You seek rest in the bedroom, nourishment in the kitchen, and entertainment in the living room. But is your bathroom living up to its potential as a relaxing respite? We’d argue it’s the most important room in the house to set an intention for the day ahead or recharge at night, because it’s the one space designed for solitude. That means you need to invest in luxury bathroom essentials that elevate the experience.
Our homes greatly influence our moods. Clean, organized spaces that are thoughtfully designed with pieces you love can make you feel more creative, productive, and calm. We’ve been testing elevated bathroom essentials that turn mundane routines into mindful rituals. We prioritized items that live at the intersection of style and design—that are beautifully engineered to not just enhance the optics of your space, but make whatever task at hand more efficient and enjoyable.
You might not put much thought into brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and lathering up in the shower. They’re a means to a hygienic end. But with these luxury bathroom essentials, you’ll savor those fleeting moments with greater awareness for long-lasting bliss.
Luxury Bathroom Essentials That Fuse Style and Design
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1. School House Wide Stripe Bath Mat
Greeting mats invite you indoors, but bath mats welcome you home. Allured as we are by teak, there’s something oddly comforting about stepping out of the shower onto a plush, absorbent mat (not to mention, functionally, it keeps water from puddling on the floor). Opt for something minimalistic yet striking. This cream-colored cotton loop mat is contrasted by thin, flat-woven black stripes. Its wide dimension and lofty weight let it drape beautifully over your tub—but it’s just as beautiful residing on the floor. Bonus: It’s durable enough for a tumble in the wash—no dry cleaning required.
Some people love an old-fashioned loofah; others let their hands to the dirty work. We’re a fan of assistance. Public Goods’ all-natural, eco-friendly sea sponge is far more refined than your 99-cent plastic shower puff. It’s also better for the environment. Sustainably sourced from Greece, this “hardhead” variety of sponge doesn’t contain any synthetic fibers, phthalates, dyes, or BPA. It’s antibacterial and antifungal—great since the shower is obviously a damp place; biodegradable and durable; and makes for a better lather. It’s soft enough to use on a baby, but robust enough to gently exfoliate.
If you want something with greater scrubbing potential, nab the Ayate Bath Strip. Its long length (25″ long x 4″ wide) and double handles let you really get into those hard-to-reach areas between your shoulders and back. Derived entirely from agave plants, the coarse texture is brilliant for deep exfoliation. Another benefit to those handles—aside from letting you “floss” and slough off dead skin—is you can hang dry the strip to mitigate mold and mildew buildup. To prolong its longevity, it can also be machine washed.
Instantly recognizable and unanimously adored, Aesop products are all about luxuriating in the routine. Washing your hands becomes a meditative, sensory experience with Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, typified by mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedar atlas. Nourish skin with the same-scented balm. A medley of oils—sweet almond, coconut, macadamia, cedarwood, and mandarin orange peel—and aloe leaf juice moisturize skin with a greaseless finish. Citrus Melange Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm are equally rousing and herbaceous, working in tandem to cleanse and moisturize. This quartet of hand and body essentials is dedicated to Voice of Witness, a human rights charity advocating for those impacted by social injustice (hence the kit’s name: The Advocate). We also love that it’s packaged in a recycled paper pulp case.
For those with sensitive skin or just an aversion to scents, Nécessaire gives the option to go fragrance-free, The Shower Ritual set stiff-arms sulfates, silicones, and parabens and harnesses the skin- and scalp-healing properties of niacinamide, omegas, and vitamins C and E instead. If you do, however, prefer a scent, you can do so with The Body Wash and The Body Exfoliator (we recommend Sandalwood). The packaging is sleek, clean, and unfussy—just what you want for on-display toiletries.
Winter months sap skin of valuable moisture—it’s the double whammy of biting winds and frigid temps outdoors and dry heat indoors. Buff away dead skin with OSEA’s Undaria Body Polish in the shower, then apply Undaria Algae Body Oil when you step out and skin is thirsty for hydration. As the name suggests, the duo is infused with undaria seaweed that softens skin’s texture and appearance. Some body oils tend to sit on top of skin, leaving you slick, but this formula absorbs seamlessly, leaving skin impossibly smooth.
Crave sumptuously soft bath towels that are ultra-absorbent? How ’bout ones that are plush but quick to dry? Parachute’s handsome Soft Rib Towel set modernizes a classic. They’re made entirely from long-staple Turkish cotton sourced from the Aegean region, renowned for its textiles, not to mention Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning they pass the top standards of testing for harmful chemicals and synthetics. The sculpted rib design hits all the right marks aesthetically (it also hastens water evaporation), as do the modern colorways (ochre shown here). Suffice to say these towels will absolutely be the reason morning showerers show up late to work.
Some of the most potent all-natural skincare is coming from Italy these days. Furtuna Skin is one such example. The brand wild forages ingredients for its balms, toners, and face oils from its very own property, then extracts the skin-loving properties using sound bath to preserve the integrity. Its Forza D’agrò After Shave Serum does double duty, repairing dull skin while conditioning facial hair. Organic olive oil, borage oil, and shea butter nourish without clogging pores; prickly pear calms and strengthens the skin barrier over time; and lime, bay laurel, juniper, and rock rose lend soothing scents. Using this elixir each morning will take you on an olfactory journey through Sicily.
This tub duo is available in two scent profiles: No. 1 comprises amber, cedar leaf, lemongrass, tonka bean, and medjool date, while No. 2 is bright with notes of pink pepper, gurjun balsam, lemon, and cedarwood. Toss a handful of bath salts in while the tub is filling; the Dead Sea salt has a host of minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium to help soothe muscles and help skin’s hydration. The soak is made of dehydrated coconut milk powder that’s rich in vitamin C; it’s said to soften and hydrate skin, while easing inflammation.
Here are some too-good-to-believe stats: Compared to your typical plastic toothbrush, the Sonicare 9900 Prestige removes up to 20 times more plaque, leaves gums up to 15 times healthier in just two weeks, and delivers 100 percent stain reduction in under two days. How? Its partner app is powered by artificial intelligence. As you brush, it collects data and syncs to the app to deliver guidance on better technique. It also helps that the head imparts up to 62,000 bristle movements and dynamic fluid action to deep clean—leaving no tooth untouched for a dentist-level result morning and night. Charge it on the charging base—with or without its frosted stand—and tote in the vegan leather travel case while away from home.
10. Corpus Deodorant, Cleansing Bar, and Body Wash
Still hesitant to go natural (read aluminum-free) with deodorant? No one wants to be a smelly-pit pariah, we get it. Some formulas aren’t the most effective at neutralizing odors, but Corpus has cracked the code. Unlike some natural deods that defer to baking soda to eliminate odor—which can be drying and irritating—Corpus employs a water-based formula that’s vegan and naturally derived from plants. Seed oils moisturize and flower extracts tone and soothe, while certain enzymes eliminate odor. The Nº Green scent is citrusy yet complex with notes of bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom, and cardamom—extracted from roots, seeds, pulps, and rinds. Another thoughtfully designed product, the sleek vessel is made of climate-conscious aluminum.
If you like an old-school bar of soap, it’s hard to beat this creamy lather. That’s thanks to a coconut base boosted by extra virgin olive, marula, and squalane oils, skin is scrubbed free of excess oil and dirt but also nourished. Essential oils and natural fragrances are triple milled to obtain peak scent and texture. The Neroli scent has an invigorating blend of, you guessed it, neroli, orange blossom, bergamot, and ambrette seed.
And for those who can’t part with liquid body wash, Corpus’s formula is long-lasting. A little goes a long way in sudsing your whole body. Winter months call for Santalum, a warming mix of sandalwood, cedar wood, and amber.
This calacatta viola marble slab is stunningly versatile. Position it on your bathroom vanity with an assemblage of products like Aesop’s The Advocate set, your go-to fragrances, trinkets, or a candle. It adds visual intrigue and functionality, serving as an anchor point with which to display your most treasured essentials. (It also looks brilliant atop a dresser, coffee table, or kitchen counter.)
Spa robes have a time and place, but for a robe that functions outside the bathroom, Lahgo’s got a wear-everywhere winner. Its Restore Double Faced Robe is fashioned from a pima cotton blend. It features oversized pockets and a hood with a classic belt tie. Rib trim and double-faced color contrasting in black and mercurial grey heather (how fitting?) add subtle yet impactful design elements. It’s a sophisticated robe meant for loafing about with coffee in hand.
Diffusers work beautifully to impart fragrance that breathes life into your space—without accosting the senses. In the bathroom, go for something fresh like Apotheke’s Sea Salt Grapefruit. Juicy, tangy citrus fruit is balanced by sea salt, black pepper, and tarragon to imbue the seaside. Replace after three to four months.
There’s no reason slippers why shouldn’t boast next-level craftsmanship. Mulo’s have a lot going for them. The London-based brand sources high-quality British corduroy for the upper, Italian suede for the sidewalls, and recycled moleskin for the lining of its entirely handmade slipper. The all-natural rubber soles lend durability, while elasticated side inserts allow for proper flex. While they’re available in backless or original, we like the versatility of the closed back for a coffee run. Choose among camel (shown here), cognac, or blue corduroy, as well as brown tweed. Once you break them in, they’re a shoe-in for best slipper.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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