MATERIAE by David Pirrotta shows how beauty pros soak away stress, featuring CAMPO co-founder Jess.
There’s no better place to social distance than the bathtub.
From Cleopatra (who reportedly steeped herself in sour donkey milk to reduce wrinkles) to Sophia Loren (who credits her beauty to “a love of life, spaghetti, and the odd bath in virgin olive oil”) to actress January Jones (who recently shared her recipe for “human stew”), washing your cares away has been well documented over the course of history.
In 2020, the tub is proving yet again to be a welcome and reliable respite; a safe place to melt away stress and watch it swirl swiftly down the drain. In addition to soothing your mind and muscles, frequent baths could also help lower your risk for heart disease and stroke according to a study published by Heart , a peer-reviewed medical journal.
MATERIAE asked six brand founders and bathing beauties how they’re soaking it up in self-isolation so you can take your tub (or shower!) to new levels of bliss.
Alison Carroll, co-founder ofWonder Valley
Bath or shower?
“Both! [My husband and co-founder Jay and I] have a beautiful outdoor bathhouse that we made at our home in Joshua Tree with a clawfoot tub and a shower with open desert landscape all around.”
Morning or night?
“I like a night shower and a morning bath.”
Soak essentials?
“I love Epsom salt baths, which feel like the closest thing to a spa day in quarantine. I use our Wonder Valley Two Deserts Soapand our body oil as a splash in the bathwater for both the scent and hydration. I also really like La Tierra Sagrada hair mask and Playa shampoo and conditioner.”
How do you set the mood?
“I burn Wonder Valley Oud Incense in the tub.”
Favorite form of bath time entertainment?
“I enjoy the silence and being offline, as well as the view of the sunset or the flowering creosote bush over the tub. I also like to bring in a vermouth spritz to drink during an evening shower.”
Are you spending more time in the tub during quarantine?
“I always take more baths this time of the year. I love the spring weather in the desert, which is perfect for a leisurely morning soak. I’ve been taking longer baths as a form of downtime and self-care.”
David Pirrotta, founder ofMateriae andDavid Pirrotta Brands
Bath or shower?
“I prefer a bath!”
Morning or night?
“I shower in the mornings. I take a bath at night when I'm all done with my busy day. I know, I love to be clean!”
Soak essentials?
“NatureOfThings Restorative Floral Bath or Bastide Huile D’Aix Orange Blossom Bath Oil. Both are super hydrating and soluxurious. They make me feel special and loved.”
How do you set the mood?
“I always have a Cire Trudon candle burning. Depending on my mood, I usually choose either Ernesto or Abd El Kader.”
Favorite form of bath time entertainment?
“I love listening to all my ’90s Lilith fair faves.”
Are you spending more time in the tub during quarantine?
“I've been taking so many baths during quarantine, not because I have more time—I've been busier than ever!—but to de-stress and to pamper myself.”
Saya McDermott, founder ofSaya
Bath or shower?
“There is nothing more enjoyable and relaxing than taking a warm bath after a long workday.
If I have the time, and especially now that the weather is starting to get little cooler [in Australia], I do prefer a bath. To me, a bath is the ultimate relaxation zone at home. There’s something very therapeutic about taking a bath and the benefits are so good for both body and mind.”
Morning or night?
“Mornings for me are busy, so when I can take a bath it’s definitely at night once my baby has gone to sleep. It gives me the opportunity to relax and take time out for myself without any distractions.”
Soak essentials?
“I really use bath time to treat my body from head to toe! First, I add a few pumps of my Body Wash with lime, lemongrass, peppermint, and lemon myrtle essential oils. This body wash creates a wonderful bath full of bubbles. The scent is beautifully fresh and uplifting. Then, I add a few drops of Argan Body Oil that disperses into the warm water to help moisturize and nourish my skin. The essential oils are very grounding and relaxing. I also give my hair a nourishing treatment by coating it with the same Argan Body Oil. I apply a face mask using French Pink Clay mixed with Rose Water Toning Mist before exfoliating with Coconut Body Polish, which smells delicious and moisturizes my skin.”
How do you set the mood?
“A candle is a must for me, it instantly creates a calm ambiance. I’m burning my Noosa Summer Candle right now, which is a beautiful blend of coconut and lime that fills the space with a sweet, warm scent.”
Favorite form of bath time entertainment?
“When I have time to relax, I consciously take time out from screens, including my phone and computer. I prefer to read a book or simply relax in silence. Right now I’m reading an autobiography of Stevie Nicks…that is when I’m not reading children’s books to my son Samuel!”
Are you spending more time in the tub during quarantine?
“Now that the nights are cooler, I do have a bath more often. It’s the best way to give my skin a bit more love and care as well as being incredibly relaxing after a long day.”
Francisco Costa, founder ofCosta Brazil
Bath or shower?
“Typically a shower, but recently baths. We have a new product launching that I’ve been testing in an endless series of baths.”
Morning or night?
“At night with hot water and Epsom salt then right to bed!”
Soak essentials?
“Lots of Epsom salt and a few dashes of Costa Brazil Body Oil.”
How do you set the mood?
“I would light a small pebble of Breu resin to create a calm mood. The scent is transportive.”
Favorite form of bath time entertainment?
“Dimmed light and total silence.”
Are you spending more time in the tub during quarantine?
“Yes, I’m getting into it! It really relaxes!”
Jessica Frandson, co-founder ofCampo
Bath or shower?
“I like an aromatherapy steam shower in the morning with Energy Essential Oil, which has bright citrus notes to perk me up and get the senses flowing. I enjoy our Relax and Breathe essential oil blends after workouts to chill and create a spa like experience.
Morning or night?
“I love an aromatherapy bath at night and on the weekends to unwind.”
Soak essentials?
“Essential oils, body oils, and dry brushing are a must for my bath ritual. To wind down at night, I add a couple drops of Relax or Sleep to the tub and start a hot shower to activate the essential oils and create a spa-like steam effect. Then, I fill the balance of the tub. While the bath is filling, I use our dry brush made from natural sisal and rub in circular motions towards my heart from head to toe to exfoliate, detox, and stimulate my skin. Next, I add a few drops of Relax Body Oil or Sleep Essential Oil along with some bath salts to enhance the relaxation and detoxification experience. After the bath, I apply more body oil and slip into a cozy robe.”
How do you set the mood?
“I love the glow of a candle and the orange blossom in Odalisque by Cire Trudon is my all-time favorite. My Campo essential oil diffuser is a great alternative to candles and the little night light provides a soothing glow. Plus, it has an auto shut off and it’s safe around children and pets. No flames to worry about!”
Favorite form of bath time entertainment?
“I love music. My favorite Pandora stations to help set the mood are Rhye, Kygo, Classical Guitar, and La Vie En Rose. I also enjoy a moment of peace and quiet, as silence is the new luxury.”
Are you spending more time in the tub during quarantine?
“I have always cherished bath time as a relaxing treat and luxury. Lately, I’ve definitely increased my bath ritual frequency and duration. I am taking more time to be in the moment and enjoy the little and big things with a deeper appreciation.”
Jin Soon Choi, founder ofJINsoon
Bath or shower?
“I prefer hot showers, not necessarily because of the time savings, but because I like the cleansing sensation.”
Morning or night?
“I only take baths at night so I can relax more and to improve my sleep.”
Soak essentials?
“I love natural products such as NatureOfThings Restorative Floral Bath and Nourishing Body Creme. I love the scents and both are highly moisturizing and nourishing but not greasy. I also like to wear a Farmacy Hydrating Coconut Gel Sheet Mask while taking a bath.”
How do you set the mood?
“I dim the lights, light a rose-scented Cire Trudon candle, and pour primrose essential oil or NatureOfThings Restorative Floral Bath in the tub.”
Favorite form of bath time entertainment?
I like to watch Netflix and Amazon Prime or listen to music and sing along while drinking watermelon juice. Right now, I’m watching BBC series called Doctor Foster because I want to compare it to the Korean version. I’m also watching Kingdom, a Korean series on Netflix, and Fleabagon Prime because I got to work with Phoebe Waller-Bridge and I’ve heard good things.”
Are you spending more time in the tub during quarantine?
“I don’t take many soaks these days because I’m actually really busy. It's a daily half-mile walk to the office with my husband, so a quick, post-workout sauna is my favorite way to unwind because I can sneak in a brief meditation session at the same time.”
https://materiae.com/blogs/editorial/how-beauty-pros-soak-away-stress
Written by Amber Kallor
Main photo: Alison Carroll
