As the weather remains chilly and darkness continues to dominate the daytime – many of us are counting the days until spring heralds a bit of sunshine. And for those of us longing for warmth, nothing beats the winter blues better than slipping into a luxurious bath after a day of battling bad hair, wet winds, rail strikes and rain. But as spa aficionados know, the perfect bath requires two things – exceptional bath oil and just the right scented candle. So if you are looking for some therapeutic bath bliss to keep you satisfied until spring, read on…
Fragrance innovator and pioneer Jo Malone has created Bath Cologne which, if you haven’t sampled yet, ought to be on your bucket list. Her Jo Loves Pink Vetiver bath cologne (£60 joloves.com) is a sumptuous bathing experience unlike any other within a cloud of scented steam. Designed to fragrance and soften skin without it feeling sticky, heavy or oily, it’s pure indulgence at its best.
British Lifestyle brand Lilou et Loic’s beautiful hand-made, extra large glass decanters are a fitting and stunning receptacle for their gorgeous bath foams. Not only do they promote a great night’s sleep, they look and feel like luxury personified. Presented in exclusive boxes with grosgrain ribbon they are available in six scents. (£85 lilouetloic.com). My personal favourite? White cashmere.
Beauty editor’s darling, Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body and Bath Oil has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and Elle. And with good reason. This luxury bath oil is based on an aromatic blend of 11 essential oils including a powerful combination of Rosehip, Neroli and Evening Primose that leaves your skin smelling like heaven. Skin-soothing, glow-giving, this heavenly elixir promises a divine soak. (£80 panachecosmetics.com)
The scent of Oliverum Bath Oil (£48 oliverum.com) is divinely distinctive. Containing Essential oils of lemon, lavender and exotic verbena this powerful fragrance (you only need a capful) feels therapeutic and transforms your bath into a calming and invigorating spa experience for mind and body. Ideal for dry skin, it’s also particularly good if you feel a cold coming on.
Kerstan Florian is a name well known amongst skin care experts and their lavender bath and body oil (£44.00 kerstanflorian.co.uk) stands up to their stellar reputation. Ginger, Coriander and Plai essential oils energise and invigorate the senses and leave skin feeling ultra soft. A certified organic body oil that really works to relax aching muscles, this one will make you feel warmed to the very core and ready for slumber.
I also recommend Rituals Hammam Massage Organic Argan Oil and Eucalyptus for an invigorating spa feeling at a very affordable price. Enriched with revitalising organic Argan Oil and the warming properties of natural Eucalyptus, this little powerhouse gives you that sexy and exotic Hammam feeling without having to brave the airport queues. (uk.rituals.com £13.50).
And for the ideal Fragranced Flame there are two standouts:
Jo Loves Salted Caramel Candle – Nothing, and I repeat nothing, can beat this candle for sheer indulgence. From the first moment that flame flickers, this soothing blend of warm, liquid caramel combined with crushed rock salt literally melts the air around the bath. A guilt-free way to extravagance, this is ideal for cosy nights in and offers 40 hours of burn time – worth every penny.
(£55 joloves.com).
Lilou et Loic has created a stunning luxury candle in a pure and uplifting fragrance sure to create the perfect bathing experience. Their Grapefruit and Basil Signature Candle is the ideal blend to see you both energised and relaxed at once. Boasting a vibrant grapefruit note combined with basil, thyme and peppermint, this beauty comes in a stunning box with chic silver and white stripes – it looks as good as it smells. (£50 lilouetloic.com).
