For those of us who love a good bath, taking time out for luxurious ablutions is a must during the week. However, as a bath lover who doesn’t actually have a bath, I have to find alternative ways to recreate that relaxing experience.
In fact, saving your best products for the occasional evening when you have time for the full ritual involved in a bath, strikes me as a waste. For many, a few minutes under a hot shower in the morning is all the time they’ll have alone in a day. Rather than hoarding your nicest products for special occasions, why not use them to make every day a little nicer. We’ll always be more likely to gift these things to others than buy them for ourselves, so perhaps start dropping hints…
Molton Brown Bursting Caju & Lime Shower Gel (€22): Like a bottle of bustling Brazilian carnival confetti, this joyously zesty concoction is inspired by Brazil's caipirinha cocktail. Lime, grapefruit, lemon and orange with spearmint and cedar will wake you right up.
Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel (€5.99): For a luxuriant foam without the soap – some people are sensitive after all – you can still enjoy your morning shower, and on a budget.
Clarins Tonic Body Polisher (€40): This scrub is divinely textured and hums with rosemary and mint. It feels almost medicinal to apply and leaves skin soft and moisturised. Refreshingly unisex.
Prismologie Pink O'Clock Body Balm (€66 from prismologie.com): Apply this heavenly pearlescent balm with the applicator for softened, glowing skin. This is the sheen of candlelit skin in a tub.
Pixi Glow Peel Pads (€31 from Marks & Spencer): These glycolic acid pads are mainly for the face, but do wonders for congested backs and the backs of arms, too. The acid dissolves the bonds between dead surface skin cells and new ones underneath. Dab it on once a week, five to 10 minutes before a warm (not hot) shower, and you'll see back congestion drastically reduce.
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Face and Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel (€14.75): A sumptuous honey-scented body wash, this is pretty much self-explanatory. It lathers liberally and the aroma offers considerable comfort on a Monday morning.
Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner (€19.95): For those who can't be bothered to moisturise after showering. Apply this in-shower after washing, and revel in the sublime rose fragrance. Skin is left softened, but not slick.
La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion (€170): This may not be an every day product, but it has a light, soft fragrance and melting texture that envelopes you before sinking into the skin. The fragrance will whisper to you throughout the day – this is an extra-special gift.
Product of the week - Lola's Apothecary Sweet Lullaby Soothing Body & Massage Oil (£36 from lolasapothecary.com): Buttery but non-greasy, this sinks into skin with a transporting vanilla and lavender aroma. Complete with a little lavender sprig in the bottle and packaged in a beautiful box, this is a perfect, thoughtful gift.
