Monday 5 August 2019

THREE SENSATIONALLY SCENTED SOAKS

We often think that soaking in a bath belongs to the autumn or winter months but what would you say if I told you that summertime bathing is making a real comeback? Those people who don’t have the luxury of a pool in the back garden are turning to the bathtub to provide some much-needed respite from the continuing heat. Now, bubbles just don’t seem to cut it in hot weather but clear, fragranced water is an absolute joy to relax in. So, grab a book and a glass of wine because I’m going to introduce you to three sensationally scented soaks that are perfect for summertime bathing.

I have to admit right at the start that I am a compulsive bather, so much so that I should probably have been born a fish. There is something magical about the way that a soak in the bath can ease away troubles and provide some much-needed time alone. It falls out of fashion during the warmer months but if you jettison the bubbles for salts then the combination of the fragrance and the cool water is heavenly. We’ve come a long way since the days of the bath cube and so it’s time for me to try and entice you back.

My first choice takes us to Wrexham in North Wales and Freyaluna’s Rosemary & Geranium Reviving Bath Salts. The company was founded in 2012 by Sami Blackford and she has gone on to create a very successful natural skincare brand. The wash of scent that you get from these clear water salts is so uplifting. An aromatic blend of rosemary and geranium is perfectly accompanied by the citrus qualities of lime and lemongrass but, playing in the background, a touch of eucalyptus adds to the uplifting effect. Rosemary & Geranium Reviving Bath Salts are available from freyaluna.co.uk priced at £14 for 235g.

The next choice may seem like a more “traditional” option but Jasminum Bath & Body Salts from Ancienne Ambiance are anything but. The company was launched in 2004 by Adriana Carlucci and, always taking the ancient world as her inspiration, these salts are decidedly decadent. The jasmine oil in here is pushed to the maximum and that means the aroma is intoxicating. Alongside the white floral you get touches of the sensual animalic qualities of the oil but, in the background, there’s the merest hint of violet and lemon. I could lie in this for hours, and did. Jasminum Bath & Body Salts are available from ancienneambiance.com priced at £30 for 300g.

My final choice goes to Castell Apothecary’s Nos Da Sleepy Milk Bath. Based in South Wales and founded by An Young in 2016, the company has expanded far beyond its original collection of home scents. I know that I promised “clear” water but what’s a little milkiness between friends. The scent is wonderfully intriguing because, alongside sweet orange and traces of lavender, you are treated to the grounding aroma of patchouli. The “milkiness” leaves your skin feeling beautifully smooth and the scent really does soothe away the day. Nos Da Sleepy Milk Bath is available from castellapothecary.co.uk priced at £8.50 for 50g.

Whichever one you choose to try, remember that soaking in the bath really is a wonderful way to de-stress, relax, and take some well-deserved “me” time. [Samples provided by the companies listed]

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