If you have been following me for a long time now, you know that I’m a bit bath-obsessed. I take one nearly every night. Drawing a bath is an essential part of my wind-down from the day (during quarantine it’s helped me separate work from relaxation!) and less about getting clean than doing something nice for myself. I love the bath. There’s nothing better after a long day of work, a hard workout, or just because.
J.R. Watkins Bath Elixirs
I have quite a roster of favorite soaks and bathing accoutrements but a new favorite from earlier in the year has been J.R. Watkins Bath Elixirs. They smell amazing (there are three scent profiles: Awaken, Detox, and Sleep) Each scent is designed to offer you a tailored experience based on what your mind and body need most and THEY ARE NOT MESSY AT ALL which I absolutely love. A lot of soaks can be so messy, leaving behind a salty or grainy residue. That doesn’t stop me from using them but it’s really such a treat to not have to clean the bath tub after bathing. Because there’s nothing worse than having to scrub your tub after you’ve reached peek relaxation.
J.R. Watkins is a natural, personal care brand crafted with non-toxic, plant-based formulas. They’re also really reasonably priced at just $14.99 (and you get several soaks per bottle – I have a heavy hand and would say one bottle lasts me about 8 baths).
Also: if you head to my instagram stories today, I’ll be giving one lucky winner a $200 gift card to spend at J.R. Watkins! Besides the bath elixirs they have a ton of other incredible bath and body products.
My Top Five Bath Essentials:
one // these soaks, of course!
I really like all of them but the Detox (ginger, witch hazel, and chamomile) is my personal favorite. That was my introduction to the brand (last winter) and I’m still loyal. But Sleep (soothing lavender chamomile) and Awaken (coriander, bergamot & chamomile) are lovely too! It’s nice that there’s one for every need.
two // wine.
Is there really any explanation necessary here?
three // a big glass of lemon water.
You’re going to sweat in the tub (especially if you use the Detox one!) and you absolutely must drink a lot of water, especially if you’re having wine! I sound like a parent but hydration is important.
four // an unputdownable book.
Something that has you unable to concentrate on anything else! Check out my books page for more recs – I recommend sorting by grade and any of the A+ picks will be perfect for bath time. For a thriller my top picks would be Verity, The Last Flight, or anything by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen or Liv Constantine. For romance I’d say The Idea of You or One To Watch or anything by Christina Lauren.
five // a cold wash cloth.
I always forget about it but it’s definitely nice to have, especially for a longer soak. I’ve taken to keeping a few damp washcloths in the freezer and it’s always nice during a long soak!
A bath tray is great too… it’s nice having a place to securely hold (multiple haha) beverages, a book, and anything else you may want for your soak. I bought mine a few years ago and it sold out but this one appears to be identical!
I wanted to mention J.R. Watkins’ In-Shower Mists too, as these are a great way to add the spa-like experience to your shower. Just add a few spritzes to running water for a heavenly scent experience! My personal favorite of these is AWAKEN as that’s usually what I’m trying to do when I get in the shower!
Sponsored by J.R. Watkins // photography by Allie Provost.
I wish I had a bathtub – in dire need of a long soak right now! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Give the shower mists a try! Next best thing!!!
a shower mist sounds HEAVENLY! I am not a bath person but that could jazz up my showers!
Also the rose looks so good…is there anything better than a good glass of rose in a good glass?! ha!
Oh then these are PERFECT. I really like them and find myself liking showers more now, ha!
I’ve really upped my bath game during COVID, now I need that tray.
Oh it’s so amazing – makes my janky tub feel so luxe!
AHHH I NEED that bathrobe!!!! Did I miss a link? 🙂 If so, can you please let me know where I can get this!
AH it is so old from Etsy. The brand is Piyama. Here’s a link to their etsy shop: https://shopstyle.it/l/bmGbj
I don’t think they make this particular style anymore but this one is cute! https://shopstyle.it/l/bmGcT
We just moved a week ago and I finally have a good bathtub. I will now be buying ALLLLL of the bath products you have recommended over the years.
AH congratulations. My own tub is pretty medium, I dream of a big standalone tub someday!
That bathrobe is gorgeous! Even better if it’s a dress! Is it still available? Thanks for what you do 🙂
Someone beat me to it, thank you!
Thank you so much! I linked to a similar one but the brand is Piyama! Love their robes and PJs, have bought several as gifts!
Taking baths is what really relaxes me after a long working week!
Miki x
http://www.littletasteofbeauty.com
AGREED!!!!
I LOVE a good sweat in the tub, but my building weirdly throttles how much hot water each apt gets, so my baths are only lukewarm, which is really disappointing!!! I used to take baths almost every day too!
That is so sad and annoying!
How long do you soak? I hadn’t taken a bath in forever until quarantine and I think I made it too hot and stayed in too long! Any other tips for an enjoyable bath? 🙂
Usually 20 minutes or so! And re: temp I always start lukewarm and then add more hot water if I feel like the bath needs it 🙂
I’m very much into baths, Grace. Sometimes I get chilled and the only remedy is a good warm bath. I always appreciate bath salts and soaks as gifts. I like to light a candle, too.
Ah that sounds so nice. My bathroom isn’t very well ventilated so I can’t have candles but yes they are such a nice touch!!
I just loooove baths!
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
I love bathtime! For myself, it’s a way to destress. I love adding in goodies to the bath to make it more fun and leave my skin feeling so soft!