How To Luxe Up Your Shower Routine

When we first moved into the flat the list of renovations that we had to make was longer than the list of marble-topped goods that I wish to buy off Etsy. It was pretty huge. Quite high up the list was the re-do of the bathroom and more than a year later, we’re still washing our faces in a tiny propped up mirror, cursing the cat flap in the window on a daily basis and showering in a bath that has the same texture as sandpaper. Yeah, it’s a work in progress. Here’s the thing, we do have a bath, but because the enamel has decayed away it gives you this unexpected… exfoliation, shall we say. It’s basically just one big unpleasant experience so for that reason I save my bathing time for when I’m round my parents or staying away in fancy hotels (when I realise there’s a bath I do a mini fist pump and fish out the mini bath oil that I carry out in my travel toiletry bag – WIN).

So when I need a clean it’s always a shower for me and you know what? I think they can be pretty fancy too. Sure there isn’t the salts and the soaks and the pomp that comes with bath time routines and rituals, but I have been adding some products to my shower time stash that make the whole thing a tad more opulent. So if you’re too without the use of a bath, here are a few items that are guaranteed to luxe-up cleaning time.

Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil in Support Peppermint & Lavender. I’m a big fan of using these oils in the bath, but they work just as well in the shower too. The idea is that you slather it all over your body before you get in and then rinse it off under the shower. Not only does it make the whole experience smell incredible, but it also leaves you skin with a light layer of moisture.

Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo. Whenever I stray from this shampoo, I get through about three or four washes before I race back to repurchase this. If you struggle with build-up, greasiness and getting your hair to feel ‘clean clean’ then this is what you need. Nothing makes my hair feel as fresh as this does and the good thing is that you need a tiny amount and so a bottle, although pricey, lasts a decent amount of time.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Citrus Shower Gel. I can’t say I’m overly fussed when it comes to shower gel and usually end up running out and stealing whatever Mark is using, but there’s no denying that something that smells good makes for a good shower. There’s a few fancy ones that I would repurchase and this is one of them. It’s a slightly thicker formula so feels nourishing on the skin and is so darn refreshing that it’s a good one to wake you up.

Blithe Patting Water Pack in Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey. Yep – this one again. I’ve mentioned this a shedload round these parts since I purchased it as part of K-Beauty haul that I showed in this first impressions video; and now I’ve found my groove with it. I pour out a capful into my hands in the shower, splash it on my face and then get under the water flow and pat it in for around 30 seconds. It leaves behind a tingle and my face not only feels softer, but looks glowier too. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Origins Rituali-Tea Revitalising Cleansing Body Mask with Matcha & Green Tea. Thought that masks were just for your face? Think again. I find this to be more of a body scrub that anything else, but it’s still a fun, if not messy, step to do in the shower. It’s sugar based so I find that it polishes away all dead skin/fake tan mistakes and leaves my limbs looking a little more J.Lo-esque when I get out the shower. HA. Dream on girl.

Bumble & Bumble Seaweed Mild Marine Conditioner. I picked this up in a rush as I’d run out of conditioner (and completely forgot to repurchase the Kiehl’s Amino Acid one when I was last in Space NK) and I actually really like it. I never used to be a conditioner-girl, but this one adds a light layer of hydration, makes the ends feels softer and makes detangling my hair when I get out of the shower a breeze. No yelps or watery eyes to be seen.

Photos by Lauren Shipley

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