There are a number of ways you can relax in the comfort of your own home, and taking a bath [1] is a classic go-to. Yes, spas are great and all, but you can elevate your own bathroom to feel like a five-star resort in minutes — without having to step a foot outside or spend an arm and a leg on the experience.
Picture this: the lights are dim, soft music is playing in the background, and the room smells of lavender. All you need are a few of your favourite items — a book, a face mask [2], a generous glass of wine — and you're on your way to the most relaxing at-home soak you've ever had in your life.
If you're in need of some zen time to unwind at the end of a hectic week [3] or looking for creative, fun ways to spend time at home, you can create the perfect bath in just a few easy steps.
Keep reading to learn how to make your bath experience [4] more relaxing, ahead.
Put on Some Relaxing Music or a Podcast
Set the mood for your bath by putting on your favourite playlist or album. Pick something that makes you feel happy and relaxed [5]. You can also use this time to listen to a Podcast or meditate, which is my personal go-to.
Light a Candle (Or Two)
An essential step in creating ambiance is lighting a few candles. My favourite is the Diptyque Baies Candle [6] ($68). Place them throughout the room that way when you turn the lights off, the space is filled with a beautiful glow.
Use Essential Oils in the Room
Adding essential oils to the room can make the soak into an aromatherapy experience. You can diffuse your favourite essential oil to fill the room with the scent or add a drop to your inner wrists and behind your ears for a more targeted experience. I like using lavender because it gets me ready for bed, but chamomile, ylang ylang, or citrus oils (if you want to feel invigourated) also work.
Add Bath Salts
You can enhance your soak by adding bath salts to the tub. The Herbivore Calm Bath Salts [7] ($18) contain Himalayan pink salt crystals, floral ylang-ylang, and natural vanilla.
Use a Bath Bomb or Bubbles
Make the soaking experience way more enjoyable by adding a bath bomb or bubbles to the mix. For a bath bomb, the Lush Twilight Bath Bomb [8] ($8) fills your tub with a dreamy pink hue and smells of lavender oil to reduce stress. Or, if you prefer bubbles, try the L'Occitane Lavender Harvest Foaming Bath [9] ($39)
Do a Face Mask
Take advantage of this time to do a soothing or deeply hydrating face mask. It can be of the sheet mask, peel-off mask, or wash-off variety — whatever you're feeling. I like to use the time to let a restorative face mask work its magic, like the Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask [10] ($48) paired with the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask [11] ($20).
Read a Book
Grab a gook book and use the time to unwind and get lost in it. Reading in the bathtub can be a great way to detox from technology and get you ready for bed.
Do a Hair Mask
Another area you can give a little TLC to? Your hair. The bath is a great time to do a hair mask because you can easily let it soak into mess-free and rinse it out when you're finished. I like the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Weightless Mask [12] ($38).
Pour a Big Glass of Wine
Refreshments are always a must. I can't think of a better way to relax than with a glass of my favourite wine within arms reach. Pour yourself a generous glass before hopping into the tub — it's all in the name of self-care.
Do a Body Treatment or Mask
After soaking for a little while, you can finish off the whole DIY [13] spa experience with a body treatment or mask. Try exfoliating your skin with the Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish Exfoliator [14] ($67) and get ready for the softest skin of your life.
Finish With a Luxurious Body Moisturiser and Your Favourite Pajamas
When you're finally ready to step out of the bathtub, don't just rush into your next activity. Extend the self-care moment a little longer by slathering on a luxurious body butter, like the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter [15] ($36), before putting on a fluffy robe or your comfiest pair of pajamas.