Words: Zak Maoui
Finding one of the best shower gels can be tricky, but once you do, it will really help you out. How? Because your morning routine is beyond important. From the first intrusive ring of your alarm, to that snatched final sip of coffee before you dart out of the door, each element of your morning will help set you up – mind and body – for the day to come.
But, while we can’t help you with your calendar or state of mind, we can help you invigorate and refresh your body. So, whether you were putting in the long hours at the office or staying late at the pub, here are five of the best shower gels to kickstart your day the right way...
Aesop Redemption Body Scrub
If, like any discerning modern man, you exfoliate on a daily basis – just think of those oncoming crows’ feet, guys – then Aesop’s Redemption Body Scrub is the perfect shower gel for you. Formulated with finely milled Pumice and Bamboo Stem, this scrub gently buffs away dirt and dead skin cells, meaning you can literally wash away the past and move on with your day as a new man.
It is also infused with a huge number of natural essential oils – from Fir and Pine to Sage Leaf and Clove – to ensure your skin stays nourished and soothed while giving your skin a rugged, woody aroma for the rest of the day.
Czech & Speake neroli body wash
If you’ve had a particularly busy few days, and haven’t been drinking as much water as you should have been – or you’ve had a particularly busy few days and have been drinking more alcohol than you should have been, then this hydrating body wash from Czech & Speake will get you back on track, reinvigorate your skin and recharge your batteries for the day to come.
Lightly perfumed with the brand’s classic Neroli scent, which blends heady florals like the exotic Ylang-Ylang with zesty orange, this refreshing formulation is boosted by natural emollients, including coconut, which imbue the skin with moisture and seal it for protection. And, if you’re particularly hungover, that easy pump top will be appreciated, too…
Haeckels Bladderwrack + Buckthorn Body Wash subscription
We all need to wake up and wash, but there are those of us cursed with more sensitive skin than others. If you’re one such individual, or are just feeling particularly fragile, then Haeckels are on hand to keep you clean without the brash scrubs or scents other manufacturers swear by.
Blended using hand-harvested Seaweed and Sea Buckthorn at the brand’s clifftop laboratory in Margate, this body cleanser is made using not only completely natural ingredients, but ingredients sourced exclusively from the UK. Low-foaming, and with soothing aloe, lavender and carrot seed, this bears none of the hallmarks of harsher soaps – but all the refreshing benefits. Sign up for a renewal every six weeks.
Davines Pasta & Love body wash
Formulated to smell nice for guys who don't want super floral scents, this multi-purpose cleansing product from Davines can be used to your wash hair, beard and body. It is enriched with Alkekenghi, which is rich in antioxidants, and contributes to promoting a delicate cleansing with a distinctive citrusy scent.
What's more, it also looks great on a shelf, thanks to its quirky design and out of place branding. Pasta in the shower? Yes, please.
Commune Seymour Body Wash + Reusable Pump
Made in the UK Commune's Seymour Body Wash acknowledges that shower time brings it own sanctity and is crafted to indulge your skin with rich natural oils, in turn creating an overall relaxed aura.
Formulated to soothe the senses and centre the mind, Seymour blends geranium, lavender, cypress oil and hiba wood oil to ground and restore your mind and body.
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