Whether it’s a laser or a facial, it seems like you can buy any beauty treatment off a shelf these days. While the DIY options are convenient and budget-friendly, there are some beauty rituals that are better left to the pros.

FACIAL: Do it yourself.
At-home facials can be just as therapeutic as most spa treatments with the right mask and environment. On a budget? Use common ingredients like lemon, sugar, honey, avocado and cucumbers. Pinterest features many DIY facial recipes tailored to all skin types. So improvise your own spa and create the full experience at home by lighting a few candles and playing some relaxing music.

WAXING: Professional.
Waxing is one treatment we definitely recommend leaving to the professionals! DIY waxing tends to leave unwanted stray hairs and commonly causes burns and ingrown hairs.

getty_rf_photo_of_teeth_whitening_stripTEETH WHITENING: Do it yourself.
At-home toothpastes, strips, gels and trays can get teeth almost as white as a professional treatment. Try an over-the-counter whitener like Supersmile Ultimate Whitening System.

SUNLESS TANNING: Professional.
Visiting a professional is essential to obtaining an absolute even color, not to mention it will last longer than one applied at home. Professionals can even add definition to your abs or arms by darkening certain areas. We recommend scheduling your appointment at least 24 hours before a big event to allow ample time for the spray to dry before showering and to avoid color rubbing off on your clothes.

0806-01_diy-manicure-how-to-nail-maintenance_liMANICURE: Do it yourself.
Salon manicures can add up over the course of a year. When it comes to a quick polish change, we definitely recommend DIY to save a few bucks. A neat trick to avoid staining the skin around the nail is to apply a cuticle oil or cream like Sebamed Hand & Nail Balm before and after removing old nail polish.