What I’m Using (Up) Before the Big Move
My husband and I are gearing up for a year-long move to Madrid, and while I’m beyond excited for the tapas lifestyle, I’ll miss certain comforts of home—like our shower in Connecticut. It has incredible water pressure, generous shelving, and it’s become my personal self-care zone. So before the final box is packed, I’ve got a few more weeks to enjoy some face, body, and hair care favorites I’ll genuinely miss. These are my current in-shower MVPs.
Alastin Gentle Cleanser
I’m almost out of this one—and I already know I’ll miss it. Alastin makes one of my favorite Vitamin C serums and a brilliant Retinol night treatment (both are coming to Spain), but this cleanser has its own quiet luxury energy. Unscented and lightly foaming, it’s perfect for a morning cleanse or as the second step in a double cleanse. It purifies without stripping, leaving skin feeling calm and balanced. If your skin does well with gentle but effective formulas, this one’s a winner.
ARCONA Cranberry Gommage
This one’s been in my routine for close to twenty years. It’s my weekly exfoliation essential. My skin leans congested, so I rely on deeper cleansing a few times a week, and this gommage delivers. It blends fine physical exfoliants (Diatomaceous Earth, Jojoba Esters) with fruit enzymes (Cranberry and Blueberry) to lift away dead cells and leave skin impossibly smooth. Plus, the vibrant scent is an instant mood boost. Use a generous amount and work it into damp skin for at least a minute.
$56 (100ml) at arcona.com or dermstore.com (try my code OMGBART for an extra discount)
Maya Chia Power Fol™ Shampoo & Conditioner
My hair is thick, healthy… and constantly subjected to heat tools and product build-up. I’m also pretty picky when it comes to “clean” haircare—most leave my hair flat or greasy. This duo from Maya Chia is a rare find: it starts at the scalp, balancing its microbiome with peptides and antioxidant-rich botanicals. The result? Soft, glossy, bouncy hair with zero weight. The herbal-earthy scent is elegant and doesn’t linger too long.
$87 for the set (2 x 6 oz.) at mayachia.com or individually at beauty-heroes.com
Evolvetogether Nutrient-Rich Body Cleanser
I know I just raved about this back in December, but it deserves a repeat mention. It’s the most luxe-feeling body wash I’ve ever used—and trust me, I’ve tried plenty. The creamy texture glides across skin, lathers gently, and rinses clean without leaving me dry. I only wish it came in travel sizes because I miss it whenever we’re away. The scent (Monaco: rose, citrus, and patchouli) is sophisticated and subtly spa-like.
$43 (350ml) at evolvetogether.com
AKT Foaming Body Scrub
You might’ve caught me raving about AKT’s deodorant balm recently—it’s excellent. Their new Foaming Body Scrub is equally impressive. Available in two scent profiles (Orange Grove and After Thunder), it combines sugar crystals, rice bran, and fruit enzymes for the perfect exfoliating-meets-skin-softening experience. The addition of Green Coffee Oil encourages circulation, while Squalane, Sweet Almond, and Jojoba Oils lock in moisture. I’ve used it twice this week and my skin feels brand new.
Erode Soap in Cedar Sandalwood
This sculptural soap is almost too beautiful to use—but use it, you should. Hand-poured to resemble soft, rolling landscapes, it smells like a woodsy dream and elevates every shower. Formulated with high-quality plant extracts and essential oils, it both cleanses and nourishes. If you’re looking for a special gift (or just want to upgrade your own ritual), this one’s a no-brainer.
$54 for soap only, $74 with soap dish at umestudio.com
Jolie Shower Head
A bonus mention! I rarely fall for bathroom “gadgets,” but the Jolie shower head may just turn me into a convert. We’re on well water without a softener, and this filter-equipped fixture has made a noticeable difference. My skin feels less itchy, and there’s way less mineral build-up on the shower doors. It’s sleek, easy to install, and each filter lasts about three months.
$165 with one filter, $36 per refill at jolieskinco.com
