BATHTIME BEAUTY
Cleansing the body by daily bathing or taking a shower is your number one priority for beauty. Unless you start with cleanliness, all future adornment, perfume and make-up will not cover up the resulting body odour. Bathtime is not just a Spartan exercise in getting your self clean but also a therapeutic act which can relax and refresh you both mentally and physically.
A bathroom should be warm and comfortable, preferably as attractive and luxurious as you can make it. The pleasures of bathing can be stimulating or tranquilizing, refreshing or restoring. An early morning bath acts as a cleanser and a stimulant to start the day alert and responsive. Evening baths should be relaxing, giving you time to think, to read or listen to music, and untwist the day` s kinks.
Get the temperature of the bathwater right for your needs. A very hot bath is not particularly good for you, especially if you have circulatory problems or red veins. Have a large, warm bath towel ready and for relaxation, make your bath time private, at a time when you are unlikely to be interrupted by others. A bath pillow or folded towel on which to rest your head helps you to soak away tension and unstiffen stressed muscles. A BATH TO SUIT YOUR MOOD.
STIMULATING
Use mineral salts, invigorating pine and spa bath additives. Give your body an all-over rub down using a coarse string mitt or loofah. Try rubbing some coarse sea salt on the skin with light circular movements, either with the fingers or on a wet face cloth, to remove dead cells. Not for sensitive or delicate skins, ideal for oily, thick, tougher skin. Rinse off salt thoroughly and after any friction massage, rub in lots of body lotion.
SMOOTHING
Add oil to the bath water as the quickest and easiest way to counteract dryness. Use a scented bath oil, baby oil, or even olive or corn oil if there is nothing else around. Add a little perfume if you have any to spare or if there is one you do not particularly like it will smell better in the bath. Floating oil will cling to your skin, so don` t towel dry too briskly.
Pat dry gently to leave a fine film of oil to soften and smooth the skin.
RELAXING
Try a herbal bath with herbal products or make your own putting herbs in muslin or cheesecloth bags. Lavender, thyme, chamomile, elder, fennel and horse chestnut are deliciously scented and reviving. Rose fragrance is said to be calming, bergamot refreshing, patchouli and vetiver stimulating, while jasmine has a sensual quality. After the bath , pat dry with a warm, soft towel and smooth on body lotion.
SOFTENING
Especially good for dry skins. Try a milk bath with luxurious, scented bubbles, or make your own with a cup of powdered milk. Bran and oatmeal are homespun ingredients with softening and cleansing value. Less messy if you put some in a muslin or cheesecloth bag and leave to soak in the water. You could also try adding a couple of tablespoons of old fashioned laundry starch to your bath water or some cider vinegar.
