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When I saw that June 14th was International Bath Day, I was inspired to write about one of my favorite things to do. Bathing is like therapy to me and is sometimes as necessary as medicine. Even if I am drained and miserable before the bath, I feel a million times better after I get out. I think it’s partly because I am a Pisces, a water sign, and we are naturally healed by aqueous environments and because of my mother. She always took baths. I remember her bringing her Redbooks and Vogues into the bathroom, putting in her Crabtree & Evelyn bubbles into the tub and lingering for hours. I would sit by her and we would have girl talk. The sound of the water running and just the stillness of these moments were super comforting. For a long time, taking a bath was not in my routine. There certainly weren’t baths in college dorms and I just didn’t have the time or the need.
I came back to bathing as therapy after I had my first son. Becoming a mom was amazing, but it completely overwhelmed me. I felt stressed all the time and just wanted to escape. Going away was not an option, but taking a bath was. I would take my New Yorkers into the tub of our apartment, put in my salts or gels and just soak in the hot water. Sometimes I never even cracked open my magazines. I just zoned out and probably even dozed for a few. I enjoyed the peace and silence and how weightless and faraway I felt. After I exhausted the hot water, I put on my oversized terry robe and felt completely renewed. I had energy again and could go back to being Mommy.
Taking baths is truly good for the body, mind and soul. Here are 5 ways you can take your soaking sesh to another level.
1. Set The Mood
Everything is better with a little atmosphere. All you need to turn your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary are some scented candles and a soothing playlist. We especially love Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle $38. It is fresh, musky and woodsy in the most subtle of ways. Its simple packaging also feels quietly luxurious. In addition to candles, a portable and waterproof speaker like this one by Bose is a must have. Whether you prefer to listen to your favorite playlist or an interesting podcast like the new B2B one from Beautify.tips by KISS and Bella Magazine, create a background vibe that chills you out.
2. Get The Goods
I love to shop. For myself, for my family, for my friends – basically for anyone. I’m very good at it and wish there was a PH.D program. I especially LOVE shopping for bath products. Shopping for bath products is one of my favorite parts of taking a bath. I love curating an arsenal of soaks, salts, gels and of course, bubbles to suit my moods. Sometimes, I want to be soothed. Sometimes I want to be transported to Bora Bora and other times I just want a good ol’ fashioned And I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I cannot resist a pretty jar to zhuzh up my vanity like Lollia’s Dream Bubble Bath $58. This honeysuckle and bergamot scented bubble bath smells heavenly and the vintage-inspired bottle in dainty hues of blue and pink is simply perfect. When I’m itching for a tropical escape on a regular old Wednesday, I often turn to philosophy’s Coconut Splash Shampoo + Shower Gel & Bubble Bath $24. I love the scent of coconut (especially in pina coladas) and this one is beachy and subtle. The bubbles are lovely and its shimmery aqua green color is instantly soothing. Sometimes my body feels shot and achy and I just need the healing power of steamy water and epsom salts. I love Dr. Teal’s Restore & Replenish Pink Himalayan Mineral Salt $5.89. I truly believe in the power of putting epsom salt in the bath and this pretty pink mineral salt soak does wonders for my aches and pains. Milk baths are also among my favorites. They are gentle on the skin and just smell like my kids when they were babies. I love Elemis London’s Skin Nourishing Milk Bath $74. Made with milk protein, japanese camellia oil and oat extract, this leaves your skin ridicuouly soft and moisturized. It is kind of pricey, but worth it in the end.
3. It’s All About The Extras
Sometimes I crave more than a soak. Lounging in the bath is a great time to throw on a face mask or give yourself a hair treatment. JOAH’s Morning Glow Hydrating Overnight Mask $11.99 is infused with hyaluronic acid and collagen. Though it has overnight in the name, I sometimes don’t like to sleep with anything on my face and find it super effective even when I keep it on for an hour. Puffy, tired eyes are one of my biggest issues and I swear by Peter Thomas Roth’s Cucumber De Tox Hydra Gel Eye Patches $52. These under eye patches are refreshing and instantly brighten and de-puff. They feel super spa-ish and are an easy, breezy way to upgrade your bath. I love being a blonde albeit a fake one. Kérastase Blond Absolu Strengthening Hair Mask for Very Damaged Blonde Hair $68 keeps my heavily highlighted locks healthy and smooth. I throw it on my hair, put a shower cap on and rinse it off before I get out of the bath.
4. Robe Life
There is nothing better than getting out of a bath and putting on a fluffy, yummy robe. I love a traditional oversized terry robe. I put mine on and depending if I have a few minutes, I like to lie on my bed and lounge. I’m telling you – a robe is such a must-have. Go ahead and buy one, ASAP. My pick is the Super-Plush Robe by Brooklinen $99. It is made from Turkish Cotton and gives off major spa vibes.
5. Post-Soak Bliss
After toweling off, it is time to continue all that self-care you started in the bath. I love to slather on a rich body moisturizer to keep my skin soft and supple. Lately I’ve been using The Body Cream by Nécessaire $45. This cream is amazing. It is thick but whipped so it doesn’t feel so heavy on the skin. It is moisturizing but sinks in so well that you feel nothing. I love its packaging and now want to try everything from this brand. I love the look of the tan, but baking in the sun does so much more harm than good. In order to get a bronzy J-Lo inspired glow, I also apply Glowmotions Glow Body Oil in Copacabana Bronze $35. This body oil, by another one of my favorite brands, is buildable and adds the perfect bronze glow to skin. I love mixing it with my body cream to achieve a soft, sun-kissed look.
