The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
It’s October, so you know what that means; it’s time for all things pumpkin, Halloween and fall festivities. As the weather gets chillier and classes get harder, there’s simply nothing better than a self-care night—inspired by Halloween, of course. From pumpkin face masks to freshly baked apple muffins, this guide will have you feeling refreshed and ready to go. There’s nothing quite like a crisp evening paired with watching “When Harry Met Sally” and a face mask while indulging in freshly baked goodies after a long day of classes. These ideas are perfect for eliminating those autumn Sunday scaries or for a mid-week break. I promise that after you have this fall spa night, you will be feeling all those cozy fall vibes.
1. Pumpkin Face Mask
Before last week, I had never heard of a pumpkin face mask, but once I saw the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask I knew I had to have it to ring in the fall. Any pumpkin face mask will do the trick, but I love this one because it smells fresh and is a great face mask to help exfoliate and peel the top layer of your skin. Pair this with a glass of wine and “Gilmore Girls,” and you have yourself the most cozy autumn night. If you really want to go above and beyond, you could treat yourself to a pumpkin facial at a nearby spa to feel all those fall vibes. If you don’t have a pumpkin face mask, any face mask works to give your skin a treat and make for a relaxing night—just make sure to have some fall treats to snack on to ensure you have a spooky spa night!
2. Fall Treats & Goodies
What’s a fall spa night without some warm and gooey treats? Pumpkin seeds may not be warm or gooey, but they are the perfect crunchy snack to munch on during your spa night. All you need is a pumpkin and some good carving tools. Cut your pumpkin open, scoop out as many seeds as you can, rinse the remaining pumpkin off, spread them out on a baking sheet with some olive oil and seasonings and roast them in the oven. These are fresh, delicious and a snack I always crave during October. Now, for those gooey treats; from pumpkin banana bread to butternut squash donuts, the baked goodies for fall are endless. The process of baking is self-care in itself, just smelling it bake in the oven to toasted perfection is arguably the best part. If you have a sweet tooth for all fall pastries like me, then this is a crucial part of the guide and something you must indulge in. A favorite fall recipe of mine is to make a pumpkin pie. It takes some effort, but it’s a fun activity to bake one with friends on a fall spa night. This apple cider pumpkin pie recipe is right up my alley and a pie everyone deserves to indulge in this fall. You could always take the easy route, too, by buying a pumpkin pie at the grocery store and eating it up during your self-care night. While you’re at it, you might as well enjoy a pumpkin-flavored drink—even if it’s the evening, treat yourself to a decaf pumpkin spice latte, girl! Anything cinnamon, pumpkin, warm and gooey will treat you right on this self-care night.
3. Fill your dorm/apartment with autumn aromatherapy
There’s nothing quite like lighting a pumpkin spice candle on a chilly fall night while watching spooky Halloween movies. I’m not the biggest fan of pumpkin-scented candles, but I have found a few alternative candles that give that same cozy fall vibe, and I love to fill my apartment with them. The Voluspa Eucalyptus and White Sage candle has been my favorite this fall, and it definitely feels cozy and comforting on a crisp fall evening. You can also find diffusers that will be a great addition, making for the perfect night. All in all, any ole candle will do the trick, but a fall-scented one will create the perfect fall vibe in your room.
4. Online Shop
Okay, I know you might be thinking that you already do this non-stop, but, sometimes designating time to online shop and look for a certain something can be a totally different experience. Open a bottle of wine, get your laptop open, play a movie and browse your favorite sites. This is truly self-care for me—a little shopping never killed anybody!
5. Read a new book or watch your favorite movie
Both of these are the perfect way to enjoy a fall self-care night. Whether you’re snuggled up next to a candle starting the book you’ve been waiting to open up or you’re sitting on the couch turning on your all-time favorite comfort movie, these are both the best ways to relax. The excitement of starting a new book is always a feeling I look forward to, and if you have the time to read something you enjoy, you should go for it! Nothing beats watching your comfort movie either, though, so do whatever makes you feel most relaxed—you won’t always have this precious time to yourself to just sit back and relax. Being a college student can be stressful and chaotic, as you probably already know, so setting aside some time for yourself to relax is rewarding and the best feeling in the world. One of my favorite books to read when I want to relax and feel good is “Good Vibes, Good Life” by Vex King—you’re in for a real treat if you open this one up!