Pour a perfumed bath

Pour A Perfumed Bath

There is nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than enjoying a scented bath when the weather suddenly turns cold. Unwinding after a hard day in a warm bath scented with relaxing and calming scents can be an indulgent escape from the stresses of the world.

The ancient Greeks utilized small bathtubs, wash basins and foot baths scented with rose oil for personal cleanliness. As far back as the 2^nd millennium BC, the Greeks constructed luxurious alabaster bathtubs in their palaces in Akrontiri, Santorini. They would later establish public baths and showers for relaxation and personal hygiene.

In ancient Rome, the public baths, fueled by a complex network of thermal water aqueducts, were called thermae and boasted both warm and cold baths. The Japanese ruling class adopted the practice as early as 1266 with steam baths called “iwaburo”. These were built into natural caves or stone vaults along the coast.

Modern-day therapeutic bathing began in the 18^th century thanks to a book by Sir John Floyer, a physician of Litchfield who trumpeted the benefits of cold bathing in particular. Large public baths as those found in the ancient Ottoman Empire were revived in the 19^th century in England and immediately became popular with the working population. Some of these bathing establishments were modelled after the famous “Turkish” baths that offered an extensive list of services and baths.

Soap making began in the 1780s and was a way for the middle class to not only practice better personal hygiene but to prove their social standing. Cleanliness became associated with a person’s moral and social standing within the community.

Today, the art of the bath is celebrated around the world. Luxury spas and hotels offer bathing services that can include massage, thermal spring baths, body treatments and more. Some promote the concept of hydrotherapy that promotes healing and rejuvenation. If you live in France, your doctor can prescribe a week’s treatment in Vichy at the town’s thermal spas which is paid for by the government. It is a recognized medical treatment.

Pour a Perfumed Bath

So, how do you pour the ultimate perfumed bath in your home? Here are some pro tips:

The good news is that you can create a spa-like environment no matter how small your bathroom is. Setting the ambience is a good place to start. Begin by turning off your smart phone and playing some relaxing music. Dim the lights and set out a couple fluffy bath sheets and a towel to support your neck. A bath caddy that sits on your tub can hold a glass of wine, a good book, a hand towel, etc. A few votive candles in glass holders can create a wonderful mood.

Water temperature is important. Most spa baths feature water temperatures that range between 92 degrees F and 105 degrees. You might want to start by filling the tub a third of the way up with hot water from the tap to warm the sides and base. This will keep the water temperature hotter during your soak. Spa therapists recommend a 20-minute soak but you can stay as long as you like. A layer of bubbles from a scented bath gel can help keep the water hot. Be sure to keep the bathroom door closed as you want to keep the steam in. Two teaspoons of bath salts can help with any sore muscles.

Here’s the fun part: selecting a perfumed bath gel. Most designer fragrances will offer a perfumed bath gel or oil that contains the same notes as the eau de parfum. And these are usually priced at less than half the price of the perfume making it a very affordable luxury. (They also make great gifts) If you like bubbles in your bath, add two table spoons of bath gel under running water when you start to pour your bath. If, on the other hand, you like your bath without bubbles, add a tablespoon of product after the bath is filled. Ease into your tub, recline back and place a rolled hand towel under your neck for support. Close your eyes and inhale the beautiful scent. These scented bath fragrance formulas are meant to work with the hot water and create a luxurious ambience.

Roman jeweller Bvlgari operates several exclusive spas around the world that are renowned for their baths and spa treatments. After guests demanded for products to bring home with them, the brand created two special spa ritual sets that allows you to recreate the spa expericne at home.

This spa set contains a soothing scent specially blended for the Bvlgari spas with notes of green tea, coriander, orange blossom, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, lily of the valley, jasmine, Bulgarian rose, sandalwood, amber and musk.

It has a soothing citrus-aromatic character that helps melt away stress.

When Bvlgari introduced a “white tea” version at its spas, reaction was overwhelmingly enthusiastic from guests. Again, they asked so often for products they could take home that the company launched them at select retailers around the world. This version was created by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier and features notes of white tea accord, ambrette, bitter orange, coriander, musk, jasmine and rose.

It’s even milder than the “vert” edition with the calming properties of white tea. It’s heavenly.

Versace Bright Crystal Perfumed Bath Gel

If you are looking for a joyful, sparkling floral scented bath gel, Donatella Versace’s Bright Crystal Perfumed Bath Gel is a great choice. Your bath will be scented with notes of pomegranate, peony, magnolia, lotus flower, amber and musk. It’s a global best-seller.

Moschino Toy 2 Perfumed Bath Gel

If you love the clean, uplifting scent of Italian Citrus, then look to Moschino’s Toy 2 Bath Gel. Mandarin zest from Southern Italy blends beautifully with crisp Granny Smith Apple, white currant, peony and jasmine. You can just close your eyes, inhale, and imagine you are vacationing along the Amalfi Coast.

Versace Crystal Noir Perfumed Bath Gel

For those who enjoy sensual evening scents, Versace offers a silky Crystal Noir Bath Gel that will perfume your bath with notes of black fig, blackcurrant, violet, frangipani, vanilla and heliotrope. It’s very sexy.

Atkinsons Tulipe Noire Bath Gel

Fans of classic literature will appreciate the inspiration for this white floral-themed bath gel. British niche perfumery brand Atkinsons created a fragrance based on the Alexandre Dumas romance novel “The Black Tulip”. The woody-floral scent for her is scented with notes of bergamot citrus, rhubarb, coriander, sandalwood, tuberose, jasmine and cedar. It’s as dramatic and striking as the novel itself.

Versace Eros Pour Femme Perfumed Bath Gel

Think of this bath gel as a glorious floral bouquet of sambac jasmine and peony accented with Sicilian lemon, lemon and sandalwood. It’s feminine and elegant turning a bath into something special.

Boucheron Perfumed Shower Gel

And finally if you enjoy warm, woody notes in a fragrance, then DSquared2’s WOOD pour femme bath gel is for you. It features lily of the valley, magnolia, Osmanthus, jasmine and smooth woods. It’s fresh, clean and modern.

Perfumed bath gels are small luxuries that can turn a stressful day into something relaxing and special.