There is a science to achieving the perfect bubble bath. You may well scoff at such a claim, and if you do, I can only assume you do not take advantage of the humble bubble bath often enough. See, too much foam and you can’t lie down without it covering your face and obstructing your breathing. Too little foam and it all seems rather pathetic and pointless. If you’re not a foam lover, and have gone the oil route, too much oil will make you feel perpetually slippery and thus never quite clean, and too little oil will make you feel squeaky and Spartan.
Then there is the issue of candles, which go hand in hand with bubble baths. Do you light a candle and thus set a rather seductive scene (which features you and your book and potentially a glass of wine)? Or do you submerge yourself in darkness (and scented water). I’d suggest going the way of turning the light on, but no one wants to see themselves under harsh lights, lying in a pool of water. Really. That much. So, yes, light a candle and set a seductive scene for you, your wine and your book. An aromatherapy candle will help settle/lift your mood, and the softer light will work towards the overall goal of relaxation – plus, one’s body in soft lighting is always a far more pleasant visage than one’s body in any other form of lighting.
So run the bath, pour the wine and light the candle. Give yourself at least half an hour to soak. When you hop out, you’ll notice an immediate difference in muscle tension and your skin will glow from being steamed. Plus you’ll be so relaxed you’ll be practically liquid, so pour yourself into a robe and onto the couch. And maybe, just whilst you’re pouring, go for another glass of wine. You deserve it.
Indulge
Principessa ‘Bagno Bliss’ Spa Cream Bath
This bottle of joy makes for brilliant foam that smells like freshly baked birthday cake with whipped icing and peaches. It’s a sweet elixir, but without being sickly so. I’m inhaling from the bottle right now, and actually can’t stop. This could be embarrassing if I unwittingly snort some. If you have had a long week, or you’re about to face one, this is the bubble bath du jour.
RRP: $32, available exclusively at Sassi Sam.
Refresh
Jo Malone Grapefruit Shower Gel/Bath Oil
Anything Jo Malone does is fine by me. That woman could bottle gravel and I’d use it. Her Grapefruit Shower Gel makes for a zesty bubble bath, for those who need to revitalise the senses. There’s a touch of tangerine, vetiver and rosemary for an energy kick, which makes this one ideal if you’re planning on going out post bubble bath. Jo Malone also does a Grapefruit bath oil which is deeply nourishing and recommended for those who aren’t fans of the foam.
RRP: Shower Gel, 250ml, $80
RRP: Bath Oil, 250ml, $100
Escape
Gammazon WASHhh in MangoDusk and CocoNilla
No one concocts a tropical scent quite like Gammazon, the brand behind the CocoNilla and MangoDusk ranges I cannot get enough of. Gammazon products are completely chemical free – and whilst this means using them within a certain time of opening them, it also means you’re only putting the gentlest, most natural products on your skin. Gammazon WASHhh products will replenish your skin, not strip it, and do so in a cloud of Tahitian bliss. Swap your wine for a Pina Colada and kick back.
RRP: $14
Relax
Johnson’s Bedtime Bath
Yes, it’s for babies. Let’s just get that out of the way. You may feel slightly infantile using a product designed to send babies into dreamland, but if you can get passed that (it’s not hard) this is a lovely product with a beautiful scent. It’s made for babies, so you know it’s gentle and natural, and let me tell you, the aromatic calming effect is not lost on big people. If you’re struggling to sleep, or you need to unwind, then be a baby for the evening. And perhaps swap the wine for a chamomile tea.
Candle Suggestion
Royal Doulton Aromatherapy Candle in Romance. This is one of my favourite candles … ever … with its blend of honey, musk, amber, jasmine and orange. If only they’d make a matching bubble bath.
Feature image by Krikit on Flickr
