Beauty: Turn up chill volume with a bit of me-time

SYNONYMOUS with tranquillity, relaxation and some serious indulgence, there is no escaping the lure of a spa experience. Except the cost, that is. Ah yes, standing up to those winter blues and blowing away the cobwebs with some rejuvenating me-time comes at a cost. Usually a hefty one. But you can get the same beauty effects at home for a whole lot less.

It's all about setting the mood, and bright lights do not a spa make, so switch off and light up with some scented candles. Save the cash for the beauty splurges and pick up a pack of Ikea's scented tea lights at 2.99 for 36. Forget whale noises and other nausea-inducing music. Up the chill volume with some proper relaxing music, such as Ministry of Sound's Chilled House (10.75).

Then it's time for pampering. A facial is the ultimate in deep cleansing, sloughing off dead skin cells and nour-ishing the skin to reveal a radiant you. Start with a quality cleanser such as Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish (13.25, John Lewis) which works on every age and skin type. The plant-based creamy cleanser quickly removes all traces of make-up and the muslin cloth dislodges dead skin cells to reveal soft, luminescent skin.

Follow with a mask to target specific problems. Brands such as Soap & Glory, Simple and Origins boast some of the best masks around for every problem imaginable. Leave on for as long as possible while you give the skin on the rest of your body some TLC.

Next up is exfoliation. Jo Malone's Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub (68) is the Rolls Royce of exfoliators, instantly revitalising the skin to reveal a wonderful all-over youthful glow.

Yes, it costs a lot but a little of this hard-working product goes a long, long way and it is worth the investment. Then, relax in the bath with some detoxing epsom salts which cost as little as 1 mixed in with some aromatherapy bath oils from Neal's Yard.

Follow with a deeply hydrating moisturiser, such as Jo Malone's Vitamin E Body Balm (50).

Instantly soothing any dryness, this hard-working balm is like wrapping the skin in cashmere and will leave it looking ultra radiant and feeling baby soft.

The finishing touches are just as important. Hydrate the skin on your face with a face oil and massage in gently. Try Bobbi Brown or Estee Lauder for the very best in face oils. Then buff away hard skin from feet with a pumice stone or foot file, such as Boots Gorgeous Feet Fantastic Foot File (3.63) and slather on an intensive foot cream.

Try Vaseline Intensive Hydrating Rescue Foot Cream (3.45), CSC Foot Care Cream (7.14) or Botanics Overnight Foot Rescue Cream (3.94). File toe nails and paint on some polish. No7's Base Coat (7) is a pretty pink that will cover up any nail nasties while offering a subtle colour and sheen.