Much like how eyes are the windows to the soul, a shower space, too, speaks volumes about one’s personality. A sparse bath caddy hints at a minimalist at heart, while a meticulously-organised shelf conveys a fastidious nature. Naked packaging as well as bar variants, on the other hand, imparts an inclination towards being eco-conscious. And then there are those who are not quite as intentional about their regime—think a rather haphazard assortment of shower gels, lotions, and oils. Admittedly, there is no wrong way to go about it, especially if said selection of products still manages to deliver optimal results when it comes to cleansing and moisturising. But what if it doesn’t?
That’s where we come in. As with your skincare, a stellar body care routine requires careful tailoring and finessing. It begins, of course, with a strong foundation: your cleanser. In other words, a bath and shower gel that manages to tick all the boxes. Ridding your skin of impurities, hydrating and softening, as well as imbuing it with an inviting fragrance is a good place to start. Be sure to take into consideration extraneous factors too such as your current skin condition, possible allergens, as well as the textures that best work for your current climate. Below, a comprehensive guide to the best and most decadent shower gels in the market right now, from foaming wonders to silky oil-to-milk types.
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Dior J’adore Les Adorables Shower Gel
Fans of the revered J’adore scent are sure to adore its body wash version, which comprises the same floral notes as its fragrance counterpart. Essence of ylang-ylang, Damascus rose, and jasmine sambac meld together to form a deliciously sweet and creamy concoction that smells both sensual and vibrant.
Dior J’adore Les Adorables Shower Gel, $95 for 200ml, available at Dior
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L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
This cult-classic body cleanser has garnered its sterling reputation thanks to its intensely-hydrating capabilities, bolstered by its plush, silken oil consistency that transforms into milk upon contact with water. Those with dry, roughened skin are sure to benefit from using it on a daily basis, as will individuals traveling to cold-weather countries.
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $43 for 250ml, available at L’Occitane
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Como Shambhala Invigorate Body Wash
Talk about a pleasant jolt to the senses. This bad boy from Como Shambhala is formulated to ensure optimum moisture levels with every wash while also suffusing the body with refreshing notes of eucalyptus and peppermint. The inclusion of geranium and lavender also helps calm and soothe irritated as well as breakout-prone skin.
Como Shambhala Invigorate Body Wash, $45 for 380ml, available at Como Shambhala
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Hermès Un Jardin sur le Nil Hair and Body Shower Gel
Should green, woody, and nature-centric fragrances be up your alley, look no further than this hair and body gel duo from Hermès. Tangy green mango is balanced out with soft, powdery lotus, all of which is complemented by musky and deep sycamore. A stellar unisex scent, indeed.
Hermès Un Jardin sur le Nil Hair and Body Shower Gel, $122 for 200ml, available at Hermès
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Aesop Citrus Melange Body Cleanser
Vivacity and freshness are the two words that come to mind upon sniffing Aesop’s Citrus Melange Body Cleanser; a gentle, low pH shower gel that comes infused with clarifying botanical extracts to ensure a thorough cleanse.
Aesop Citrus Melange Body Cleanser, $63 for 500ml, available at Aesop
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Aromatica Embrace Neroli & Patchouli Body Wash
The earthy notes of patchouli is cleverly tempered with bittersweet notes of neroli, leading to the formation of a nuanced and one-of-a-kind fragrance. According to the brand’s product developers, both key ingredients were chosen specifically to calm and subdue restless emotions—a body wash designed to “embrace and uplift spirits.”
Aromatica Embrace Neroli & Patchouli Body Wash, $30.80 for 300ml, available at Sephora
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Diptyque Revitalising Shower Gel
Created in homage to the sweeping and grand waterfalls of Calabria, Italy, the Diptyque Revitalising Shower Gel is ideal for citrus-lovers that prefer sparkling, tart scents. Touted as a “fabulous fusion of freshness”, it contains bergamot, green mandarine, as well as a touch of neroli to refresh and rejuvenate the senses.
Diptyque Revitalising Shower Gel, $70, available at escentials
