School, work and other stressful, time-consuming activities can make it difficult to find time for yourself. However, these DIY self-care products make it easy and affordable to give your mind and body a well-deserved break.

If you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, make yourself feel and look healthier or just have a good time, then a spa day might be just what you need!

Everyone loves a spa day, but on a student budget it’s nearly impossible to spend hundreds of dollars just to pamper yourself at a professional spa — even an at-home spa day can be expensive. Stores like Lush and Bath & Body Works sell simple products like face masks and body scrubs for upwards of $25.

Instead, these three budget-conscious DIY products provide a safe and inexpensive alternative to in-store products.

1. If you’re looking to give your face a little extra glow try this exfoliating aloe and green tea face scrub.

To make it, all you need is one third of a cup of coconut oil, one quarter of a cup sugar, one tablespoon aloe vera gel and two green tea bags — with an optional three to four drops of vitamin E oil or five to six drops of tea tree essential oil.

Mix the coconut oil, sugar and aloe vera in a small bowl and then add the green tea. Cut open the tea bags and add the crushed tea leaves to the bowl and mix until everything is smooth and evenly combined. For more scrubbing power, add more sugar or less coconut oil. To use the scrub, scoop some onto your fingers and massage gently all over your face — be careful and avoid your eyes!

In comparison to Lush’s Ocean Salt and Face Body Scrub, which costs $22, the cost to make this at home ranges from $0 to $10.

2. If you want to make your hair shiny, supple and smooth, try this moisturizing hair mask!

This recipe is extremely simple to make and all you need are four basic ingredients: two tablespoons coconut oil, one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon cornstarch and one tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix these ingredients in a bowl until combined and work into your hair and scalp, then rinse your hair with cool water. Still continue to shampoo and condition your hair as usual. For longer or thicker hair you can double the recipe — either way, this will give your hair some extra shine and moisture!

At home, this recipe can cost anywhere from $0 to $15 in comparison to Lush’s H’suan Wen Hua Hair Treatment product, which costs $22.

3. To help ease the stress of exams and bring a little relaxation into your day, try these scented bath salts.

Start with two parts Epsom salt and one part baking soda to make the base. Mix the bath salt base in a bowl, and then add an essential oil of your choice, such as peppermint or lavender — add about five to six drops for every cup of your base mixture. If you want to make it look a little fancier you can add some food colouring, as this recipe is easily adaptable.

To make these scented bath salts at home, costs range from $0 to $10 in comparison to purchasing Bath & Body Works Lavender Vanilla Bath Soak, which costs $16.

The costs listed at the end of each recipe are based on purchasing the ingredients in bulk — which means you would have enough ingredients to make the product many times! The prices were based on products purchased from Walmart or Amazon.

In addition to these products being easy and fun to make, they are a great way to practice self-care in your busy life as a student!

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Sydney Boulton

Graphic: Shamille Sarcauga