Life
19 Innovative Shower Products That Make You Feel Fresher For Way Longer
Fotolia
Showers are all about feeling fresh, right? I've learned over the last week that that isn't always the case. I've been showering in freezing cold water, barely giving myself enough time to really feel clean. That's why when I get home I'm going to look into purchasing some of these innovative shower products that make you feel fresher for way longer.
I want to feel really clean after a month of hopping around the beach (I know, tough life). I want to stand in the shower, with hot, filtered water pouring over my head for more than ten minutes. People always ask me what I miss the most when I'm out traveling for awhile, and right now I can honestly tell you it's feeling fresh after a shower.
I can see it now, my first shower back: I will definitely use a detoxifying body scrub, throw a nice mud mask on my face, use a color-restoring shampoo, and a clarifying conditioner (I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to shave with hot water and real shaving cream). I'm imagining it right now as I wait to use the shower that 15 other people are using in my hostel, and man, it sounds nice. So until then, I will be dreaming about that perfect first shower back and all of the amazing bath products that will make me feel fresher for way, way longer.
2. Scrub Yourself Clean
MY Konjac Sponge Natural Infused Konjac Body Sponge, $12, Amazon
I think these sponges are the coolest thing. It's like a loofah, but better. It's made from a konjac plant root and will deep clean skin, as well as exfoliate away dead skin. You'll be left with smoother, softer skin, but the best part about it is that you'll actually have cleaner skin when you use this. And that's because it is infused with activated bamboo charcoal, which will literally draw dirt and oil out of pores.
3. Get Rid Of Bacteria On Your Scalp
Natural First Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Finishing Rinse, $15, Amazon
Apple Cider Vinegar has awesome cleaning capabilities (it is antiseptic), and this rinse is a great addition to your haircare routine. It's meant to be applied after you shampoo your hair to remove soap residue, dirt, and oil. It also has green tea in it, which will soothe and refresh hair before closing your pores (essentially keeping bacteria from growing on your scalp). You'll be left with brighter, smoother hair.
4. Apply A Mud Mask Before You Hop Into The Shower
SABON Mud Mask, $35, Amazon
I love to put a face mask on before I get into the shower. I usually apply a mud mask, let it dry a little bit, and then let the steam open my pores so that the mask can really pull out blackheads. This one is really creamy and thick and made with Dead Sea mud and mineral oils. It will detoxify skin, leaving you feeling fresh and clean. Plus, it also fades sunspots and soothes redness.
5. Lather Up For Smooth Skin
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $25, Amazon
I always feel the freshest after a shower when my skin is soft and feels clean. This almond shower oil is a great alternative to soap for those days that you don't want to exfoliate and your skin needs a little bit of extra love. The oil turns into a foam to gently clean skin, leaving you with silky smooth results. And it can be used for shaving, too.
6. Get Rid Of Dead Skin Right Before You Shower
Mio Body Brush, $20, Amazon
Dead skin can trap bacteria and dirt, which may make you feel like showering all the time. Make sure you're not only exfoliating regularly in the shower, but also dry brushing to get rid of excess dead skin. All you have to do is brush your body before the shower about three times a week. You'll notice your skin will look softer, which is because dry brushing also helps detoxify skin.
7. Make Sure Your Color Stays Fresh, Too
ORIBE Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, $49, Amazon
I can't stand it when I feel like my color looks dull from too many shampoos. Because I have an ombre, it somehow feels less fresh when my color is dull and worn. That's why using a special shampoo that brightens hair and moisturizes your scalp makes such a huge difference. This one by ORIBE is actually amazing and really protects your hair from life (salt water, chlorine, smoke, bad air, etc.).
8. Shave Your Legs Without Irritating Them
Proraso Shaving Cream For Sensitive Skin, $10, Amazon
Is there anything worse than having irritated skin right after you've shaved? I don't think so! It's so frustrating to me when I shave my legs, and in what feels like two seconds later, I find myself with razor burn. I should probably stop using regular soap and invest in a shaving cream for sensitive skin. This one is made with oatmeal and green tea, so it will soothe irritated skin.
9. Wake Yourself Up In The Morning With A Minty Fresh Wash
John Allan's Mint Conditioner, $20, Amazon
I don't know what it is, but there are just some scents that really invigorate me, and one of those scents is mint. Not only is it invigorating, but I also just associate it with feeling clean (maybe because I think of fresh breath when I think of mint). This conditioner is awesome because it is super hydrating, pH balancing, and strengthening.
10. Make Sure Hair Actually Stays Dry In Your Shower Cap
blowpro The Perfect Shower Cap, $13, Amazon
If you're going to take a shower and put on a shower cap, then you want to make sure your hair is actually going to stay dry under it. Slipping your cap off to find your hair plastered underneath definitely won't help you feel fresh. This shower cap will keep hair completely dry and humidity-free.
11. Clean Skin While Treating Sore Muscles
AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Body Mud, $16, Amazon
Have any of you ever done a whole body mask? I haven't, but I'm dying to give it a try. This is the one I'd choose because I have chronic back pain, and it not only cleanses skin, but it also helps relieve sore muscles and arthritic pain. Anything that is multifunctional is a great find for me, and this mud mask can leave you with soft, fresh-feeling skin. Sounds like a win-win to me.
12. Completely Dry Off After A Nice Long Shower
Jack Black Dry Down Friction Free Powder, $20, Amazon
I love traveling with powder. You're often sharing a shower with several people, and you don't want to go into a crowded room of strangers in your towel. I usually end up dousing my body in powder, so I dry off quickly and then throw on some loose clothes. This one is talc-free, and it will leave you with smooth skin. It's also great to use if you're extra sweaty that day, as it prevents chafing.
13. Frizz-Free Fresh Hair
ORIBE Conditioner For Moisture & Control, $46, Amazon
I have super coarse hair. It's incredibly hard to brush, and sometimes after washing, it doesn't even feel that clean (or look like it, for that matter). It's time for me to pick up a conditioner that will not only nourish my hair, but soften it, too. This one by ORIBE is perfect for taming stubborn hair.
14. Get A Natural-Looking Tan Without Any Sun
St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower, $22, Amazon
My favorite days are when I hop out of the shower, and my sun-kissed skin shows through. But, I'd prefer that bronzed look without the sunburn that often comes with it. Now you can get that tanned look in the shower — apply the lotion, leave it on for three minutes, and then rinse off. You'll have a natural-looking tan in minutes.
15. Stimulate Your Senses With An Exfoliating Soap
Jack Black Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap, $15, Amazon
I can't even imagine how delicious this moisturizing bar of soap must smell. It's made with murumuru, shea butter, blue lotus, and ginkgo biloba. You'll be able to exfoliate dead skin away with this bar of soap because it's infused with natural lava rock. I think it would be the perfect soap to use in the morning to wake yourself up while getting super clean.
16. One Of The Closest Shaves You'll Ever Get
Parker 29L Long Handle Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor, $30, Amazon
Get the closest shave imaginable with a double edge safety razor. The long handle makes shaving easier and the butterfly open design allows you to change your blades quickly and safely. The best part about this razor handle is that with blades so cheap, you'll be able to change them more often, guaranteeing you a closer and smoother shave every time.
17. No More Itching Means Feeling Cleaner
Klorane Shampoo With Peony Irritated Scalp, $20, Amazon
Every year between December and February, I start to get an itchy scalp. I don't know why, but it's just like clockwork. I usually switch up my haircare routine during that time and start to use a shampoo that will offer me some relief. Klorane makes a great one because it gently cleans your hair and helps your scalp go back to feeling moisturized. I always end up with almost no dandruff after about a week of use.
18. Give Your Hair The Care It Needs
Beautiful Nutrition Grapefruit Detox Shine Repair Conditioner, $12, Amazon
Whenever I get back from a long beach trip, I always use a detoxifying shampoo or conditioner. This one is great because it's sulfate-free, and it actually reverses the damage that the environment can cause (think hard water, chlorine, pollutants, and product buildup). It also smells amazing because it's made with grapefruit. Your hair will be shining as if you just visited the salon.
19. Get Skin That Feels Like New With A Salt Scrub
Himalayan Salt Body Scrub, $13, Amazon
If you're someone who suffers from chronic dry skin, you could try exfoliating with a salt scrub a few times a week. If you're someone who gets muscle tension, you should also use a scrub. A salt scrub is great because it not only cleans away the dead skin, but it also acts as a detoxifier. The salt helps to draw out any bad toxins that have been trapped inside of your pores and skin. That helps your muscles relax and feel good. This one is made with lychee fruit essential oil and sweet almond oil, so you'll also have smooth skin.
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.