful, but this fab rose oil, spiced-up with cardamom and black pepper, is a hydrating body treatment for all over, or anywhere that needs special attention. The Australian plant-based skincare range has that lovely apothecary look to it.

From World stores.

3. The Sanctuary Hot Sugar Body Polish
$34.95 for 400ml

If constant coverage by Vogue is anything to go by, Sanctuary Spa in London's Covent Garden is a famous place. And it does its own line in products. This kaolin and sugar-based polish warms and gets rid of dead skin cells to make everything soft and smooth.

From Boots pharmacies.

4. Lancome Resurface-C Microdermabrasion
$120 for the kit

On the same DIY-dermatology note, this two-part microdermabrasion kit uses aluminium micro-crystals to buff off those old skin cells. The second phase is the Radiance Renewing Vitamin C Serum, which helps prolong that lovely fresh-skin feeling. Full marks for instant gratification.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

5. Spa Sciences LipoPeptide Complex Eye Patch Therapy
$44.95 for eight patches

The thing about these is they force you to lie back and relax - and for 30 to 40 minutes, too. The complex helps restore elasticity and firmness and helps cope with dark circles and puffy eyes. At the very least you'll look like you've had enough shuteye.

From selected pharmacies.