Seven Must-Have Bath Products

1. Body Wash
What: A liquefied form of bar soap.
Why: Body wash is said to be cheaper than buying bar soap. I have yet to test this theory. I use body wash because I find it to be less drying than bar soap. I also like the rich lather, and the fact that it doesn't leave a sticky film. Some body washes come with added in moisturizers, which I consider a bonus.

Tips: Always use body wash with a loofah (see number 2 ). This will exfoliate your skin gently, leaving it soft & smooth.

Always buy a moisturizing body wash. Most body washes come with added moisturizer, but keep in mind that not all of them work.

My favourite: L'Occitane Rose Bath & Shower Gel ($22)

2. Loofah
What: The real loofahs are made the dried loofah plant, but the ones you usually see at bath stores are made of layers of mesh, folded into a cloud-like shape. I find both to work fine, but the real loofahs are always more expensive than the mesh ones.
Why: When used together with body wash (see number 1), or any type of soap, the loofah will exfoliate and leave your skin soft & smooth.
Tips: Keep loofahs out in the open to dry, and always wash thoroughly before using.

My favourite: L'Occitane Body Buffer ($14)

3.Bath Bombs
What: Bath Bombs are fun, fizzy concoctions which dissolve quickly under running water, leaving a light fragrance. Some Bath Bombs come with confetti, petals, leaves, and butters.
Why: Because they're fun. No further explanation required.
Tips: Package bath bombs in gossamer bags for a great gift.

My favourite: LUSH Butterfly Ball ($5.15)

4. Bubble Bath
What: Bubble Bath nowadays are more than the traditional soap scented bubbles. There are bubble bars, milk baths, and various scented bubble baths.

Why: Because there's nothing more luxurious than a tub full of soft, scented bubbles.

Tips: Make sure you like the smell before purchasing, because a tub of scented bubbles tends to scent your skin the same way.My favourite: L'Occitane Honey & Lemon Delicious Bath

5. After Bath Moisturizer
What: Any thick moisturizer that you like will do for an After Bath Moisturizer.
Why: Baths can be quite drying, especially in the winter. Using a thick moisturizer post-bath, while your skin is still damp, helps keep moisture in.

Tips: If you like to keep scents unified, use a moisturizer from the same line of your body wash, bubble bath, etc.

My favourite: Frederic Fekkai La Creme Luxueuse ($65)

6. Bath Salts
What: Bath Salts are, quite literally, scented salt. Although it is not the common kitchen salt, it usually works the same. Bath salts are great in a bath, of for use in an exfoliating pedicure.
Why: Bath Salts are yummy, scented salts used to scent your bath, and also doubles as a great exfoliator.

Tips: If you don't like scented, or synthetic bath salts, try using Dead Sea Bath Salts. The Dead Sea is said to aid in calming skin problems, and the salt has similar claims.

My favourite: Bliss Hot Salt Scrub ($36)

7.Sugar Scrub

What: A Sugar Scrub is made up of sugar, and moisturizing oils. The sugar exfoliates, while the oils hydrate skin.
Why: In addition to exfoliating, sugar scrubs moisturize the skin well, and also add a touch of fragrance.

Tips: Use on damp skin for optimum results.

My favourite: Fresh Brown Sugar Polish ($65)