In the calm after the holiday storm of shopping, socializing, travel, and various overindulgences, a few of us might be looking for simple means of relaxation. This is an ideal time to try the “Relax” products from Clarins, which happens to produce some very fine aromatherapy products alongside its skincare and makeup lines.
The “Relax” Bath & Shower Concentrate, which I’ve been using as a shower gel, is a low-lathering liquid fragranced with essential oils of geranium, basil and petitgrain. The accompanying Body Balm is a creamy lotion, just thick enough to feel indulgent but light enough to be easily absorbed into the skin; its aromatherapeutic essences are the same as those of the Bath & Shower Concentrate, with an additional note of chamomile.
The “Relax” scent is designed to enhance a sense of tranquility, and I could swear that I do sleep better after using these two products in conjunction with a bedtime shower. The natural essences in both the body wash and the lotion have been selected to clear the mind and soothe the emotions. Geranium and basil are valued in aromatherapy for their balancing and uplifting properties, while chamomile is a common treatment for stress. Petitgrain, a less familiar oil, is derived from the leaf of the orange tree, and its citrusy-woody aroma relieves fatigue and tension. The combination of these essential oils is a leafy harmony with hints of anise (thanks to the basil). It’s a refreshing alternative to the purportedly relaxing, but overly sweet, blend of lavender and vanilla that is used in many mainstream aromatherapy lines. (Yes, Bath and Body Works, I’m looking at you!)
In fact, these products initially startled me with their similarity to the “Relaxation” body lotion from Crabtree & Evelyn’s now-discontinued Aromathology line. I’m still hoarding my last, nearly empty bottle of that lotion, and its label lists lavender oil, chamomile oil and tangerine oil (as well as a mysterious “crithmum maritimum” extract) among its ingredients. I’m wondering whether secret amounts of geranium, basil, or petitgrain were also present in that formula. In any case, I’m happy to have found something that gives me a similar sense of calm. I’d like to begin the new year in a more relaxed frame of mind than I ended the old one.
Feel free to share ideas about your own favorite calming body products in the comments!
Clarins “Relax” Bath & Shower Concentrate sells for $26.00 for 6.8 oz. and “Relax” Body Balm sells for $35.50 for 6.9 oz. They are available through Clarins or Nordstrom.
Thanks for sharing, sounds like something worth trying for someone like me who always have trouble sleeping. I haven't really tired any body products that improve my sleep, but there are definitely some that cheers me up.
I am in UK and my favourites are Original Source Lavender, Original Source Lime , don't know if they are available in US though. And Molton Brown Gingerlily is just heavenly. I like L'Occitane Shea Butter as well. Neal's Yard Remedies Rose Facial Oil does make me feel calmer too…
Hi Bittergrass! I'm not familiar with Original Source, but I'll check it out. I do have a few Molton Brown favorites. Their scents are excellent, I think!
I sometimes use Relaxing Fragrance by Shiseido, spritz some on my pillow as well. Their Relaxing Body Cream is nice and it has a very good texture, not too thin and not too heavy.
Clarins has been out of my radar for some reason but I will go and try these products. They sound really lovely.
And I am a fan too of L'Occitane's sheabutter line, even use their body lotion for dry skin on my hands at night. Is good for the nails too :).
Hi! Clarins skincare and makeup don't really “work” for me, but I do love their body products! I'll have to browse at the Shiseido counter soon, too.
Hi Jessica!
A friend gave me a SABON NYC body scrub in patchouli/lavender/vanilla and I'm quite sure it saved my sanity on Christmas day (before our third round of guests arrived!). I'm excited to have been introduced to their products.
Also–not sure if this quite qualifies as a body product–but for years I used Badger Sleep Balm when I was feeling tense in the evening. It's great.
Happy New Year! 🙂
Happy New Year, Pia! I agree that the right body product can make all the difference at a crucial moment. And yes, Badger Balms always qualify! I may be doing a Badger review soon, come to think of it…
Hi Jessica! I'm so happy to now know someone who loves this line as much as I do! I have been using the “Relax” line for years to help me destress. I love the aromatherapy smell of the products, their texture and their effects on my sleep. I, too, use the Relax Bath and Shower Concentrate as a shower gel, as it is more cost-effective that way! The “slimming” Bath and Shower Concentrate (the green one) also smells very good.
Hello S! I've loved these two products for the past couple of years… I don't know why I waited so long to review them! In any case, we all need a little extra peace of mind for the New Year. 🙂