A Truly Sensational Bath Soak

2008-07-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

The Product: Village Naturals Therapy Mineral Bath Soak (Stress and Tension)

Obligatory Preamble/ Pre-ramble: So, I had a day surgery about 3 weeks ago. Given my personality, circumstance, and the fact that I hate pain, cramps, and other minor annoyances, I think I've done quite well. Recovery has had its ups and downs, ups being sampling delicious restaurants with my best friend IRL and on here (you can find her very entertaining review blog under my subscriptions), and downs being, well, pain and having to lay around all flipping day. You see, I'm not the lazy type and I'm quite stubborn. I returned to work a week after surgery. I took a few days off since then, particularly when I was struck with a bout of mild depression and "can't-seem-to-give-a-fuck-itis". I was off Monday of this week, and went in for only a few hours yesterday. So, today when I worked from 10:30- 5, after losing power approximately 4 times last night, waking up late to a good bit of pain (it seems to be the only thing consistent in my life), missing frozen pizzas in my home, and being stuck in two days' worth of torrential downpour whilst using public transportation... Needless to say, I needed a nice, calming bath before I literally shot the sheriff, his deputy, and your mother. I dug into the random collection of bath-related items I've stuffed away in my rent-a-room, and found this salty-looking blue crap. I figured out how to rig the tub off to form a bath (living in a new environment) and turned the water on "Molten Lava" temperature. I dumped in some of this stuff, and literally looked (at the container) before I leaped in.

The Package: Well, it comes in a simple, clear plastic jar with a plastic-y metallic lid. I like this, because it looks simple, and it looks like I might be able to reuse that jar. That's a fantastic thing, in my opinion. I glanced at the package, and noted that the label claims the product is "99.51% Naturally derived". I like that, too. As the room heats up with incredibly hot, steamy water, a nice mellow aroma lingers into my nose. Nice, soothing, kind of minty. Or is that citrus? Maybe some citrus, too. I turn to read the back label: "Our therapeutic formula is enriched with vitamins, skin softening ingredients and aromatherapy vapors to help you feel better". Thanks for caring about me, Village Naturals! I like you already. The back also tells of its "vapors" and their purposes, which include Juniper, for balance and restoration; Orange, to relieve moodiness and irritability [ask Aly-Neil, she'll tell you honestly I needed that]; and Menthol, to relax tight muscles. The label warns that this product "contains menthol: may cause irritation on sensitive skin". Uh-oh, that's me. I consider letting out the bath, since I can't even use fragrance detergents, soaps, or anything else but deodorant (thank heaven) and perfume. But the fragrance and steam are calling to my achy body, and at this point, my tub is full and hot and I'm sweating while waiting to dive in. I put a toe in.

OUCH.

I add in cold water. Much, much better now. My toes are pink, but they're relaxed pink toes.

The Experience: So I finally lower myself into my waiting steam pit, and the aromas start really working. I relax my head on the shower wall, and dunk my entire body up to my neck. I stay in this soaking position until I feel like I'm literally in a day spa. The aromas combined with the hot water helped to shake off the rainy disgusting sleaze of riding a city bus, as well as soothing my mind. I take out one arm and examine the typically sensitive skin in the fold of my elbow. No rash, no redness other than the typical bath-pink. I'm content to soak a little while longer before finishing up my bath. As I lay there soaking, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the scent. I can't describe the scent enough to explain how nice it is; it's reminiscent of a yoga class, but oceanic at the same time. It's not a heady, strong fragrance, but the menthol is detectable. It almost reminds me of the smell of a cough drop in someone's mouth about 10 feet from me, but with a dash of floral and citrus. I also noticed while inspecting my arm that my skin was a little softer, albeit soaked and obviously moisturized.

Now, I'm not one for a water-wasting enjoyment bath, I needed to get clean as well. I know many people and even products themselves will caution the user before allowing these kinds of things to be used while washing ones hair, but this one had no such warning, so I did. Even if it had warned... who else will find out for you? During the process, I shaved my legs, and as I swiped to check for missed bastard hairs, I felt an obvious improvement. I have the skin of a farmer; very dry, strange tan lines (review to come on sunless tanners) and callouses. Softening my skin isn't an easy task, but it can be done by the right product. I don't mean to say that my skin felt like silk, or even grosgrain ribbon for that matter, but it did feel smoother, and not as "alligator-esque".

Post-Use experience: After I got out of the bath, My skin felt softer in general, especially after a good moisturizing. It didn't work any wonders for my feet, and I'm looking now at the rest; my elbows and knees are smoother and softer, and my legs haven't got the characteristic white "scales" that prove my bathwater was too hot; overall it stands up to its label for a decent softening.

I also noted after I drained all the water that, unlike many salt based products, it didn't leave any residue or undissolved crystals. This is a pleasant perk for me, since I share a bathroom with three strangers who probably wouldn't like unknown toe grit in the morning. There doesn't even seem to be a filmy coating on the tub, and since this one is mostly natural, that's suprising.

Unfortunately, the smell only lingers in the bathroom, not so much on the skin or on the hair. I can still barely detect it about an hour later. Bummer. Also, I think the product will only last about 4-6 baths per jar, because the directions say approximately 1/3 cup per tub. I used a handful, it may be more or less than the measure suggested, but it worked out fine for me.

I also noticed as I got out that I truly did feel more relaxed. Maybe I wished it upon myself, but I had the kindness to review it immediately after use. I would've probably been asleep long ago if I were still in pain. It didn't necessarily make me sleepy, and as late as I used it, that's a little bit of a downfall. But the product never claimed to have magical sleep powder, now did it?

Overall Review/ Quick View (Based on a possible 5 stars)

Price: Mine was free from my mom; a regift. It can pe purchased here for $6.90 USD plus shipping and handling. There are other variations offered as well. 4 stars.

Availability: My mom got it as a gift or a random giving from my grandmother, but the website I found it on is called "Hard to Find Brands. I was able to find it with a google search of the brand's name. Hmm. 3 1/2 stars.

Smell: Wait, did I tell you anything else about the product?! I LOVED the smell. It's definitely not good for people who don't like menthol fragrances, or a "beach" smell. My take is 12 stars.

Experience: It was overall enjoyable, short of a temperature malfunction (my fault). It lasted, and I truly do feel more relaxed, eased, and less pained. 4 1/2 stars.

Product Pluses: I'm inclined to purchase products that are natural, and come in renewable containers. I also like any product that actually does what it says it will do, nothing more, nothing less. The fact that it warns for sensitive skin is a perk to me for the brand as a whole; it didn't affect my uber-sensitive skin, but I trust a brand that tells me there's the possibility. It's also made in the US, if that makes anyone happier. (MN to be exact)

Product Minuses: The package doesn't contain much of the product. It can irritate sensitive skin. I don't know where it could be found locally without waiting for an online order with a company I'm unfamiliar with.

Suggestions: I suggest that this product isn't used for people with loads of stress who expect it to dissolve their problems. Instead of dirtying a measuring cup, eyeball it and throw some in. Don't use it if your skin is super-duper sensitive. DO try this at home. Don't use scented candles with it, or expect the aroma to linger with your skin.

And that was Heather's first review.

:)

Finally

2008-07-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

So, I of little computer knowledge, I HEATHER FLIPPING S.. do I want you to have my last name?? Naah. Ahem. Anyways, I managed to set this up. Prepare for reviews, rantings, and ramblings.

Thanks Aly-Neil.

:)

Reviews, Rantings, and Ramblings of Heather

A Truly Sensational Bath Soak

Finally