GIRL, TAKE A SHOWER

Taking the time to get lathered up on a daily basis can feel superfluous right now, when there are better things to do like binge The Great or peruse Postmates for your next snack. However, as someone who experiences bathing and all its scented accoutrements as something akin to a religious ritual, I’m here to make the case for it. Or at least, to help you to make the most of each shower, as intermittently as you may be taking one.

Good Scents: First things first: Give your shower a spa vibe and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy with a few drops of essential oil in each corner. I’m partial to invigorating Eucalyptus in the morning and calming Lavender before bedtime.

Heads Up: Can’t be bothered to wash your hair more than once a week (at best)? Make it count with a deep scalp detox—I love Amika Reset Exfoliating Scrub and Christophe Robin Purifying Scrub. Both feature sea salt as a cleansing ingredient, which also—added bonus— gives hair beachy waves. On no-wash days, go easy on the dry shampoo (especially the scented ones!) for less residue buildup. I like to let my hair air-dry with a few spritzes of Playa Endless Summer Spray.

Clean Sweep: Taking just a few extra moments to exfoliate with a dry brush pre-shower removes dead skin cells, boosts circulation, and helps to prevent breakouts—essential if you’re not showering every day. The Joanna Vargas Miracle Bar can be used on face and body, and contains charcoal to remove impurities for next-level cleansing.

Smooth Talk: I’ll admit I bought my Flamingo Razor purely for the aesthetic appeal, but it truly does deliver a close shave that keeps me stubble-free for longer..

Between Clean: There have been days during quarantine when it becomes clear a shower just isn’t going to happen, but I still want to feel human. On those occasions, three products are my life- and timesavers: Bioderma Wipes are an easy way to wipe off last night’s retinol, Vichy 24-Hour Deodorant lasts as long as it claims, plus it disappears into skin, and Rosebud Cleansing Spray keeps my vagine pristine.

More important than any product, though, I hope during this crazy time you find a sanctuary in your shower for breathing space, for daydreaming, for a good cry, for creative solutions, for whatever you need.

x Kate