For that instant ‘ahh’ moment that is so needed following Christmas festivities, look no further than your bathtub. I plan my baths with real precision, layering products as I would my skincare. Seriously.
I start with a tub full of warm water and add in salts. These can be fancy or cheap as chips: I find the Westlab Epsom Bath Salt very effective in relaxing the muscles, and because it isn’t expensive, I’ll happily throw a few handfuls of the stuff into my bath. For £2.50 a kilo, you really can’t go wrong.
For a more luxurious option, the Hawaiian Lava Soak by Therapie (£58) is utterly blissful (you can use a scoop of either of these in a foot bath, too). If there’s anyone who knows about calming blends, it’s Michelle Roques-O’Neil, the brand’s founder.
Next up in my bath-time layering comes an oil. I’ve long been a fan of Aromatherapy Associates’ Bath & Shower Oils (£49). These are some of the most delicious around – I love Deep Relax, which does exactly what it says on the, er, chic glass bottle.
The ylang-ylang- and sandalwood-spiked Revive Evening is a close second. For a less expensive option, try the Midnight Storm Botanical Bath & Body Oil by Soak Sunday (£14), which leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturised.
The pairing of salts and oil makes for a winning soak for me, but if you prefer a traditional bubble bath, the new Women’s Balance Foaming Bath by Neal’s Yard Remedies is excellent. The grounding blend of patchouli, rose and frankincense feels perfect for this time of the year.
And finally, before I submerge myself in my blissful, aromatherapeutic tub, no bath is complete without a candle, is it? Christmas may be over, but I love to keep lighting my favourites, Sapin by Diptyque (£60) and Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone (£50), throughout the winter months.
