You’ve had a long day. Your alarm went off way too early, you ran out of coffee, and the pile of work on your desk seems to have grown overnight. But, because you’re you, you manage to get everything done and still cook a delicious and healthy dinner. Now, it’s 8 o’clock, and although your to-do list is empty, your mind won’t seem to turn off. Enter bath rituals. If I had it my way, I would take a bath every day. Of course, my schedule doesn’t always allow it, but when I have a spare hour, it’s out with the lights and on with the faucet. Plus, a few scented candles and bath salts, obviously.
In my experience, there’s not much that a hot bath can’t fix. Anxiety wreaking havoc in your mind? Take a bath and a few deep breaths. Feeling a cold coming on? Take a detox bath. Had an amazing day? Take a bath to celebrate. Of course, by the time the water is cold and I have to get out the world hasn’t changed, but for those blissful moments in the bath, I’m at ease. Because my own personal bath rituals play such an important role in my life, I was curious to see how our editors unwind with their own bath rituals. From our favorite products to our best tips and tricks, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to create your own oasis from life.
Read on for our editors’ bath rituals, and then create your own.
Describe your Bath Ritual:
As I mentioned above, if I could take a bath every day, I would. Realistically, though, it happens about 3-4 times a week, but always on Sunday. Depending on the time of day, I either sprinkle in some lavender bath salts to promote sleep or add in some bath oils for extra moisture throughout the day. While the water is flowing, I straighten up the rest of my bathroom because I cannot relax while looking at a mess. I set out a large glass of water, sometimes some hot tea, a body scrub, and my chosen form of entertainment right before getting in. Finally, I turn off all of the lights, light a few candles, and soak in my favorite part of the day.
Bath products used:
First things first, I clip my hair back with one of these giant claw clips so that it doesn’t get wet or oily from any products.
Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, Soothe & Sleep
If I’m bathing at night, I use this Dr. Teal’s Soothe and Sleep Epsom Salt as either a bath salt or a scrub (or both). To use as a scrub, I just mix in with whatever body wash I have on hand.
Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, Soothe & Sleep, $4.87
I like to pour in a bit of this bath oil to give my baths that drool-worthy spa smell and to moisturize my skin at the same time.
Describe your Bath Ritual:
If I’m lucky, I get in a good soak once a week. What’s required for me to get all bubbly in the tub? First and foremost, a clean tub! I wouldn’t dare step foot into the tub unless I know it’s been cleaned (and rinsed thoroughly) with some super gentle, non-toxic cleaning products, of course! I’m partial to Branch Basics. Next, I like to turn off the lights completely. Whether it’s day or not, doesn’t matter. And yes, every single light. That way, I can take a tub by the natural glow of a fave candle. Oftentimes I do nothing in the bath except stare at the ceiling and do my best to be present. Other times, I’ll finally devour a cookbook—my latest go-to’s are Jessica Seinfeld’s Vegan, At Times, and Alison Roman’s Nothing Fancy.
Bath products used:
goop “The Martini” Emotional Detox Bath Soak
Hands down, my all-time fave bath soak is Goop’s Emotional Detox bath. Sometimes I actually need its healing and detoxing properties, but most of the time it’s what I choose for the scent alone, which lingers on the skin for hours after.
Describe your Bath Ritual:
I dedicate Sunday evenings (and honestly anytime I’m freezing cold) to bath time. Sundays are typically my long-run days so the best time to do a good muscle soak. Before I hop in the bath, I dry brush my entire body to get the lymphatic system moving. Lately, I’ve been using a mix between Parachute x Osea Sleep Time Bath Salts and milk & honey’s muscle soak in the actual bath. It’s lights-out with a good candle for me. Sometimes I pick a chill playlist off Spotify, but most of the time I’m catching up on the Nikki Glaser Podcast or Sex With Emily (honestly both have great and real relationship advice). While I’m soaking, I usually do my Virtue Keratin Treatment Hair Mask and an SK-II face mask. Never fails! After my bath, I pop my melatonin and magnesium and basically roll right into bed.., by 9 pm, of course.
Bath products used:
Dry brushing is critical for skin exfoliation and detox. Check out our guide here.
OSEA for Parachute Sleep Time Bath Salt
This relaxing bath salt is made with plant-based ingredients and is free of toxins.
milk + honey Muscle Soak, Nº 18
Add this to your bath when your muscles need a little love.
Describe your Bath Ritual:
I’m obsessed with baths and they are my Sunday escape from my entire family. Typically as soon as the kids go to bed. Before I take a bath I do some dry brushing (this is my go-to brush) and a quick rinse off in the shower. My husband is really good about bringing me a glass of water and decaf tea to enjoy. I’m obsessed with soaking in Necessaire’s body wash in eucalyptus. The scent is relaxing and it doesn’t overdry my skin. If I really need to give myself the royal treatment I’ll throw on some type of moisture mask, usually Tata Harper hydrating floral mask and a lip treatment. This one by Three Ships Beauty is lovely and has been saving my lips from the harsh dry winter air. Lately, I haven’t had the energy to read or listen to music so I’ve been lighting a candle. I have a synthetic fragrance allergy so I stick to natural fragrance candles like this one from Heretic. Then I roll a towel behind my neck, shut my eyes, and try to turn my mind off.
Bath products used:
This lip treatment will be your lips’ BFF during winter.
Necessaire The Body Wash in Eucalyptus
The scent is so relaxing and it won’t overdry your skin.
Describe your Bath Ritual:
A few nights out of the week, after the dinner clean-up is done and the kids wind down with a show, I run a hot bath, turn off the lights in the bathroom, and light a few candles. There’s something about turning off the overheads that instantly relaxes me. I love to slather on a face mask and lay there for a while with a book or turn on a podcast and close my eyes—heaven!
Bath products used:
I love how this cleanser smells, and the chic neutral packaging is also pretty perfect on my bath shelf.
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash
I alternate with this one, the ultimate when it comes to quenching my dry winter skin. It feels so luxurious.
I cover my face in this mask and feel instantly transported. Its nourishing ingredients really sink in while I soak.
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Mind Bath Oil
While the bath is running, I pour a capful into the water and am instantly enveloped in the most calming scent that reminds me to be present.
Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion
Finally, retinol for the body in an easy-to-use and actually moisturizing formula that I slather on my body head-to-toe after I climb out of the bath. It’s great for exfoliating any bumpiness or rough spots, keeping skin firm and glowy.
Describe your Bath Ritual:
I’m a Friday night bath-taker. I love transitioning from the fast-paced workweek to setting the intention of slowing down for the weekend with a restorative bath. It might seem odd, but living in a cold, wet climate, I always start my routine with a walk or run outside. When I get back, my body and mind are primed for a warm-up. I switch between listening to podcasts (this is my current fave) or making progress in my book. The ritual will last anywhere from half an hour to 45 minutes—basically, I know it’s time to get out when my skin reaches prune status.
Bath products used:
Maude No. 1 mineral bath salts are non-negotiable. They feature a beautiful blend of warming scents (amber, cedar leaf, and Medjool date). It’s the perfect mix of being both calming and rejuvenating.
OTHERLAND Cardamon Milk Vegan Candle
I always begin my bath routine by lighting my Cardamom Milk Otherland candle. The jar’s design is gorgeous, and I love how the act of lighting sets the intention for a calm moment to come.
If it was possible to fall in love with a lotion (isn’t it though?) my heart would belong to my Kai Body Lotion. I love rehydrating my skin with a moisturizer immediately after hopping out of the bath, and the smell is soooo good.
Describe your Bath Ritual:
Since quarantine last year, I have upped my bathing ritual to at least 2-3 times a week. There is something so therapeutic and meditative about a bath—it forces me to pause and be present since there is nowhere else I can go and nothing I can do other than be in that moment. I love my bath steaming hot and I use the time to multi-mask along with a mini spa moment that typically includes a body salt scrub. I always have at least two face washcloths, multiple mask pots or tubes, and a dry hand towel nearby to rinse off each mask before reapplying. Oh, and I always light a candle and turn the lights off before I hop in—this really sets a calm and relaxing mood.
Bath products used:
First things first, I put my hair up and wrap a facial headband around my face so I don’t get the many masks I am about to slather on it, into my hair!
One Wednesday Waffle Towels Wash Cloths (set of 2)
I am in love with these waffle towels. They’re incredibly soft, come in multiple colors, and they dry super fast too. Oh, and they’re affordable. Their bath sheets are my favorite!
Baina Roman Organic Cotton Towel
There is nothing like ramping up your towel game come bath time. Stepping out of a warm bath into a soft, comforting towel is where it’s at. This one looks pretty when it’s not in use, too.
I like to multi-mask when I’m in the bath and always apply them with a brush so I’m not digging my fingers into the tub, but also, it just makes me feel like I’m giving myself a spa-worthy facial at home.
IMAGE Skincare VITAL C Hydrating Enzyme Masque
I only started using Image this year but I have already fallen for so many of their products. It’s an esthetician-loved line which means these are formulas that actually do what they say. This is one of their most popular masks with tons of vitamin c and enzymes that help to exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal fresh, bright skin. I always do this one first and follow up with a hydrating mask to replenish.
Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Ruby Crystal Microderm Exfoliator Scrub
If I am in need of a little extra exfoliation, I reach for my favorite scrub. This one has super fine micro-crystals that mimic a professional microdermabrasion treatment. It’s so delicate but wow, that fresh glow afterward is like nothing else. You just have to try it to see for yourself.
Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Ruby Crystal Microderm Exfoliator Scrub,
If my skin is feeling compromised or like it’s breaking out then I always do a Lesse bioactive face mask. The purifying charcoal helps to detoxify and cleanse while the aloe vera and tea tree help to calm redness and blemishes.
I have always been a huge fan of the Cosmedix professional peels so when they launched an at-home version recently I was one of the first to sign up. This is a gentle exfoliation that is suitable for all skin types thanks to its combination of PHA, Lactobionic Acid, and Phytic Acid that helps to smooth and brighten.
Nothing beats retinol for anti-aging and this mask gives you all the benefits of this hero ingredient without the downtime. It packs a punch but is gentle too.
Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial
This is one of the newest launches from Elemis and I have already used it several times since it arrived at my house. This is like a huge drink of water for your skin and I love the gel-like texture. I apply this prebiotic overnight sleeping cream at the end of my bath because I don’t have to take it off. It just continues to do the work overnight so I wake up with soft, radiant skin.
Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
There is no other salt body scrub quite like this one. It’s incredibly luxurious and packed with the cleanest, most efficacious ingredients. I love nothing more than applying this to my entire body while bathing so my skin is smooth but also hydrated thanks to the shea butter and wild gigartina seaweed.
No bath is complete without a candle in my opinion. This one by Nette is a favorite.
Boy Smells Figurare Scented Candle
When it comes to candle fragrance, you really can’t beat fig. This one is heaven “scent” and is affordable, too.
Osea Undaria Algae Body Butter
When I’m finally ready to leave the tub, I slather my skin in this rich body butter. With undaria seaweed, whipped shea butter, and ceramides your skin will feel like you just stepped out of a magical spa! Trust me, this one is worth every penny.
