What’s In My Spa Bag?

I had never been on a spa day until last year, I know bring out the violins. So when it came to packing everything up for my first spa day, I was sort of left thinking, what do I need to take? There was the obvious things like swimwear but of course you do forget a little beauty thing here or there. It was only from actually going and experiencing a spa myself that I then worked out what I would need to take. Plus each spa varies, you never know quite what you will find in your locker when you get there. Some spas are complete luxury, take ESPA Life at Corinthia for example, where you will find pretty much everything you need in the toiletries department, or at Chuan Spa where they even have ghd straighteners.

So whether you are a first time spa goer and puzzled what to take or an experienced goer who fancies a nosy, here is what I pack in my spa bag.

Bag – The bag itself is an all important factor. My first trip I just took my usual handbag but now I pack everything in my Longchamp Le Pliage nylon bag, it’s the perfect size i.e HUGE and just packs everything in so well. I always use this bag when travelling so I’m now counting spas as a mini break too.

Swimwear – I chop and change my swimwear, sometimes I feel more comfortable in a swimsuit but on my last trip I took this brand new bikini from Gossard. The Hot Tropic set has such beautiful colours and is a fantastic fit. Just everywhere you want it to fit it does, the bottoms come in a tie brief or high-waisted, I opted for the high-waisted which really pulls you in at the middle and gives you a great shape. It was perfect when dipping in the pool and jacuzzi and easy enough to untie when getting a massage or facial. I will definitely be packing this for my summer holiday, which we are yet to book, any recommendations welcome!

Brush – Definitely pack a good brush with you. I’d take a ‘Wet Brush’ which is perfect for brushing hair when wet funnily enough and gets all the tangles out, plus it’s really great for drying it too. I was slightly scared of getting my hair wet as the fear of drying it without all my usual products ( I have the frizziest wavy hair naturally) but this really makes it an easy job. I have a Tangle Teezer and the Wet Brush I have to say is much better, I like the handle it gives a good grip and just seems to get the knots out better.

Headband /Hair Bobbles – I like to get all my hair off my face for using all the facilities like the steam room or jacuzzi. So I always make sure I pack a headband and bobbles to tie it all up.

Perfume/ Scent Spray – After all the relaxation and then a shower, it’s great to leave the spa smelling fresh and happy. I like to pack a small bottle of perfume like this Shay & Blue fragrance in Blood Orange. It is so uplifting and really smells so much of oranges, very fresh and citrus, I just love it!

Moisturiser – I don’t apply any make-up when I leave the spa, so I like to take a moisturiser instead. I have just recently been trying out this Embryolisse Lait-Creme, which has been created by dermatologists in France and now I couldn’t live without it! It is such a fantastic cream, it can be used as a moisturiser, primer, anti-ager, face mask, cleanser and even baby balm so it really is multi-purpose. I have sensitive skin so it’s really good for that and restores skin balance, treats dryness and protects against any environmental damage. Never mind spa bag, this should be in every handbag!

Lip Balm – I normally take a small tin of Vaseline or a lip balm just to keep my lips moisturised after the spa. My favourites at the moment are these Hurraw! lip balm sticks, the coconut flavour is so lovely and is packed with coconut oil. They come in all different flavours and so easy to carry around.

Deodorant – Definitely pack your deodorant so you can feel fresh after having a shower. Sometimes spas have these but sometimes they might not, so I always pack one. I’m not organised enough to have a little one, but I recommend picking up a travel size one to take with you. My favourite deodorant at the moment is the Garnier Mineral invisible.

Face Wipes – You can’t go wrong with a pack of face wipes to freshen up after treatments or to take off your make-up when you get there if say you were coming from work. I am loving these cucumber hypoallergenic wipes from YesTo, they are packed with green superfoods and are 95% natural and free of parabens. These are great as I don’t always use face wipes but it’s just so much easier at the spa, so I know I’m not upsetting my skin when I use these.

In the spa changing rooms you will find most other things; shower gels and shampoos, cotton buds, toothbrush kit, disposable underwear, headband, soap and shower sponge, robe, slippers – only one time have I had to take my own flip-flops but could be worth checking before you go.

I hope this helps you prepare for your next spa visit and remember, relax and enjoy!