C.V. ESSENTIALS — THE SHOWER RITUAL
“Vogue body and beauty book”, 1977.
Bathing can be strictly business — or it can be a designated time for self-care and meditation. It also happens to be one of the best times for creativity — read this article about studies that scientifically support this conclusion. When it is cold outside, I indulge in one of my truly favorite experiences of taking a hot shower with open windows so gusts of wind can enter. While all of my senses are activated in this delightful cross-mixing of elements and temperatures, I find peace within. I return to these moments when I need reminding of what it feels like to be present and still.
A hack that has helped me with my mindfulness practice is transforming tasks I am going to do regardless into moments of intention. Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate or take tons of time i.e. it can be as simple as taking two designated minutes when washing your hair or brushing your teeth to focus on your thoughts. It does require retraining the brain…it’s called a practice for a reason. But you can literally condition your hair while you condition your mind. These small exercises help prime your mind for new neural pathways and a more robust meditation practice.
When you physically wash yourself, you can also use it as an opportunity to energetically cleanse, imagining the water removing anything you would like to release. Adding a candle or lighting incense can make a banal activity feel special and assist with getting into a relaxed mindset. Post-shower, as you apply anything to your skin, you can imagine it nurturing the cells of your body. This transference of your energy with channeled intent is akin to giving yourself a healing treatment like reiki.
Self-care is made infinitely more enjoyable with products that feel and smell good. We have to tailor our routines to address our primary concerns individually. I have a less is more approach so I keep things simple, making it much more likely I will be consistent. Knowing the extent of what I can maintain, the few products I do invest in have to be highly effective. They are mostly clean/natural and have successfully met all of my requirements. Most, if not all, of the below are unisex.
HAIR CARE
Fig. 1 — MaSON PEARSON DETANGLER HAIRBRUSH
Mason Pearson exemplifies what I live for when it comes to material objects: quality, functionality, and history. According to their website, each Mason Pearson hairbrush travels through 18 stages of production using techniques invented by the founder Mr. Mason Pearson back in 1885 and modified in 1911. All of their brushes are still made in London.
They have a number of different styles, but I have used this white model since elementary school because it is the only one that can successfully keep my hair from turning into a full-fledged birds nest of tangled despair. The longer-length bristles make it extremely effective for removing knots and dreads, especially for thick hair. And it does all of this magic gently so I still have hair left on my head when I am finished.
FIG. 2 — Mason pearson comb
I actually rarely comb my hair but when I do, this is my go-to. Each one is made by hand in Switzerland.
FIG. 3 — OUAI DETOX SHAMPOO
Many hair stylists believe that one of the most important products you can use is a once-a-week detoxifying shampoo that removes any excess product build-up, dry scalp skin, and environmental debris. I love the way my scalp feels extra clean after. Subsequently applied products also work more effectively because they can better penetrate.
FIG. 4 — Sandor shampoo & CONDITIONER
Sandor and Iles only make one-size-fits-all all products suitable for all hair types. I appreciate how edited both of these lines are, consisting of only 2-3 base products. Sandor is made with 100% plant-based ingredients, smells really good, comes in a pretty bottle, and prioritizes sustainability.
FIG. 5 — ILES FORMULA shampoo, CONDITIONER, and Finishing serum
The bottom line is when I use this three-product system, my hair looks and feels amazing. Iles Formula is made with clean ingredients and they are also committed to sustainable practices and packaging.
“Glamour's Beauty and Health Book”, 1972.
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Eartha Kitt, 1959.
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BODY
FIG. 6 — Kamenoko Tawashi BODY BRUSH
Pre-shower, I dry brush to prep my skin and get my lymphatic system flowing. This is another opportunity to imagine shedding any unneeded energy while going through the physical motions of detoxifying. There are many dry brushes out there but I use this Kamenoko Tawashi one made from palm fibers that the Tokyo-based company has been handcrafting since 1917.
Fig. 7 — Billie Razor
This is an ergonomically designed razor that is pleasant to grasp and shaves well, plus it comes with a magnetic holder to attach to the shower wall so it doesn’t get gross. It is made of plastic and there are other alternatives out there that are not. However, I have had this same handle now for years and I find the blades last for a very long time so my waste is relatively minimal. I also enjoy their pre-shaving body buffer bar for a smooth, knick-free glide.
FIG. 8 & 9 — BODY WASHES, EXFOLIANTS, & Bar Soaps
As of late, I have been switching between the lines Nécessaire and Soft Services. Both brands have a tightly edited selection of products, are mindful of reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices, and come in graphically understated bottles.
Nécessaire offers clean products at an accessible price point (opt for the sets) for a brand that still feels luxurious. The sandalwood scent is lovely and not overly fragrant. The body exfoliator feels like a nice little treat in between normal washes and leaves skin gently polished and soft.
Soft Services is an interesting brand that makes universally usable products that still work for targeted issues. Their philosophy is based on the idea that body skin deserves the same potent solutions that are formulated for the face. As someone who has been afflicted by eczema since I was five years old, I appreciate how they focus on both skin sensitivity and effective formulas simultaneously. For body cleansing, they have a shower gel and a buffing bar, which is a cult favorite of the beauty industry.
For those who prefer bar soap, Wato is a family-operated business that crafts small batches of all-natural soaps using ancient Japanese practices and ingredients. Their monthly subscription is an opportunity to try their full range and newest creations. The Chatsumi bar is my idea of heaven, combining matcha with the scents of hinoki and cypress.
Binu Binu makes wonderfully simplistic rectangular blocks of soap inspired by Korean bathing rituals (as someone who really loves exfoliating the Senshin Korean Scrub is delightful).
FIG. 10 & 11 Moisturizers
When it comes to post-shower products I am looking for products that are highly moisturizing and that don’t leave cloying film or grease. I like to apply The Body Serum by Nécessaire when I get out of the shower because it is very light and leaves my skin feeling silky. Then I will layer on top either a body oil or cream/lotion.
Monastery is a beautiful line of natural products that are made in small batches with sustainable ingredients in San Francisco. Their Lapiz Matte Body Oil absorbs quickly, provides lasting hydration, and has a wonderful scent. When I am feeling inspired I will incorporate some body gua sha.
Alternatively, Soft Services has a gel cream they call Speed Soak for maximum hydration without the usual richness that accompanies a more intense cream. I am fond of their Carea Cream, which is a non-greasy unscented lotion made to keep sensitive skin happy and comfortable. I require a bottle of lotion that comes with a pump so I can apply it liberally. I cannot stand bottles with twist-off caps that I have to reseal with product-laden hands, thus leaving sticky fingerprints and a dingy appearance all over the container. An economic option is a nice big bottle of Bioderma.