Your Pampering Pantry

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour or so dedicated to pampering rituals.

Women often have what they refer to as their pampering pantry, or goodie drawer. This is the place a woman can safely store and preserve her pampering supplies.

Your pampering pantry doesn’t have to take up a whole cabinet, simply clear a shelf or two in your closet or cabinet and stock it with essentials. You can even store your supplies in a pretty basket under the counter or sink. As with any pampering pantry you will need a few basics, plus some of your favorite ingredients to spice things up. With the right products and tools on hand, your pampering experience becomes a pleasure.

Pampering Products and Tools
Many pampering treatments include cleansing and moisturizing your skin, so keep on hand a few shower gels and body lotions you enjoy, scented with both invigorating and relaxing aromas. Another must have is a good neutral base oil such as jojoba or almond, which you can blend with essential oils for aromatherapy treatments and massages. (There are also many preblended oils you might like, which take away the guesswork of mixing your own.) To stock your essential oils collection, begin with a few whose scent and effects appeal to you, and build from there. Pampering Pleasures suggests many specific oils and describes their benefits in later sections.

Scrubs, Polishes and Glows
You’ll want to have a salt and a sugar scrub as basic staples. Each of these products exfoliates the skin. Bath salts, a good body mud, and facemasks are other basics that are considered beneficial treats.

High quality face, body and hair care products such as antioxidants, moisturizers, body buffers, replenishing shampoos and conditioners are also great to include in your pampering props and supplies inventory.

The best pampering tools are plain and simple. One of the most essential is the humble loofah. The great natural sponge is available whole (it looks like a cylinder) or made into mitts. Either way, it works wonders for helping improve circulation and exfoliating skin. Brushes come in all shapes and sizes; you’ll need a large one for your body and a small complexion brush for your face, plus a good quality hairbrush.

Other basic tools include emery boards, orange sticks, cotton balls, a nail buffer, a pumice stone, and a foot file. For extra pampering, include hand mitts and foot booties for deep overnight skin hydration. Use neck pillows, eye pillows and massage tools for soothing and relaxing your muscles.

Comforting Touches
A pampering experience wouldn’t be complete without some special touches that add more comfort. First make sure the space you’re using is tidy – rumpled laundry and linens and leftover bath toys can spoil the mood. Put them away and in their proper places.

Have clean fluffy towels and a thick robe available. Try indulging yourself with chenille blankets and soft flannel sheets washed in lavender to bring home the feelings of a luxurious pampering experience.

Aromatherapy diffusers and candles add both the beauty of low light and the benefits of scent to your spa experience.

Every woman should have at least one place of enchantment to turn to.