Here's the rub

I love baths in winter time. For some reason, in summer it seems just too hot to be bothered running a full tub of steam and suds. So I’m loving all these bathtime products for either having during – or post- bath time…

I love baths in winter time.

For some reason, in summer it seems just too hot to be bothered running a full tub of steam and suds. Summer equals showers and swims. So, in July and having just had the coldest day in Auckland for 16 years, I’m loving all these gorgeous products for either having during – or post- bath time.

Pure Fiji is a brand that evokes summertime in a whiff, and its Coconut Sugar Rub ($66.50) is no exception. It’s a body polishing treatment that gently buffs away dead skin cells, and cleans pores to leave skin glowing using Fijian sugar cane crystals, with virgin coconut oil to soothe and protect your skin.

The natural cane sugar hardens when cold so place the tub in warm water to allow the sugar crystals to soften.

“Pure Fiji’s Coconut Sugar Rub is great for a one minute manicure or pedicure during the cold months. It easily buffs away dry, untidy cuticles caused by winter’s dry weather, while the oil that is left on the skin hydrates hands or feet” says Carla Konik, Spokesperson for Pure Fiji New Zealand.

Burt’s Bees have a beautiful range of honey-based skincare and plenty of botanical-based products, too. This Cranberry and Pomegranate Sugar Scrub ($40) is a 100% natural, crunchy sugar scrub with a divine fruity scent. Cranberry is a rich antioxidant and pomegranate is a superfood with cell renewal properties.

This one isn’t new but I recently rediscovered it; Karen Murrell Nature’s Essence Body Scrub and use it twice a week to refresh tired skin. It feels quite mild due to the oat and tamanu oil along with salt and fragranced with ylang ylang.

Grown Body Serum with Ylang Ylang, Tamanu and Omega ($49.95) is the latest anti-aging organic skincare product from the fabulous organic cosmeceutical skincare brand, Grown. I am using their Grown Cleanser everynight, and their Grown Shampoo and Conditioner, so I was really keen to try this body serum.

Available in store from September 20th, this new antioxidant rich body serum has a blend of botanical bio active ingredients essential fatty acids; omega 6 and 9, tamanu oil and omega 7 palmitoleic acid from sea buckthorn berries, which work in harmony to soften, smooth, and help restore skin elasticity, while providing maximum hydration to protect against premature aging. I use it after my bath and found it mildly scented and that it absorbed well with no oily feeling left behind.

While we’re talking baths, how about a little something in the water? I like lemon-scented things as a pick-me-up, and there’s nothing like citrus to refreh your senses. Which is why the Dr.Hauschka Lemon Bath ($42) feels so right after a long hard day! Essential Lemon oil stimulates and the bath oil firms the connective tissue and stimulates the natural functions of the skin.

Megan Robinson 28 July 2011.