Back in March, a study revealed that taking a one hour bath is just as good for you as doing an hour of exercise. We know it was only a few months ago, but it still remains the best news we’ve heard all year. It’s one of the reasons having a hot bath is one of our favourite self-care activities of all time. Seriously, what’s not to love? You can do it from the comfort of your own home, it’s cheap and it’s ridiculously relaxing.
However, not all baths are created equal. In order to really feel like you’re treating yourself, you need to pull out all the stops to make it as luxe as possible. And no, hanging out in tepid post-shower water in the bathtub while you shave your legs does not count as luxury.
So, to help make you feel like the goddess you are, here are our top 7 essentials for the most relaxing bath of your life.
The bath salts
These bath salts from Cedar and Stone are *almost* too pretty to use! The pink Himalayan salt rocks help to detoxify the body, induce relaxation and ease muscle tension. It also helps to clear mucus in the lungs — perfect for when you’re battling a cold! The various oils including ylang ylang and lavender will make your bath smell ah-mazing, while the rosebuds add an extra touch of luxury.
Shop the Cedar and Stone Bath Salts in Ylang Ylang and Rose
The bath soak
When it comes to having a luxe bath, your normal body wash just won’t do! You need an indulgent body soak that literally makes you feel like you’re bathing in milk — like this coconut milk bath soap from Herbivore! It’s like a body wash and moisturiser in one, as not only will it wash your bod, but it will leave it feeling silky smooth, too! It also contains vanilla essential oil, which has been proven to ease stress and anxiety.
Shop the Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak
The face mask
While you’re chillin’ in the bath, why not multitask with a hydrating face mask? This one from Perricone MD is made from cocoa-enriched microcapsules — and what could be more indulgent than putting chocolate on your face? It’s not just a gimmick, though, as it will leave your skin smooth, luminous and radiant.
Shop the Perricone Md Cocoa Moisture Face Mask
The candle
No relaxing bath would be complete without a decadent candle and it doesn’t get much better than this one from Glasshouse. If you’ve ever wondered why Peter Alexander stores always smell so amazing, this is why. The vanilla caramel scent paired with undertones of coconut and frankincense is just next level dreamy.
Glasshouse Tahaa Vanilla Caramel Candle
The entertainment
Some people like to use their bath as a time put on some relaxing music, read or get lost in their own thoughts. Others like to use it as an opportunity to catch up on their Netflix viewing! If you fall into the latter category, check out our guide on what to watch based on your mood. Whether you’ve had a crap day or are in need of some inspiration, we’ve got you sorted.
The body oil
Your indulgent bath experience doesn’t have to end once you get out of the tub. By slathering on a luxurious body oil like this one from Rodin, you’ll feel like a goddess for hours afterwards! It’s enriched with 11 fragrant essential oils, so not only will it help with post-bath relaxation, it’ll make your skin feel extremely supple and hydrated. Shop the Rodin Luxury Body Oil
The robe
There’s no point pulling out all the stops to have an amazing bath, then wrapping yourself in a flimsy bath towel! To really make yourself feel like you’re at a spa, you need a cosy robe like this one from Sheridan. Made from Turkish cotton terry cloth, it’s super luxe and quick-drying — and you can even get it monogrammed to add an extra personal touch!
Shop the Sheridan Lillian Robe
