Scrub Up to Wind Down

March 4, 2013 at 9:43 am
By Fitness Magazine

The shower is my escape after a long, busy week. There’s nothing better than coming home on a Friday night, running a hot shower, and washing away the day with a handful of my favorite scrub. The steam and the fragrance create my own little spa-like experience. Here are a few of my new faves:

Exotic Scent

Soap & Glory Scrub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Body Exfoliator ($20, soapandglory.com)

This scrub hits all the right notes: magnolia, sandalwood and mandarin. It has an oriental fragrance, and it caught the attention of my friends and even scored me a few compliments.

Worth The Money
Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin ($36, clarinsusa.com)

So this one’s a bit of a splurge but this scrub’s results make it worth it. The bamboo powders slough away dry, rough skin while the hydrating shea butter moisturizes my arms and legs so they look glowy and polished. Plus a little goes a long way so it lasts a long time.

Sweet Steal
Bath & Body Works Golden Sugar Scrub in Forever Red ($17, bathandbodyworks.com)

One whiff of this mouth-watering fragrance and you’ll do a double-take at the price tag. The spicy vanilla rum scent feels sultry (like some pricier options) and the sugar crystals mixed with sweet apricot and almond oils make it a real treat for your skin.

—Jessica Carter, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: Jurlique Jasmine Shower Gel

February 25, 2011 at 10:51 am
By April Franzino

We’re suckers for a big bottle of drugstore body wash, but every once in a while we treat ourselves to a post-workout rinse with Jurlique Jasmine Shower Gel. The honey-like formula and warm, rich floral scent make a humdrum shower feel like a luxurious spa experience. Plus, the softening suds contain a laundry list of skin-coddling natural extracts, like chamomile, grapefruit and rosemary. What’s your favorite beauty indulgence?

Body Washes to Start Your Day or Wash it Away

June 23, 2010 at 4:12 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Somewhere between pressing snooze and drudging through the bathroom door, I reach for my favorite body wash to start my day. Once my nose fills with that fresh, lemon scent, I’m up and at ‘em, ready to hop on the subway. But replace it with a warm vanilla or soothing lavender aroma and I’m crawling right back into bed. What gives?

According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist and psychiatrist at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, there’s a reason why my morning ritual changes depending on which body wash I use.

“Smell is the quickest way to alter someone’s mood or behavior,” Hirsch says.

Mint, jasmine and citrus are the best morning stimulants. For a calming shower, try something infused with vanilla, green apple, cucumber or baby powder aromas.

Baby powder?

“It makes people feel like they’re in a safe and secure place,” says Hirsch. “When you feel less anxious, you’re more likely to fall asleep.”

Here are my top picks for waking up or winding down in the shower.

Morning:

Favorite: Dove Body Wash Go Fresh Revive, $5.47 at Walmart

This lemon verbena scent will have you screaming carpe diem! The luxurious lather smooths over your body while the scent energizes you for the day ahead.

Runner-Up: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit, $6.99 at Target

You’ll love the clean scent and your clear skin! This wash smells great and with a touch of acne medication, handles those frustrating body breakouts.

Night:

Favorite: Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash, $4.99 at Walgreens

Talk about sweet dreams! This body wash smells so delicious, you’ll practically float into bed. It gently exfoliates and moisturizes for an even tone, leaving you relaxed and pampered for a good night’s sleep.

Runner-up: Johnson & Johnson Melt Away Stress Relaxing Body Wash, $5.99 at Walgreens

Want to sleep like a baby? Trust the experts! This comforting formula is enriched with chamomile and their own AROMASOOTHE™ fragrance. Work the product into a rich lather to wash away the stressful workday.

—Catherine Q. O’Neill, beauty intern