Treat Yo’ Self: In-Home Spa
Turn your shower into a sanctuary.
Self-care is important, especially when we are juggling work, home, kids, aging parents, friendships, and don’t forget about walking the dog. For me, stepping into a hot shower is my moment of zen where I can (temporarily) wash off the stress. Of course I don’t usually get the bathroom to myself. My dog Winnie is always there to lick any residual water.
Here are my top items to help you create your own bathroom oasis.
Create the mood. If you can get your hands on fresh eucalyptus, hang it in your shower. The steam helps release the essential oils to create a fresh and invigorating scent. This video is a great how-to guide.
If you can’t find fresh eucalyptus or you don’t have room for it in your shower, try these candles to set the mood. Big Sur After Rain from D.S. & Durga ($70) has woody, eucalyptus notes. Eucalyptus and White Sage from Voluspa ($38) is a more budget-friendly option.
Wash away the stress. Body wash is a small luxury you can enjoy every time you step into the shower. You’re worth it! I’m currently obsessed with L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil ($48). It has a subtle scent and more importantly, your skin feels nourished without feeling oily.
If you are looking for something a little cheaper, Dove Deep Body Moisture Body Wash ($7.99) is a solid choice for the price.
Scrub up well (but only 1-2x a week). The choice of a sugar or salt scrub depends on feeling. Salt scrubs tend to be grittier and more abrasive while sugar scrubs have a smaller grit and are more gentle. If you don’t mind the grit, I like Shore Soap Company’s Warm Sand Body Polish ($32). It reminds me of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and I like that their scents are natural and nautical.
I was very skeptical about Tree Hut’s Shea Sugar Scrub ($7). They are included a lot of “best of” lists, but I was suspicious given they have a ton of scent options. Are they overcompensating for something? Last weekend, I picked one up at Target and gave it a whirl. I tried Palm Grove and was impressed. I like that it has a gel-like texture, which means you don’t lose half of the scrub when it falls through your fingers. It left my skin feeling soft and smooth. Plus, this particular scent was not overwhelming or fake. I’d give it a try the next time you are at Target.
Team loofah or team no loofah? I don’t love those loofah balls you find in drugstores. They are basically little bacteria breeding grounds. I recently tried a silicone loofah from the grocery store and would rather take my chances with the bacteria loofah balls.
When I was ordering some Hanni Splash Salve, I decided to try their Shower Scarf ($16). This scarf doesn’t leave your skin feeling raw and because it is long, you can reach your whole back! It’s also more open than the loofah balls, so less risk of bacteria build up.
Make sure your skin says “ahhh.” I love using the Hanni Splash Salve in the shower. I’ve talked about it in this post.
If I decide to go the post-shower moisturizer route, CeraVe Cream ($16 for 16 oz) is a classic go-to. Simple yet effective. For a treat, I love Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream ($12 for 25 ml). And yes, it can be used all over—not just your bum bum. It’s a light firming lotion with an almond and caramel scent. Dreamy.
With just a few items, you can help create a little namaste right in your bathroom. Your stressed-out self will thank you.
From left to right: D.S. & Durga candle; L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil; Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub; Hanni Shower Scarf; CeraVe Cream