The Art of Bathing

by E_Diva

How passionate are you about showers? Are you moved by the sight of an oversize tub? If not... why not? We all obviously shower to get clean - in, scrub, out, repeat - but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Bathtime is your chance for a bit of relaxation after a busy day, and showers can be that much-needed eye opening experience in the morning.

A good, long soak in the tub can revive tired muscles, while some products on the market can also offer anti-aging and other properties to bolster cell renewal. On the other hand, a steamy shower opens your pores to remove toxins, purifying the skin.

The products you choose to use on your body are just as important as those used on your face. So why settle? Make the most out of your next trip to the tub... it's time to take back the art of bathing.

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Pacifica

Pacifica specialises in hand-poured candles, soaps and body butters made from high quality natural ingredients and essential oils, resulting in highly fragrant, distinctive blends such as Pacific Red Ginger, Mexican Cocoa, and Tuscan Blood Orange. Soaps are packaged in eye-catching, environmentally safe boxes with information on the healing properties and country of origin for each significant base note.

The blends are thoughtful and original, instead of the same old bland offerings from competing companies, and contain exfoliating particles of actual herbs and flowers that gently scrub your skin as you shower. The entire catalogue is both biodegradable and vegan safe, and reasonably priced too. Once you've tried it, you may wonder why you ever used anything else.

Best Buy: Zanzibar Cinnamon Almond, an intoxicating blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond. This one smells amazing straight from the box, and is a true shower experience.

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Callisto Bath and Body

Kelli and Lorraine of Callisto Bath and Body have an unparalleled range of natural, handmade bath and body products at extremely affordable prices. Callisto uses first rate natural ingredients and potent essential oils, blended in such a way that these bathcare items have some of the best aromas in the business: sweet without being cloying and strong without being overdone.

These women take pride in every product that they make, and it shows. Customers are able to pick and choose items to be custom blended with oils from an extensive scent catalogue containing some of the most original fragrances I've found on the web, including Angel Food Cake, Chocolate Lust, and the bestselling Marshmallow Violetta.

Callisto is by far my favourite boutique brand right now, and I'm sure that they will continue to build a loyal fanbase both in the States and the UK.

Best Buy: Sugar Hand and Body Polish or luxurious Buttercloud moisturiser. Be sure to check out all the fragrances that are available, and make your own signature scent!

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Arran Aromatics

Arran Aromatics, a small family-run Scottish company, offers fine toiletries, candles and soaps in six different product lines - Lavender, After the Rain, Laurel, Waterbabe, Lili, and Naturally Scottish, plus extended ranges for babies and men. These well blended fragrances are homage to the Isle of Arran, handcrafted in the skillful Scottish tradition, without using modern analytical equipment.

I was immediately taken in by the honest, natural quality of these products - no frills or fancy packaging is needed, because the true craftsmanship absolutely shines through. It is rare to find business owners who take such care in communicating not only a variety of scents, but the feel of this tranquil Scottish community in such original form. Quite simply a stunning luxury brand, Arran Aromatics deserves every accolade for gorgeous, original formulations.

Best Buy: Familiarise yourself with the Isle of Arran using the Naturally Scottish products, especially the Heather, Honey and Oatmeal massage bar. This soap lathers amazingly, plus exfoliates naturally.

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No matter where you purchase from, natural products are the best all around choice for nurturing your skin, as they contain far less synthetics and harmful, aging chemicals. As consumers, it's important to know exactly what you are getting for your money, and definitely what you are putting on your skin and into your body. Supporting companies that use healthy, naturally sourced materials is not only good for you, but also good for the environment, as these brands take into consideration ingredients, vegans and vegetarians, biodegradable packaging, and no animal testing. Get involved, while looking and feeling great.

Now read:

How to have a magical bath (candles, rituals and more)

Perfumed world - gorgeous gothique perfumes

More alternative health and gothic beauty tips

• More: Health and beauty tips | Alternative style

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Mookychick believes that climbing trees and riding giant turtles is more fun and girly than worrying about make-up. But if you want to worry about make-up instead of turtles? Fine by us. Be you feminist, kitten, punk, emo, indie, goth, witch, vegan, horror junky, intellectual, christian goth, corset queen, geek, unicorn, sea monkey... be you into alternative style, alternative health, spirituality, comics, manga, j-pop, harajuku or jock culture... we will always love you.