The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.
It’s not like a regular shower—it’s an everything shower: a head-to-toe reset involving masks, scrubs, lotions and more for an ultra-thorough and invigorating cleanse.
While this self-care ritual may not be a revolutionary concept, it’s become a viral craze…and we’re all in. Videos scouring social media of these luxurious shower routines are a reminder that sometimes it’s necessary to indulge in a little ‘me time.’
Whether you’re new to the trend or looking to perfect your current practice, allow this curated guide to take your soak time from blah to bliss.
We’ve even asked Julia Lockley, treatment manager at skincare atelier Formula Fig, to weigh in on the trend with advice on how to pamper skin for the ultimate everything shower experience.
An everything shower is like a journey—rewarding, but lengthy.
Story continues below advertisement
Typically lasting for hours, these routines actually begin outside of the shower, where easing into your ritual is key.
It’s best to start by treating your senses.
Lighting a candle creates an enchanting ambiance for the voyage ahead. With top notes of Moroccan amber, patchouli and bergamot, this aroma by NEST will whisk you away to an exotic paradise. Feel your mind and body slip into tranquility as you watch flickers of light dance through this candle’s sleek glass vessel.
Time to show your tresses some love with a nourishing hair mask. This best-selling Gisou formula is a miracle worker for all hair types. Enriched with the brand’s proprietary Mirsalehi Honey for moisture, provitamin B for damage repair and hydrolyzed wheat protein for softening, it transforms strands from tired and brittle to glossy and smooth in one wash.
Story continues below advertisement
Dry brushing is the crucial prelude to an everything shower. “[It’s] a great way to exfoliate, with added benefits such as increased circulation, lymphatic drainage and improved appearance of cellulite,” says Lockley. This Beauty by Earth brush even contains cellulite massagers between its natural boar hair bristles, for a spa-like touch.
Once you step into the shower, relaxation shifts to pure indulgence.
“Everything showers are luxurious,” suggests Lockley. “It’s the time to use expensive products that you have been putting aside.”
Story continues below advertisement
It’s also important to consider the order in which you carry out your shower routine.
According to Lockley, it’s best to cleanse skin after completing your hair washing routine. “Shampoo and conditioner may end up on your face and body, which could lead to irritation [in the form of] clogged pores and breakouts,” says the skin expert.
Once hair is clean and conditioned, it’s time to exfoliate. While this may be a vital step in your everything shower routine, it’s possible to overdo it. “Limit exfoliation to two to three times a week,” recommends Lockley. “This will help remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.” A gentle exfoliant suitable for both face and body is optimal and preps the skin for an ultra-smooth shave.
Continue by washing your body. A shower gel or cleansing oil containing nourishing ingredients like ceramides and shea butter will leave your skin feeling happy and healthy post-shower. And as a final step, be sure to cleanse your face. Double cleansing is always a good idea, especially if there’s lingering makeup or SPF on your skin.
Get ready to lather up with these lavish items!
Story continues below advertisement
But first, a little aromatherapy. These Body Restore shower steamers release essential oils that immerse your shower in a dreamy lavender scent and help calm your mind—a perfect start to your routine.
More satisfying than its divine scent—a sweet medley of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose and Baltic amber—is this OUAI scrub’s ability to purify the hair and scalp while smoothing and nourishing skin. Packed with sugar crystals and coconut oil, this unique two-in-one product is the ideal choice for gentle exfoliation.
This Olaplex shampoo may be an investment, but it promises to repair and protect hair like no other. With its patented bond-building technology, this colour-safe formula is proven to reduce breakage and strengthen all hair types. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner.
Story continues below advertisement
“Long, hot showers can strip the skin of essential oils, leading to dryness and irritation,” says Lockley. Avoid compromising skin’s moisture barrier, especially during the colder months, with this Bioderma cleansing oil. It cleanses skin and helps replenish moisture for up to 24 hours and is gentle enough to be used on the face.
Soak time is over and so is your everything shower journey (almost!). Post-shower care is an essential final step to ensure your skin is taken care of before drifting off to your final destination: Dreamland.
Story continues below advertisement
Now that you’re feeling refreshed, it’s time to put your best face forward. Re-awaken dull-looking skin with these energizing 24 karat gold face masks by Grace & Stella. They’re packed with nourishing antioxidants and collagen to boost skin elasticity for a plump and youthful complexion.
This cult-favourite LANEIGE sleeping lip mask is the perfect addition to your post-shower routine. Its hydrating formula delivers intense moisture and antioxidants to lips overnight. Plus, it comes in a variety of fun flavours including gummy bear, caramel apple and sweet candy.
“Applying a moisturizer immediately after patting your skin dry is key to locking in hydration,” says Lockley. Moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or shea butter, like this multi-purpose balm, will help replenish and retain skin’s moisture. Designed to be used all over, your skin will drink this formula up—especially areas that need extra care, like cuticles, elbows and feet.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Comments