GEMs Of Beauty:
Annual Bath Time Fun
The days are finally getting longer but it’s still winter for many of us—and you know what that means. Unpredictable weather, slushy sidewalks, overheated homes and offices that seemingly sap every drop of moisture out of the air, and dry, flaky skin. So while you can’t do much about crazy weather except shake your fists at climate-change-deniers (and wear waterproof boots), you take really good care of your parched skin and March Madness stress with these wonderful products. Run the bath, light a few candles, put on music you love, lock the door so you won’t be disturbed, and relax into the soothing, steamy water.
1. NATUROPATHICA SWEET BIRCH AND MAGNESIUM BATH FLAKES
When your muscles and joints are aching, one of the best things you can do is soak away the soreness in a therapeutic bath. These potent bath flakes will make this soak even more effective, as magnesium has long been used to reduce inflammation (it’s what’s in Epsom salt) and it’s also a good sleep-inducer. Sweet birch was discovered to be a pain reliever by the Native Americans. This formula is exceptionally pure and potent–these bath flakes contain 47.3% Magnesium Chloride, while Epsom salt contains only 10% Magnesium available for absorption–and smells so refreshing. And if your muscles are super-sore, use Naturopathica’s Alpine Arnica Bath & Body Oil après-soak for even better results.
Buy it for $36 at naturopathica.com
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2. THE ART OF SHAVING VETIVER SOAP ON A ROPE
Why does soap get such a bad rap? Crummy soaps that are harsh and drying should be chucked, but there are oodles of choices for deliciously scented, moisturizing, super-rich soaps that last forever and are so much more economical than most shower gels (even if these soaps are initially pricey). This Vetiver soap from The Art of Shaving, loaded with coconut oil, palm oil, and glycerin, might be intended for the guy in your life, but it smells so heavenly that everyone will love it. And as it’s hydrating it can even be used in place of a shaving cream.
Buy it for $25 at theartofshaving.com
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3. JASON COCONUT FOAMING SHOWER OIL
Even though I prefer soap in the shower, I am delighted to make an exception for this yummy oil that foams up instantly and leaves you skin feeling like buttah as it gets rid of the grime. The tropical scent is heavenly and you never feel greasy afterward, just super-soft and clean.
Buy it for $10.89 at amazon.com
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4. SVELTA LUXE COFFEE AND RAW SUGAR BODY SCRUB
One of the best new products for your bath or shower, this absolutely divine-smelling scrub not only exfoliates with its combination of coffee and raw sugar, but leaves your skin ultra-soft thanks to the olive oil in the blend. (Trust me—most scrubs are not so hydrating!) A touch of cardamom enhances the scent—it wakes you right up. Use it once a week, or whenever needed. It’s like a wake-up call for your skin!
Buy it for $48 at sveltatan.com
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5. EARTH THERAPEUTICS PURIFYING HYDRO SPONGE
If you don’t like using scrubs, or if you’ve temporary run out of your favorite, this smart little sponge will do the trick for you. Made from medicinal bamboo charcoal mixed with textured fabric, it pulls out impurities while it exfoliates and unclogs your pores, all while stimulating your circulation. Just wet it, apply your cleanser, and massage it in. This sponge is far more hygienic than a loofah, and much gentler too. Use it at least once a week.
Buy it for $9.99 at earththerapeutics.net
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6. BLISS 24-‘HEAVEN’ HEALING BODY BALM
Now that you’re all clean and soft, keep your skin that way with a luxe product to seal in the moisture. If your skin is exceptionally parched or rough, you’ll adore this creamy balm loaded with cocoa butter and colloidal oatmeal, scented with just a hint of vanilla. It’s especially good for your hands, elbows, and feet, and lasts for hours
Buy it for $35 at lordandtaylor.com
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Remember: Bath or shower, you need to lock in the moisture during and after. As wonderful as hot water feels on your skin, it does the most damage by stripping away natural oils, so always slather something creamy and hydrating on afterward. Keep a hand cream near your bed so you can use it right before you go to sleep. And don’t forget your neck!
