There’s nothing like setting aside some “me” time for a pampering facial. But with so many spas and salons temporarily shut down or limited, now is the perfect time to start giving your complexion some extra TLC at home. Sure, you might not be able to replicate the spa experience perfectly in your bathroom, but you can still enjoy the benefits of a spa day at home. In fact, according to Hollywood’s leading skincare expert Sonya Dakar, tackling a DIY facial isn’t nearly as daunting as it seems.
“As a skincare professional, I invest a lot in professional equipment to help me transform my clients’ skin,” says Dakar, whose famous fanbase includes everyone from Sophia Bush to Gwyneth Paltrow. “But, with the right setting, products, and little extras, you can still recreate an experience that would be worthwhile at home.” Here, the sought-after Hollywood skincare guru shares her tips for giving yourself a luxurious DYI facial at home. No appointment necessary!
Step 1: Prep Your Space
“Make sure you have great lighting,” says Dakar. “This is whatever makes you feel good! For some, it’s bright sunlight. For others, it’s candles. I like natural light so you can really see the skin. Put on some great music. Grab a lovely beverage like a smoothie, a juice, or a cup of tea. Find somewhere cozy to sit and try to disconnect from your devices to really connect with yourself.”
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
“Make sure you have a headband to pull your hair away from your face,” she says. “I love a light, comfortable robe. It really makes the experience feel more like a spa. Get Q-tips and cotton pads for your makeup removal. Make sure you have warm water nearby to cleanse skin and remove your face masks. Gather some great skincare products, and set up tools like gua sha or face rollers ahead of time.”
Step 3: Cleanse
“I love an oil-based cleanser to help soothe skin or break down any makeup,” says Dakar. “If your skin is oily and acne-prone, use a gel-based cleanser with salicylic acid.”
Shop It: Sonya’s Pick: Sonya Dakar Silver Clarifying Face Wash, Budget Buy: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Face Wash
Step 4: Remove Makeup
“I love to use an oil-based eye makeup remover after cleansing to remove any eye makeup that the cleanser may have left behind,” she says. “I massage a few drops of the oil-based eye makeup remover to the eye area. Then I take cotton pads that are damp and press them on the eye area for 30 seconds and gently wipe away the makeup. It does not tug the delicate skin around the eyes and works like a charm every time. I may go in for a more detailed clean-up after with a Q-tip to get to the little corners.”
Shop It: Sonya’s Pick: Sonya Dakar Clean Canvas, Budget Buy: Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
Step 5: Exfoliate
“I love to remove surface dead skin that acts as a barrier for products, serums, and other skincare products,” she says. “A quick, particle-free exfoliator will do the trick to dissolve and slough away any dead, drab, dull skin.”
Shop It: Sonya’s Pick: Sonya Dakar Flash Facial, Budget Buy: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
Step 6: Face Peel
“Now the skin is prepped and ready for a quick, safe, at-home peel,” says Dakar. “This is a great way to help clear skin, brighten it and really take your results to the next level! A good home peel separates the nice home facials from the amazing ones. Choose one with lactic and phytic acid, as they’re more gentle on the skin. We want products to work smart, not hard on your skin.”
Shop It: Sonya’s Pick: Sonya Dakar Nano Peel, Budget Buy: Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel
Step 7: Face Mask
“This is where it can get fun,” she says. “The basic rules about clay-based masks are clarifying, pore-refining and they work on texture. Hydrating skin masks are anti-aging, hydrating and softening. Depending on what your skin needs, you can use one or the other. Or, better yet, you can patch treat your skin using a clay-based mask on your t-zone and a soft, hydrating mask around your eyes, cheeks, and neck. The sky is the limit here!”
Step 8: Facial Massage
“You can apply a nice face oil and give yourself a facial massage,” says Dakar. “Use your fingertips or a gua sha tool or a facial roller for extra de-puffing. (We have a great tutorial on our Instagram TV or you can check out YouTube for many others.) Do not wash the oil off after application. Leave it on and continue with the rest of your products.”
Shop It: Sonya’s Pick: Sonya Dakar Organic Omega Oil, Budget Buy: SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Overnight Hydrating Face Oil
Step 9: Finishing Touches
“Finish your facial by using a good eye cream,” she says. “Apply it in the same direction your hairline grows so you see your facial expressions and fine lines first. Also, make sure to apply eye cream to your eyelids too to help fight drooping and crepey skin. Finally, apply serum, face moisturizer, face balm, and sunscreen.”
Did you try this DIY facial at home? Tell us your thoughts in the comments and shop more beauty essentials to keep that gorgeous glow going!
(Images via Sonya Dakar)
Join The Conversation (0)
Thank you for sharing this! I am excited to try that home facial this weekend. I really love pampering at home most of the time.