And it got me thinking: The everything shower
The everything shower goes far beyond your everyday experience. It is a ritual, which allows you to indulge in the highest form of selfcare. Leaving you with a feeling of complete and utter pamperness from head to toe- and nothing sounds better than that.
On this Wednesday evening, my hair is greasy, my legs need shaving, and I think my body is ready for some utter relaxation. An everything shower is calling my name…
And it got me thinking…
Depending on person to person, this routine encompasses a series of steps. Steps which may include shaving, exfoliating, cleansing, and even massaging. I wanted to complete one of the most thorough and detailed everything showers, possibly of my whole life; the type that leaves you severely dehydrated after spending over an hour surrounded by steam. I want to take the lovely readers of Style-ish with me (no not literally, get your head out of the gutter!).
Pre- Shower Routine
The first step to ultimate relaxation is to set the mood. My pumpkin spice candles are burning, and my incense is filling the air. I have fresh warm towels waiting for me- one for hair, one for face, and one for body (yes you do need all three).
Body Brushing
Body brushing is an ancient technique, that helps to remove dry skin, boosts circulation and leaves you with smoother and radiant skin. Start at the soles of your feet and work upwards in short firm strokes.
Hair Wash
This is when things get serious. We’re going top-to-toe today, meaning our hair gets to go first. As a blondie, there’s no hair care routine that doesn’t involve purple shampoo. I allow the toner to do its’ magic and rejuvenate my highlights, after 5 minutes I rinse and begin to shampoo.
Double shampooing Is a method I have began to live by. The first wash takes care of product build up, and the second massages your scalp and strands and leaves it in perfectly clean condition.
Followed by a creamy, rich conditioner which I run through the ends of my hair to keep my locks hydrated and healthy.
Cleanse and Exfoliate
Before shaving, it’s essential that you soften your skin in preparation. Using a cleansing wash that up-lifts your senses, such as oaty or earthy flavors, that makes your body feel good. Literally lather your body in cleanser.
A common question for body care is if you exfoliate before or after shaving. And the answer is both! Exfoliating before provides your razor with a much smoother surface to glide across for a smoother shave.
Shave
Now for the main event. It’s that time of the year when shaving my legs has turned into a once-a-month thing (at least). I love, love, love anything Venus when it comes to shaving products. Their razors, shaving foam and even cleansers leave me with the softest and sleekest shave I’ve ever experienced.
Nourish
I like to use shower oil after a shower (sanctuary always smells so good) to leave my shaved skin the softest I’ve ever felt it. It moisturizes and hydrates, as well as reduces inflammation.
1 hour and 15 minutes later, I am free. Now off to drink 3 pints of water and have a ten-minute sit down. But the work doesn’t stop here…
Body care
Using any of your favorite moisturizers, mine just has to be soap and glory. It’s a classic. I use this all over my body. I find that anything labeled body butter always has the creamier effect that really soaks into your skin.
Hair care
Investing in your hair care is essential. A good blow-dry ointment as well as heat protectant helps in the long run. Add oils that contain vitamins to breathe life back into your hair.
Skincare
I like to give my skin room to breathe during the night, so using too many products is a no go for me. Whilst this isn’t the case for everyone, I find that it works best for my skin type (normal- dry). My skincare goes in this order; face mask, eye mask, face cleanse, moisturise, eye cream, overnight face mask (Clinique all the way).
And… relax.
Give yourself just one evening and let yourself be fully present in the moment. A moment filled with steps that will nurture your body and mind. Enhance your evening and make it the everything shower experience, you won’t regret it.
- Ruby x
Written by Ruby Waters
Edited by Isabel Butler