USE THIS GUIDE TO CHOOSE THE RESOURCE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU.
“the art of the bath” (Chronicle Books, $18.95) by Sara Slavin and Karl Petzke
– OVERVIEW
A sensual paean to bathing with fascinating historical information, a look at rituals in other cultures and suggestions for creating your own blissful experience with herbs and oils.
– STRENGTHS
Beautiful photographs, poetry and lyrical (if sometimes overdone) prose create a hypnotic book. Interesting recipes for drinks to enjoy during or after the bath, such as a soothing concoction of pureed honeydew melon and cucumber with lime juice and mint leaves.
– WEAKNESSES
Instructions can be vague. For example, it doesn’t offer resources for finding the handful of juniper sprigs or lemon verbena leaves for bath recipes. The text meanders at times and isn’t well organized.
– SAMPLE TIP
String herbs or aromatic flowers on thread or thin elastic string to create a miniature wreath to hang on your tub faucet. Break off pieces to toss in the tub while you bathe.
“Home Spa” (Firefly Books, $14.95) by Anne Harding with Janice Biehn
– OVERVIEW
An accessible, comprehensive book that guides you through all the components of a spa experience with sections on nutrition, exercise, massage, body and beauty treatments. The final chapter provides hour-by-hour plans for a full home-spa day.
– STRENGTHS
A thorough, well-written book with practical, easy-to-follow directions and lots of helpful charts. A good overview chapter on how stress affects your body. Enlightening section on the healing properties of food and herbs. A comprehensive source guide for all the products you’ll need.
– WEAKNESSES
The section on stress-reduction techniques–particularly on meditation–is vague and only skims the surface of these important strategies.
– SAMPLE TIP
Temporarily disguise wrinkles by painting them with beaten egg whites. Let dry before applying makeup.
“The Home Spa Aromatherapy Massage Set” (Bramley, $13.45)
– OVERVIEW
A short guide to body massage illustrated with color photographs. Briefly describes history of massage. (Kit comes with eucalyptus and orange essential oils.)
– STRENGTHS
An appealing and detailed description of a 12-step facial massage. (We’re not sure if this is intended, but the book seemed to have a pleasant eucalyptus fragrance.)
– WEAKNESSES
Generally, information is thin. For example, it doesn’t explain how to prepare for an effective massage (what sheets, towels, pillows, etc. you’ll need). Sometimes it’s tricky to figure out exactly where and how to move your hands based on the instructions. More details and specific photos would be helpful.
– SAMPLE TIP
Keep mixed massage oils in dark glass jars in a cool, dark place in order to maximize their longevity.
“The Wellness Center’s Spa at Home” (Berkley Books, $12.95) by Kalia Doner and Margaret Doner
– OVERVIEW
An excellent compilation of beauty treatments (face, hair and body) with recipes to make yourself. Also offers expansive instructions for massaging every body part, a good selection of healing guided meditations for relaxation and the requisite exercise and diet chapters.
– STRENGTHS
In-depth, easy-to-understand explanations of every technique. Offers varying plans for quick or lengthy versions of treatments, such as a 5-minute, 30-minute or 60-minute facial. A great selection of treatment recipes, including 19 different face masks.
– WEAKNESSES
This is a no-nonsense, text-only paperback. Drawings would have added some visual charm.
– SAMPLE TIP
Make a gentle face scrub by mixing 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of almond or canola oil and 1 teaspoon of cream. Spread on damp face and massage gently with fingertips. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
“Home Spa” (Abbeville Press, $12.95) by Manine Rosa Golden
– OVERVIEW
Essentially a recipe book for homemade, natural beauty treatments for the body, hair, face, hands, nails and feet. The final chapter describes how to throw home-based spa parties, including a spa bridal shower.
– STRENGTHS
An attractive book with appealing, simple recipes made with ingredients found in the grocery store, such as lemon, avocado, oatmeal, buttermilk and herbal tea.
– WEAKNESSES
Instructions for using these potions sometimes seem oversimplified. There’s almost no guidance on how to combine various treatments–for example, should you use a mask, a scrub and a toner in the same session?
– SAMPLE TIP
Make a toner for delicate skin around the eyes by mixing cucumber juice (puree a cucumber and strain for juice) and witch hazel.
