Self-care on a shoestring budget
01 September 2025
As credit cards wince at checkouts, and self-care pampering dreams quickly evaporate into dust, we thought it would be great to serve up five deliciously cheap ways to care for yourself - using items that can be found in your home. Try them right here, right now and let the self-caring begin!
1. The "Cleopatra" turmeric honey face mask
Remember when you bought turmeric for that one curry recipe you saw on TikTok and then never made? Well, congratulations - you're now the proud owner of ancient Egyptian beauty secrets. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with enough honey to make a paste, slather it on your face and lie there for 15 minutes contemplating how you are both repurposing items and looking great.
2. Breaking up with late-night doom scrolling
Ah, the sacred ritual of lying in bed at 11 PM, telling yourself you'll "just check Instagram quickly" before somehow finding yourself watching a TikTok about why dolphins might be plotting world domination at 2:47 AM. We've all been there.
Here's the revolutionary solution: if you do still happen to have access to the ancient artifact known as the ‘alarm clock’ or your live in a smaller abode you can create a little "phone bedroom" in your kitchen or living room. Tuck it in with a tea towel if you're feeling fancy. The physical barrier between you and your device is surprisingly effective.
3. Take my breath away (and in again)
Have you heard of box breathing? You'll be relieved to know it isn't placing your head into the nearest online delivery packaging but simply breathing in through your nose for four counts, holding your breath for four counts, exhaling through your mouth for four counts, then holding empty for four counts before repeating the cycle. This technique is widely used to reduce stress, improve focus, and activate the body's relaxation response by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system.
4. Scrub a dub-dub it all away
You probably already own everything needed for the most satisfying exfoliating scrub but just don’t know it. Just take sugar and mix with olive oil to create a scrub that costs approximately $1 and works like anything with fancy packaging.
Mix it up in a bowl, hop in the shower, and scrub away any bad vibes. The sugar buffs away dead skin cells while the oil moisturizes, leaving you softer than a cashmere jumper.
5. Treating your eyes to some afternoon tea
Before you throw away those used tea bags (green or chamomile work best), stick them in the fridge for ten minutes. Then lie down like the sophisticated human you are and place these chilled little miracles over your eyes.
The caffeine in green tea reduces puffiness, while chamomile soothes irritation. Plus, you get to feel very European and wellness-y while essentially composting on your own face.
Been thinking about protecting your health recently?
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