Self-care has become a bit of a buzzword as of late, popularised by social media's cohort of Tatcha-touting tastemakers.
Yet despite what Instagram's elite would have you believe, enjoying a 'me moment' does not require big-budget skincare or a marble sanctuary à la Architectural Digest. A moment of solace is all about life's simple pleasures - and at the end of a long, hard day, nothing beats the bliss of a candlelit bath (bubbles in the tub - or in the glass - optional but highly recommended).
If you're craving a little bit of self-care, today could be the day. April 27 officially marks World Bath Bomb Day, a day that 32 years later, continues to commemorate a milestone in the bath-and-bodycare industy.
On April 27, 1990, cosmetics company LUSH was awarded the trademark for bath bombs, a year after their humble beginning in the shed of co-founder and product inventor, Mo Constantine.
Now officially a recognised term in the Cambridge Dictionary, bath bombs continue to provide fizzy fun with their swirling colours and aromatic fragrances - plus, they release hydrating oils and conditioning ingredients to leave the skin soft and supple. If a movement towards self-care and self-love represents the spirit of the 2020s, then bath bombs have earnt a place in the zeitgeist.
To celebrate World Bath Bomb Day, we've compiled our top picks for the ulimate bathtime indulgence - so why not treat yourself to a small act of self-care?
LUSH Intergalactic Bath Bomb, from $11.90
Infused with peppermint and grapefruit oil and peppered with popping candy for extra snap-crackle-pop, the Intergalactic bath bomb is a LUSH bestseller. Gently place into warm water to unleash a galaxy of cobalt blue clouds and shimmering stardust for a bath that is out of this world.
Anihana Raspberry Marshmallow Bath Bomb, $7
Sink into clouds of marshmallow-scented, fluffy fizz with this deliciously sweet handmade bath bomb. Locally made, compostable and free from SLS, SLES and parabens, the bath bomb is designed to promote calmness and blissful relaxation, while safe ingreidents nourish the skin.
LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, from $9.90
For a much-needed 'me moment', drop this seductive and sensual bomb into the bath and shimmy right in. Enriched with jasmine, ylang ylang and clary sage oil, the Sex Bomb is another bestseller formulated to destress the mind and loosen the body after a long, hard day.
Linden Leaves Amber Fig In Bloom Bath Bombs, Set of 4, $20
Handmade in Aotearoa with nourishing, vegan-friendly ingredients including skin-softening sweet almond oil, Linden Leaves' bath bombs are created with natural and effective formulas that are kind to sensitive skin and soothing for the soul. Beginning as a family kitchen operation, the Christchurch-based brand has since expanded into an internationally recognised name known for everyday luxury. Packaged in handy sets of four, take your pick from Amber Fig, Pink Petal or Green Verbena for a small act of self-care.
LUSH Groovy Kind of Love Bath Bomb, from $11.90
Channel the peace and love of the '60s with this groovy psychedelic bomb, complete with candy-coloured swirls and a blast of bergamot and rosewood to lift the spirits and refresh the mind. Enriched with essential oils, this bath bomb also offers the benefits of aromatherapy for a deliciously relaxing experience.
