While I loathe the concept of daily workouts at the gym, when you hit your mid-thirties, there’s just no way out of it. After realizing that curls with a martini glass (literally) did not qualify as working out, I joined a certain ‘athletic club’ a few minutes away. Extreme makeover body transformations have yet to be seen, but the bonus shower I get to take has afforded me new opportunities to test the countless products I receive. Current kick? Body soap bars! Covering complete newness and timeless classics, my latest favorites are Hemp Soap on a Rope from The Body Shop, Nourishing Elements from Yardley London and the immortal Dove beauty bar in a limited edition scent.
Clever, practical and highly effective, the Hemp soap from The Body Shop is an everyman must-have. Even those who don’t work out. Infused with one of nature’s best hydrator, the Hemp soap bar is as cleansing as it is nourishing. Perfect for frequent use, including by those with sensitive skin, the rich and creamy lather removes all traces of dirt and sweat and leaves behind a light, clean herbal scent. No need to inhale bluntly, the Community Fair Trade hemp seed oil only delivers a moisture high and never triggers the late night munchies. Leaf-shaped and attached to a piece of rope making drying in between uses easy and hygienic, this latest addition to the Hemp body care collection is pretty dope. It does not, however, come in a ziplock bag. $12 (150g) www.thebodyshop-usa.com
The inescapable presence of Yardley soaps is still vivid in my mind, having grown up in Poland in the early eighties. Elegantly fragrant and wrapped, my dad brought these home from work trips to ‘the West’. Not even kidding. Fast forward thirty years and I myself am purchasing some very current Yardley London soaps! Nourishing Elements, the new collection of natural artisan soaps is offered in two scents: Oat, Milk & Honey and Lavender & Rosemary. Featuring 100% vegetable base, these modern updates are face and body friendly, gentle, effective, and free of dyes, sulfates, parabens and harsh chemicals. Infused with Shea Butter and natural essential oils the skin softening formulas cleanse both body and mind. Widely available and ridiculously affordable, a 3-pack of these luxurious bars retails for $4.99.
Dove, quite possibly the most famous soap in the world, is known for consisting of ¼ moisturizing cream. Did I mention their viral marketing videos? Mega moisturizing, indeed, it is the scent of the original white Beauty Bar that is the epitome of clean. Available in countless versions, including limited edition fragrances, this quintessential bathroom staple can be white, pink, green, gently exfoliating, or season appropriate. A random encounter with a SALE sign at Target resulted in a box of ‘go fresh’ beauty bars from the ‘rebalance’ range. The plum and sakura blossom scent balances fruity and floral notes making a post workout shower an exhilarating experience. The unmistakable soap and water crispness courtesy of Dove is matched by a feeling of comfort and lasting hydration. Available at drugstore nationwide, target.com,, amazon.com, etc. Prices vary.
