As far as I’m concerned, one of the best investments we’ve put into our house is the corner soaking tub in the master bathroom. It wasn’t cheap, but I use it every single night, and it’s big enough to fit all four of us in its soapy depths.
(Sure, someone’s toes might kick you in an unpleasant location, and sure, someone is bound to produce a thrilling arch of pee, but still: a toddler, a baby, and two adults in one tub! As long as no one poops, it’s all good.)
My solo bathtime is right before bed, and I can literally feel the stresses of the day melting away under the hot water. It is one of my favorite rituals, and one that can only be improved by the right consumer products.
Which leads me to: bath soaps! Let me discuss my favorites with you:
Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap. Ah, Dr. Bronner’s, the soap with the “urgent message to realize our transcendent unity across religious and ethnic divides”. Never mind its ever-so-slightly crazy packaging, this soap is awesome. I like to use it in place of bubble bath; its rich scent and natural oils make for an uber-pleasant soak. My favorite is the peppermint, although the almond and lavender are really nice too.
philosophy shower/bath gels. I have to say, I’ve never met a philosophy skincare product I didn’t love, and that goes for their amazing bath gels too. They smell outrageously good, so good it’s hard not to fantasize about upended the nozzle above my mouth and just taking a big old glug or two. (What?) I particularly love the sweet, edible scents like Candy Cane, Sweet Cream, Sugar Cookie, and the unbelievably decadent Breakfast in Bed trio.
LUSH Creamed Almond and Coconut Smoothie. Now, don’t be fooled by this product’s name, it features coconut and almond oils but smells more like jasmine and ylang ylang. It’s super smooth, soft, melts into your skin and leaves the bathwater all moisturizing and wonderfully scented.
Lander Essentials Foam Bath. I discovered this discount-priced bubble bath ($3 for a huge bottle!) a while back and I still love it, although it looks like they’ve limited the number of scents it comes in. This stuff makes the best bubbles, big foamy ones, and the products I’ve tried have had a rich, long-lasting smell.
And now, here is the part where I ask you for YOUR favorite bath products, because lord knows I could always use some more.
Ditto on all things Philosophy; I thought I owned every scent until my mother decided she didn’t like the Belgian Waffle scent and regifted me hers. OHMYGOD, MUST INGEST.
My cheap indulgence? Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Sleepytime bath stuff.
Sarah Lena | June 13th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I really want to try the Candy Cane sent by Philosophy. I’m pregnant and I really have a big craving for peppermint
I am not so fond of the Sugar cookie sent thought, wish I was…
Kym | June 14th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Oh dear. Bath products are a major indulgence for me — so much so that I am paralyzed, unable to make a recommendation, as my mind is on OVERLOAD. (I also get stuff from clients a lot. Thank God, or I’d be totally broke, having spent the entirety of our life savings on bath products, rendering us unable to afford a bath tub to bathe in.)
For starters, LUSH bath bombs rule. I love any and all bath bombs (fizzy!), but LUSH’s are the best, and of course, the most expensive. Warning: some of them require a bit of cheesecloth, unless you like bits of flower and cinnamon in your drain. But truly, if I’m going for total indulgence, I get a bath MELT, which makes me want to weep due to its awesomeness. Ceridwen’s Cauldron is my favorite (and comes in cheesecloth, thank Jesus). Also, once? I LICKED the Creamy Candy bath melt, because I was HELLA POSITIVE that it was actually candy. Yes, I did that totally sober. Am stupid. Have no other excuse.
MOR bath oils are fantastic, too. Their almond one is good and reasonably inexpensive, for that kind of thing (I can find it at TJ Maxx on the cheap). Actually, all MOR products are really high quality, and can be easily procured at your local TJ Maxx. I think the issue is that most people don’t realize how good their stuff is, so it languishes on the shelves. But next time you’re there and you see it, grab it. Good stuff.
Abahna bath oil is amazing and hilariously expensive ($42 for a bottle), but smells like … well, heaven.
But really, if I’m honest, my all-time-kill-myself-for-a-bath-with-it bath product is Ormonde Jayne bath oil in Tolu or Frangipani. It’s also like, um, $100 a bottle and only available from the UK by mail order with that great conversion rate to the pound, which is why I’ve never bought it myself (it was a gift from a client a while back). But OH MY GOD, it’s good. So good. So absurdly, orgasmically good that I kind of want to sell my kidney for another bottle. Or bribe a client into giving me more.
jonniker | June 14th, 2008 at 9:06 am
If you love to pamper your self you will love this Volcanic Ash Face & Body Clay. I have been using it and love it. It reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It is even wonderful on strech marks. You can get a free sample at http://www.mariasclay.com
Marie | June 15th, 2008 at 3:56 am
I think this must have to do with my Grandmother and her obsession with all things Avon but my favorite bath time memories as a kid was in a bathtub filled with the Avon Bubble Bath in the Soft Pink scent.
I need to venture over to their site and buy a case of this stuff as I know really need to have a bath with this stuff.
Cass | June 15th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Our bath tub was worth every penny invested. As a professional woman, often on-the-go, a soak in the tub is one of my favorite ways to rejuvenate myself. Thanks for the recommendations. I’m looking forward to trying the LUSH Almond and Coconut Smoothie. The name alone, has got me sold!
Ellen Hart | June 16th, 2008 at 1:54 am
One of these days when I win the lottery I am going to order everything they sell at bellalucce.com. It’s a woman-owned company in South Carolina, and the lady’s story is really inspiring.
Jenny | June 17th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Odd question, I know. We are remodeling our bathroom and I have been looking for a corner tub. Did you order it online? Please advise.
I love Bath and Body Works - better lather than never.
steff | June 17th, 2008 at 7:24 am
I make products perfect for you baths. A bath can serve more than it’s sole purpose of relaxing us. It can also moisturize, sooth, calm and energize. My products will leave your bath feeling like you were sitting in a spa bath, heavy calming water surrounds you while a fragrance tailored to your mood will take you to a wonderful place of peace. YOu would think that this would cost 20-30 even 50$ but when you do it at home it can cost you less than 10$. YOu can exfoliate your skin while you relax in a soothing tub of moisturizing, sea and epsom salt laden water.
Renew your body and your mind, while you do nothing but relax and enjoy the best part of your day.
http://www.milkandcookeez.com
Tammy | July 17th, 2008 at 3:24 am
free samples please
eva d mckee | December 3rd, 2008 at 6:01 am
My handmade bath salts will save you so much money. They are high quality and work wonderfully and the price is very reasonable. Check us out at http://www.getsoaked.net.
Michelle | July 21st, 2009 at 5:44 pm
This is a great list of bath products. Thanks for sharing.
Amy : Body and Bath Products | March 29th, 2010 at 9:31 pm