Let’s make one thing clear: Nothing can really replace the exhilarating experience that travel can bring to our lives. But if we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s how to make the most out of a lousy situation. One easy escape that everyone has access to? Your shower. It’s the perfect way to add a moment of self-care to your life, especially if you amp it up with a few extra elements that transform it into a downright spa-like experience. First, focus on creating the right ambiance, then set up your shelfie with the products that help you rejuvenate and find your calm. No matter how small your shower space, these ideas turn it into a mini oasis.
Play Relaxing Music
If you usually spend most of your shower running through your to-do list in your head, having some soothing background music will help drown out all that noise. Come up with a playlist beforehand, or simply look up the “Best Relaxing Spa Music” compilation on Spotify for soothing sound effects like pouring rain and crickets in the night.
Hang Eucalyptus
Not only does hanging a little bit of greenery in your shower make it seem like a tropical escape, but the scent of eucalyptus also works wonders in getting you into a zen state of mind. Hang up a few stems on your showerhead until they dry out, which usually takes about two months. Mama Wunderbar Eucalyptus Shower Bundle also features chamomile and lavender — making the combination of scents truly therapeutic.
Set Up Soft Lighting
Whenever you got a massage or a spa treatment (remember those?), they’d likely dim the lights to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Sometimes an electrician can install dimmers into your existing lighting system. If that’s not an investment you want to commit to, try a chic, dimmable lamp that can sit on your vanity or bathroom ledge while you shower (the Allsop Luna Lamp can be set to different colors). Or, stock up on candles in soothing scents (try Diptyque Feuille de Lavande) to further ease your mind.
Take a Seat
A shower seat is useful for practical reasons, like being able to easily shave your legs. But, it’s also the ultimate ritual-like experience to comfortably sit back and let the water wash over you. If your space allows, a shower bench made of bamboo is naturally water-resistant (though not completely waterproof so make sure it has plenty of air circulation to dry).
Buff Skin with a Dry Brush
On top of exfoliating dead skin cells, which is the key to getting your skin to glow, dry brushing is known to help with your lymphatic drainage and increases blood circulation so that your body experiences a detox. All you need is a dry brush (one with a long handle makes it easier to get hard-to-reach areas like your back), and use slightly firm pressure to brush against dry skin in sweeping motions towards your heart — this promotes blood flow. Start at your ankles and work your way up. You’ll want to go over each area just about two or three times, otherwise, it may irritate your skin. When it comes to your stomach, brush in a clockwise motion.
Use a Body Scrub
If you already did some dry brushing, you don’t have to overdo it on the exfoliation in the shower. But if you’re really chasing that glow, a body scrub is just the trick to smooth and baby-soft skin. Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub refines bumpy texture with salicylic acid and activated charcoal that lifts impurities out of your skin like magic. It won’t leave your skin feeling raw, however, thanks to coconut water and avocado oil that wrap your skin in hydration.
P.S. To exfoliate from head to toe, Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum uses both alpha and beta hydroxy acids to dissolve excess oil and clarify product residue from your scalp.
Lather Up with Luxury
Look for a body wash or gel that’s infused with decadent ingredients: lightweight oils like jojoba or rosehip that leave your skin feel supple, ceramides that help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier or shea butter for intense nourishment. And if it smells great, that’s a bonus.
Apply Moisturizer
The best time to apply moisturizer is when your skin is still damp from your shower because it helps your skin to absorb your products better. After you get out of the shower, the water from your skin evaporates into the air so you want to lock in that moisture.
Throw on a Plush Robe
Bathrobes shouldn’t be exclusive to when you’re staying in a hotel. Instead of sitting in your wet towel or throwing on your clothes right away, sink into a comfy robe. A classic terry cloth robe will wick away moisture (the Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe is extra thick for coziness) while keeping you warm. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a lace or silk robe. Feel free to keep the good vibes going and wear it around the house the rest of the day — hey, it’s quarantine after all.
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