I recently moved into a new apartment and more than ever, at 30, found myself wanting to bring less stuff into my new space. Because at the end of the day, I want to come home to a place that is a refreshing contrast to the busyness of everyday life. My bathroom, in particular, was a fun decluttering challenge considering my “less is more” skincare mentality in recent years. Getting back to the basics, adopting more natural ingredients, throwing out old products—I decided to apply my seasonal makeup bag detox ritual to my entire bathroom space.

Below I share what I did to bring a wind-down, spa-like feel into my new pad.

1. Get organized. 
There’s no better feeling than getting rid of old, outdated items—whether it’s in the fridge or bathroom cabinet. So once I do throw out old mascara and clean my makeup brushes, I keep my everyday items within an arm’s reach. Like stored behind the bathroom mirror or a small basket or box near the sink. Products like facial oils, coconut oil, Q-tips—those items I reach for every morning, and night. I like to combine them with other pretty little things—a bar of soup, a small plant or flower in a jar, hanging up a painting—to create a lovely space I enjoy looking at, especially when it’s tidy. As for the bigger stuff—blow dryer, towels, bath salts—I store those under/near the sink in baskets or a cabinet close by. This most-to-least frequently used products approach keeps clutter at bay so you can set the tone for your at-home sanctuary.

2. Bring the outdoors inside. 
I always have something living in my home. Especially in the bathroom, where most of the self-care goes down. A plant or flower can serve as a simple reminder of something to take care of, to inspire a daily wind-down practice. The bright hues of plants and flowers also have an uplifting vibe, and sometimes scent too. Which is especially nice during cooler months. Just because we live in the North doesn’t mean our home can’t feel a little bit like a vacation, right? Plants have a longer shelf-life over flowers so they are usually the option I opt for. Plus, there are so many options now! From a succulent to an orchid to an aloe vera plant, which can double as a natural skin remedy for rashes, burns and general soothing when applied to the skin after a day in the sun.

3. Set the mood.
Candles always create a relaxing vibe but you can take it up a notch by bringing essential oils into the mix. I’ve been a user for years, regularly carrying grapefruit essential oil in my purse for a quick mood boost during the day. I recently purchased an aromatherapy diffuser to bring calming and soothing scents into my home so all of my senses are engaged in a spa-like experience. Lavender, eucalyptus, sweet orange—there are so many options to experiment with until you find a combo or scent you fall in love with. I also like to assess my bathroom’s default lighting and often find myself investing in new bulbs or a lamp to create softer lighting that makes my daily skin routine a lot more enjoyable.

4. Upgrade your towels. 
A simple swap to more luxurious, softer towels is a quick fix for extending that spa-like feel well beyond the shower or bath. I also like to replace rugs and my shower curtain that may have a little too much wear and tear from over the years. Upgrading your towels also provides a chance to ensure you’re bringing neutral, calming colors into your space to create a relaxing setting.

5. Keep calm on hand. 
Lastly, whether you are a shower or bath person, be sure to keep all your spa-time goodies on hand so when you need that relaxing soak, you have everything you need to chill out. Some go-tos that come to mind—Epsom salts or bath bombs, a fully-charged speaker for playing relaxing tunes, your favorite face mask. Just be sure to create your spa list ahead of time and keep the supplies on hand so when you need a fix most, you’re ready to indulge! I also look forward to planning and hosting spa nights with my girlfriends to prep our skin for summer—from head to toe. Here are some of my favorite at-home spa items:

Trader Joe’s Lavender Body Scrub – For silky smooth skin all over—in under 5 minutes. When I have more time, I love making my own body scrub using coconut sugar, coconut oil, and cinnamon. Here’s my go-to recipe.

Aromatherapy diffuser + essential oils – To engage all of your senses! It can be transferred easily too, from bathroom to living/bedroom. You can find several affordable options online or at most local health foods stores.

Sea of Elements facial dust – Mixes well with water, raw honey or Greek yogurt for a rich face mask. This dust is detoxifying and so dreamy!

Bedtime teas – I always keep a variety of hot teas on hand to extend the spa-like experience after my shower or bath. It always makes for a better night’s sleep, too! Especially when you opt for sleepy time options like teas with relaxing Chamomile.

Stay comfy – I love slipping into some cozy PJs and socks to literally wear my spa experience to bed that night. Invest in a cozy blanket, robe or warm neck wrap for fun extra indulgences!

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Brooke Domaas

Brooke is a Marketing consultant by day and creative at heart—she’s probably whipping up a new recipe or DIY beauty remedy right now. She’s passionate about finding healthier alternatives to the makeup & products many women put on their skin every day and bringing a balanced approach to everyday living.