STYLE

Full confession: I do some of my best thinking in the shower. Somewhere between shampooing and sudsing and shaving, I've made the day's to-do lists, planned at least two outfits, solved a friend fight and randomly remembered that I promised to go hiking with my mom this weekend.

And what do I think about while lounging around in the tub? Absolutely. Nothing. So while my Everything Showers will always have their place, when I'm in need of a serious self-care sesh, it's the Everything Bath for me. Hop on in, the water's fine...

Set the Scene.

To totally unwind, create the ultimate bath aesthetic. Leave your textbooks (and texts, for that matter) far, far away and put on some chill music (we're loving Em Beihold atm). Or play a guided meditation, then turn down the lights and light a couple of yummy-smelling candles. (Shrankhla Holecek, founder of Uma Oils, recommends relaxing scents like vetiver and sandalwood.) Serenity now.

Add the Essentials.

What fun is a bath without all the bubbles? Just pick a hydrating formula to keep your skin nourished while you soak (we love Vitabath's Heavenly Coconut Crème Bubble Bath, $9, myvitabath.com). Stepping into a tub filled with suds will bring you back to your carefree days as a little kid/turn you into your fave rom-com main character.

Rubber Duck, Honoson, $16 | Hair Mask, Odele, $13 | Candle, Bath & Body Works, $27 | Speaker, Insmy, $27 | Bath Bomb, Lush, $9 | Mask, Versed, $10 | Slippers, Evshine, $17 | Tray, Cabot & Carlyle, $26

Keep Your Skin Calm.

Take care with the temp, sensitive sisters. "Lukewarm is optimal for a bath," shares dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. "If the water is too hot, it can make your skin dry, itchy and red by stripping away the natural oils." She recommends keeping your bath time to about 15 minutes (though we've been known to push it past that).

Multi-Task with More than One Mask.

Bath time is the perfect time to treat your face *and* your hair to a mask. If you have oily skin, go for a clay-based formula. Dry or sensitive skin? Pick a creamy, soothing mask. Next, do your winter-weary 'do a favor and apply a deep conditioner. "The steam and warm water help the ingredients better penetrate your skin," says Dr. Garshick.

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Keep the Good Vibes Going.

Ready to hop out? Run the shower to rinse off your masks, then get out, pat skin dry with a towel and moisturize head to toe. "Applying lotion to damp skin helps the hydrating ingredients absorb into your skin," notes Dr. Garshick. Then wrap up in your fluffiest robe, don your coziest slippers, brew a cup of herbal tea (try chamomile for a sound sleep) and tuck in with your favorite book. The world can wait until tomorrow...

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our December/January 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Read on for more beauty and wellness content...
🛁 Your guide to a flawless Everything Shower routine
✨ We just found your perfect face mask
💖 5 myths about mental health (and the real facts you need to know)

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Top image: @i.tam.i.tu
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by Erin Reimel | 1/28/2024