Melissa Chee

This post was sponsored by Groupon. All opinions are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support me!

There is no denying it, life can be stressful at times. Between work demands, personal life and everything else—things can get crazy. It’s during times like these that it is more essential than ever to take time out for yourself. By giving yourself time to de-stress, you will feel better and be more productive.

One of my favorite ways to de-stress is with a spa or beauty treatment. Not only do you leave feeling blissfully relaxed, but you also get the beauty benefits too! Here are some of my favorite spa and beauty treatments.

My nails are ready for fall with a brown shellac manicure

1. Spa Facial

I absolutely adore a facial. I would highly recommend a 60 minute facial. Trust me—the hour will fly by. A facial includes a plethora of skin care treatments including steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels and massage. Your skin will look amazing afterwards plus you will be so relaxed.

2) Manicure

I’m a frequent flyer when it comes to manicures. I usually get a shellac manicure every three weeks. This cosmetic beauty treatment includes filing and shaping of the nails, cuticle treatment, massage and polish application. Shellac or gel polish is amazing because it doesn’t chip and literally lasts for weeks. If you haven’t tried a shellac manicure—do it! But watch out you might end up hooked like me.

3) Massage

A massage is a great option for total relaxation. There are many different types of therapeutic massage for you to try. Plus, massage has a host of potential benefits including pain relief, reduced anxiety and/or depression and faster muscle recovery. Personally, I feel so relaxed after a massage. My advice is be vocal if the massage is too strong. I have regretted it the next day when I didn’t speak up and the massage was a little too strong for me.

Relaxing with a spa or beauty treatment doesn’t have to be expensive. Groupon has a ton of great deals on spa and beauty services. It is a great way to take some time for you! Spa treatments are a fun activity with friends or divine on your own. Visit Health, Beauty & Wellness Groupons to browse all kinds of deals in your area.

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It's hard to believe in 32 lovely years on this planet that I never had a facial. I had no idea what I was missing! We're talking pure bliss here ladies and your skin looks all glowy and even younger after your treatment. I actually think it was a good thing I started later in life. I'm thinking of all the money I saved on facials for these past years. But that is the past. I am now a true fan. One part stress reduction, one part skin care and one part bliss! I highly recommend getting a facial and seeing what you think. I am most definitely a fan now. I would say even if the results are only temporary, the relaxation is totally worth it. I've never felt better about my makeup free face.

So technically what is a facial? It's a spa treatment involving various skin treatments that may include steam, exfoliation, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, massage and extractions. Facials are for general skin health as well as specific skin conditions, at least according to google.

I went to Ruby's Spa & Salon at McMenamins in Troutdale, Oregon for my facial. This is a lovely spa near the Portland Metro area. It's especially nice if you go with friends because you can enjoy the soaking pool out back. It's a beautiful large soaking pool so definitely set aside time to enjoy it. It's nice to come early enough to soak before you appointment. This way if you are getting any special creams applied you don't have to worry about accidentally washing them away in the soaking pool. Although, my friend who got a massage also soaked for a bit after her massage as recommended by her masseuse. Also, I've had a massage at this spa before which was also wonderful.

I chose the Clear Skin Facial which is an hour and $105. It's described on their website, "Let Mother Nature help cleanse and refine your complexion with healing, antibacterial element such as Hungarian mud, clays and more, custom blended for those with acne-prone or reactive skin. Our licensed estheticians will give you suggestions on specifically designed products and instructions to further treat your skin at home." However, my skin ended up having some dry patches on my treatment day, winter is harsh, right? So my lovely esthetician did adjust my treatment to be more moisturizing. In fact, I loved the moisturizer so much that I've been using it for my daytime moisturizer. It's the Eminence Organic Skin Care Rosehip Whip Moisturizer. (And I just realized it's way less expensive on Amazon.) I especially like that it has a beautiful matte finish, but it's still very moisturizing. Also, the moisturizer smells amazing--very citrusy. It's for designed for problem skin, which is pretty accurate for me. I still have the occasional zit pop up and I do have sensitive skin too.

Or if a spa facial is not in the budget currently, you can also try a facial mask at home. I used Skinfood's Broccoli Facial Mask Sheet in the photo above. It's a "hydrating mask that contains broccoli extract and promotes a healthy glow." And tell me who doesn't need a healthy glow? This is most definitely my favorite way to get in my vegetables.

Have you ever visited Ruby's Spa? Where is your favorite place to get a facial? Or do you have a favorite spa treatment?

Eminence Rosehip Whip Moisturizer, 2 Ounce

$39.98

Buy on Amazon

SKINFOOD Everyday Broccoli Facial Mask Sheet (5EA) Korean Beauty [Imported]

$9.89

Buy on Amazon