candles

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Set the Scene

There's nothing relaxing about a fluorescent glow, so if you don't have warm lights, turn them off and burn a candle scented with frankincense, orange, cedar, lavender, or vanilla, all of which can help reduce stress. Put on your favorite calming music: We suggest "Weightless" by the UK band Marconi Union, considered by the British Academy of Sound Therapy to be the world's most relaxing song because of its soothing 60-beats-per-minute tempo, random chimes, and low whooshing sounds.

multi-mask

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Multi-Mask

A spa day includes a mask, of course, but how about masking from head to toe? Try Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque , $65, which is formulated with shea butter and baobab oil for intense moisturization and conditioning. Apply to damp hair and use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly from roots to ends. Next, spread on a face mask, like the exfoliating Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque , $32, .Then slip on the PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask , $10. The plastic socks are lined with hydrating shea butter to smooth dry skin. Even your hands can get the full treatment: Try a Karuna Hydrating+ Hand Mask , $32 for two pairs of gloves, which contains a serum loaded with glycerin, shea butter, jojoba oil and aloe.

reading

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Treat Your Mind

Most masks need about 20 minutes to be effective. While you're waiting, immerse yourself in Ayelet Tsabari's absorbing debut short-story collection, The Best Place on Earth. (Bookworms: Set a timer.)

washing up

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Wash Up

Remove the gloves and socks. After rinsing off the face and hair mask in the shower, shampoo and condition to prevent leftover product buildup. Finish with a body scrub, like Caudalie Divine Scrub , $38.

massage oil

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Rub Down

Massage a luxurious body oil, like Aveda Love Composition Oil , $30, into damp skin right after you shower. For extra softening, layer a lotion or a cream on top of that. We like Lafco Present Perfect Peach & Marigold Body Lotion , $28.