There’s something magical about summer reading—the way a good book can whisk you away to another place, all while you’re lounging in the sun or curled up during a lazy afternoon. We know our readers are never far from their next favorite read. So, we turned to you—our community of passionate, thoughtful, and always well-read book lovers—to find out which stories you return to again and again. And as always, you delivered.
From breezy beach reads to moving memoirs, edge-of-your-seat thrillers to novels that simply feel like summer, this list has it all. These are the books you reach for when you want to escape, be inspired, or just get lost in a beautiful story. So whether you’re packing a carry-on or planning a staycation, these 27 favorites will keep you company all season long.
There’s something about a book that captures you early on—you know you won’t get bored reading it outside, iced coffee in hand, while your toddler naps. This one did that for me. I loved that it wasn’t hard-set on a specific genre, followed a young woman’s perspective (which I’ll always support), and honestly, I couldn’t resist the peach on the cover—it just screamed summer. —Lisbeth C.
Kristin Hannah never misses, and The Women is no exception. As a nurse and a lover of historical fiction, I was completely captivated by this powerful story of the often-overlooked women who served in Vietnam. Hannah’s writing is both heart-wrenching and empowering, reminding us that heroism isn’t confined to the battlefield—it lives in the courage and compassion of women, too. A must-read this summer.—Mary Ann R.
Could not put it down. Great characters, and an interesting period in history that isn’t often written about in fiction. Perfect beach read for someone who likes a little bit of history with their romance and scandal. —Emily L.
Maine is a multi-generational family drama full of secrets, sibling rivalry, and Catholic guilt, set at a beach house on the coast of Maine. With four complex narrators—Alice, Kathleen, Ann Marie, and Maggie—you’ll love (and hate) them all. —Jamie D.
I first read this book in late summer 2018, and while the ‘buying a retirement villa in Tuscany’ aspect is there, the real draw is its dreamy, sometimes over-the-top inspiration, regardless of life stage. It showed me how to elevate hosting through what I call ‘life vignettes,’ with beautifully detailed descriptions of food, scenery, and simple gatherings. I reread it every summer as a mid-year reset. —Trisha D.
An easy read set during the summer season, this sweet and wholesome story carries subtle messaging for women of all ages. Ann Patchett masterfully weaves timelines and characters to keep you engaged, while the content stays light—like flickering light on the water’s surface. —Dréa P.
I’m a local Austin author, and while the story explores a complicated mother-daughter relationship, it’s also a whodunnit mystery with a travel-filled journey across Europe—capturing the romanticism of Rome and Amsterdam in the spring. —Erica V.
The Paper Palace pulled me in from the first page with its hazy, salt-soaked Cape Cod setting and emotional honesty. It follows a woman caught between the life she built and the one that might have been—a deeply relatable exploration of memory, choice, and the beauty of the present. Warm, wistful, and richly written, it’s the perfect summer afternoon read. —Melissa S.
It’s about family, love, the past, and relationships—and I love the French way of life it captures, with families gathering in summer destinations like Biarritz. The author, a French best-seller I’ve been reading for over 10 years, has a way of making you feel the story and smile with every book. —Miriam C.
I keep coming back to this book because it’s a beautiful reminder of what really matters. It’s the perfect read for anyone feeling burned out—funny, charming, and full of heart in Sophie Kinsella’s signature style. —Sharon C.
Funny, romantic, feminist, and so, so engaging. I could spend my entire vacation just reading about the adventures of this brave, smart woman, traipsing around London helping women in need while continuously bumping into a quick-witted mystery man. —Diana E.
What better summer read than one that transports you to another place and time? Hello, Barcelona! Filled with captivating characters, mystery, intrigue, and a library labyrinth, Shadow of the Wind is a total page-turner. An immersive escape, especially if you aren’t going to make it to Spain this summer! —Leila W.
It’s a deeply emotional story set at a summer home on an island, immersing you so fully in the season that you’ll feel like you’re right there on the beach with the characters. —Megan N.
If you often find yourself starting a message with “Hey Ladies!” then you’ll love this book—no matter your age. It’s a light, fun, laugh-out-loud read told entirely through emails, texts, DMs, and more—relatable and super creative. —Liz B.
The imagery is stunning—it’s easy to lose yourself in this beautiful, luxurious world most of us can only imagine. The characters are richly developed, with far more depth than in the movie adaptation. I love this trilogy so much, I’ve already read it twice and plan to dive back in again this summer. —Natalie K.
Although it’s a new book and not a classic, it hits that perfect balance of literary and breezy. And it affirms that there’s no age at which life is “over.” There are always new adventures to be had if you’re open to them! —Megan J.
This may be a middle-reader book, but don’t let that dissuade you from reading the beautiful, lyrical story of thirteen-year-old Sophie sailing across the ocean to England to meet her grandpa—and discovering herself along the way. It’s got a little adventure, a little mystery, and plenty of gorgeous, evocative descriptions of the ocean and the small, dreamy islands Sophie visits. If you can’t make it to the beach this summer, reading this book is the next best thing! —Kathryn L.
Of all the rooms to style (and sustain) in my home, the guest bedroom is where things seem to click. Unlike the primary, there’s less pressure to get things just right—it’s an opportunity to get more playful with patterns, lighting, and design styles. And because it’s the space in our home designed to be a welcome invitation to others, there’s a motivation to make it a warm, cozy retreat when guests come to visit.
Because the best guest bedroom ideas don’t just focus on styling, they prioritize comfort. When someone stays in your home, what they remember most isn’t the decor—it’s how they felt. Did they sleep well? Did the room feel peaceful? Were they taken care of?
With a few thoughtful touches—from cozy bedding to practical storage—you can transform even a small guest room into a warm, welcoming retreat.
Prioritize a Bed That Makes Sleep Easy
If there’s one place to focus your energy in a guest room, it’s the bed. The most important thing a guest will do in this room is sleep, so the bed is more than just a pretty focal point. It should be inviting—and deliver on comfort.
Start with clean, comfortable bedding. Soft sheets, supportive pillows, a thick duvet, and an extra blanket at the foot of the bed are the perfect base. You never know if guests run warm or cold at night, so layering textures instantly makes the space feel thoughtful and cozy.
A beautiful guest room means very little if your guests can’t sleep well. Next to a comfortable bed, light and noise can make or break a good night’s sleep. Blackout curtains or lined drapes help block early morning light and make it easier for guests to rest—especially if they’re adjusting to a new environment or time zone.
Even in lighter, airier spaces, choosing window treatments that soften or darken the room at night can make a noticeable difference. And if blackout curtains feel too heavy for your aesthetic, look for layered window treatments that combine sheer curtains with a thicker panel for nighttime.
Guest rooms tend to feel most welcoming when the palette is soft and neutral. Light blues, warm whites, and sandy beiges create a calm backdrop that appeals to most people and helps the space feel brighter—especially if the room is on the smaller side. That said, don’t be afraid of being more playful in the space, especially if you’ve got an idea that might not make sense in another room—a color wash you want to try, bedding that feels less safe, or wall art that needs a home. You can still simplify around the unexpected design touch by keeping accents tonal or soft.
Keeping the palette simple also allows cozy textures like linen bedding, woven accents, and soft throws to take center stage. The result is a room that feels peaceful, uncluttered, and easy to relax in.
Layer the Lighting for Comfort and Flexibility
Lighting has a huge impact on how a room feels—especially at night. Instead of relying on one overhead light, layer a few different sources so guests can adjust the space to their needs. A bedside lamp makes it easy to read before bed, while a softer ambient light creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
If space is tight, consider wall-mounted lighting instead of table lamps. It frees up surface space while still giving guests the ability to control their lighting without getting out of bed. Warm, dimmable light instantly makes a guest room feel cozier and more restful.
Guest bedrooms are often smaller rooms in the house, but a few thoughtful choices can make them feel much more comfortable. Look for furniture with a smaller footprint—taller nightstands, round ottomans, or benches that double as seating and storage. Wall-mounted lighting can also free up valuable surface space. This allows the bed to remain the focal point while still leaving room for guests to move around comfortably.
One of the simplest ways to elevate a guest room is by giving visitors a place to open their suitcase. A folding luggage rack, bench at the foot of the bed, or even a small stool provides a convenient landing spot for bags and prevents guests from having to place their suitcase on the floor or bed. This small addition makes unpacking easier—and keeps the room feeling tidy throughout their stay.
Even for a short stay, having a place to put things makes guests feel more settled. You don’t need a full dresser to make this happen. An empty drawer, a luggage rack, or a few wall hooks can be enough to help guests unpack and organize their belongings.
Smaller nightstands can also work well in guest rooms since most visitors only need space for a few essentials. In tighter spaces, try pairing a nightstand on one side of the bed with a small ottoman or stool on the other—it doubles as both a drop spot and extra seating.
The goal is simple: create a space where guests don’t feel like they have to live out of their suitcase.
Create a Thoughtful Nightstand Setup
One of the easiest ways to make guests feel cared for is through the small details. A thoughtfully arranged nightstand might include a reading lamp, a glass of water, tissues, a small noise machine, and a place to charge a phone. These are the little conveniences people often miss when they’re away from home.
It’s also helpful to keep a small kit of essentials nearby—things like toothpaste, cotton pads, or extra hair ties in case someone forgot something while packing. These quiet touches make a stay feel effortless.
The most memorable guest rooms often include a few unexpected comforts. A basket with extra washcloths, cozy slippers, or a soft throw blanket instantly makes guests feel at ease. Even something as simple as a plush robe can make the room feel more like a boutique hotel than a spare bedroom.
One of my favorite ways to make guests feel at home is to place a book or magazine on the nightstand—something they can flip through as they wind down at night. These small gestures feel simple, but a little thoughtfulness goes a long way.
Keep Fresh Towels Within Reach
Ever stepped out of the shower at someone else’s house only to realize you don’t know where the towels are? Folded towels on the bed, draped over a bench, or neatly stacked in a basket signal that everything they need has already been thought of. Personally, I keep the guest towels separate and tucked away in the guest dresser, so they’re always fresh and ready to go (and so my kids don’t destroy them in between visits).
Bring in Soft Textures
Texture is what transforms a guest room from functional to cozy. Layering soft materials—linen bedding, woven blankets, plush throws, and textured pillows—instantly warms up the space and makes it feel inviting. These tactile elements also help neutral color palettes feel more interesting without overwhelming the room.
Think of texture as the finishing touch that makes a guest room feel lived-in and welcoming rather than overly styled.
Add a Mirror and a Few Getting-Ready Essentials
I’ve found that the single thing most guest rooms miss is simply a mirror. A full-length mirror or wall mirror helps guests check outfits and get dressed without needing to occupy the bathroom for long stretches of time. If space allows, placing a small tray nearby with a few basics—like a lint roller, tissues, or a small jewelry dish—can make the space feel even more thoughtful.
Add Personal Touches That Make Guests Feel Welcome
The most memorable guest rooms feel personal, not staged. This is the fun part: Fresh flowers on the nightstand, a favorite candle, or a small stack of books instantly add warmth to the space. Even a simple handwritten note welcoming guests can make the room feel thoughtful and intentional.
The Best Guest Bedroom Ideas Focus on Comfort
At the end of the day, the most memorable guest rooms aren’t the most elaborate—they’re the ones that make people feel cared for. A comfortable bed, soft lighting, thoughtful amenities, and a few personal touches go a long way toward creating a space where guests can truly relax. Because when someone feels rested, welcome, and at ease in your home, that’s the experience they’ll carry with them long after their visit ends.
This post was last updated on March 14, 2026, to include new insights.
Mother’s Day doesn’t need a packed reservation or an overcomplicated plan to feel special. In our experience, the best celebrations happen at home—when the table is set with care, the food is simple and seasonal, and no one’s rushing off to the next thing. Brunch is the sweet spot: a little slower and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
These easy recipes are collected with that in mind. Think fresh, spring-forward dishes that come together easily, a few make-ahead options so you’re not stuck in the kitchen, and just enough intention to make the morning feel considered. Whether you’re hosting your mom, gathering with friends, or carving out a moment for yourself, this is about creating a meal that feels as good to make as it does to sit down and enjoy.
Sweet Potato & Jammy Egg Breakfast Bowl
This is the kind of breakfast that feels right for a morning when you want to make things a little more thoughtful. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, but still feels like the kind of meal you’d want to linger over on a slow morning.
This frittata is everything we want from spring cooking: simple, colorful, and built around the season’s best produce. With tender asparagus, creamy goat cheese, mushrooms, and baby potatoes, it’s the kind of dish that works just as beautifully for brunch as it does for a light dinner.
For the mom who loves a savory breakfast, this is such a lovely alternative to the usual sweet brunch spread. It’s warm, colorful, and layered with flavor, with just enough flexibility to dress up with whatever fresh toppings you have on hand.
Not every brunch centerpiece has to be elaborate to feel memorable. These tacos have that easy, gather-around-the-table energy, with a combination of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh that always works.
Burrata Toast with Blood Orange, Pistachios & Honey
If you want something that brings a little beauty to the table without requiring much time, this toast more than delivers. It’s ready in about 15 minutes, but the mix of citrus, burrata, honey, and flaky salt makes it feel far more special than the effort suggests.
If you want something that feels fresh and special without turning on the stove for long, this is the recipe. It has that classic bagel-and-lox energy, but in a version that feels lighter, prettier, and a little more gathering-friendly.
For a menu that leans fresh, light, and a little elevated, this granola fits right in. It’s crisp, flavorful, and easy to make ahead, which makes it ideal for a morning when you want things to feel relaxed and still beautiful.
This is one of those easy additions that makes the whole brunch feel a little more complete. The berry sauce can be made ahead, and once layered with yogurt and granola, it brings a fresh, colorful contrast to the table.
Set out with fruit, coffee, and a big bowl of whipped cream, this is the kind of recipe that instantly makes brunch feel more complete. The chai spice gives it a deeper, more unexpected flavor that makes it stand out from the usual French toast situation.
These muffins feel like spring in baked form. Between the lemon and orange zest, the moist olive oil crumb, and the poppy seeds throughout, they bring a bright, cheerful energy that fits beautifully into a lingering brunch.
A good baked oatmeal has a way of making brunch feel instantly more homey, and this one does exactly that. The golden top, soft berry-filled center, and crunchy nut-and-coconut finish make it feel simple, wholesome, and worth gathering around.
This is exactly the kind of pitcher drink we love for a spring brunch menu. It’s light, make-ahead friendly, and the floral notes give it that easy-going, but special feel that works so well for a slower, more celebratory morning.
A pavlova always feels like a small event in itself, and that’s part of the charm. The contrast of crisp shell, marshmallowy center, and softly whipped cream gives every bite a texture that feels a little unexpected and completely irresistible.
There are few things more satisfying than a one-vessel recipe. If you’re telling me I can make brownies in one bowl, I’m so in. A one-pot pasta that’s ready in the time it takes the water to boil? This is my heaven. But my forever favorite is the easy sheet pan dinner—minimal effort, maximum reward, and cleanup that means I’m lifting nary a finger.
11 Easy Sheet Pan Recipes for Busy Nights
But not all sheet pan recipes make the cut. Important considerations come into play so that I’m not serving a pan of overcooked (or undercooked) foods, all seasoned the same. There must still be the perfect mix of textures, flavor, and color to create a satisfying sheet pan meal.
I’m proud to report that the following collection hits all the right notes, beginning with an all-time fave—a repeater in my house. So grab your parchment and line those pans, we’ve got an easy night ahead.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Worthy of your weekly rotation: only five ingredients, ready in 20 minutes, and cooked to perfection every single time.
It’s time to celebrate the ladies who get it done. Mother’s Day is the best because it’s about the women who raised us, the sisters in arms who are raising us now, and of course, you and me. (Tip to avoid unmet expectations: Spend the day doing what your fam thinks you want to do, then take yourself on a solo date the next day to do what you actually want to do. Works every time.)
With so many people to celebrate, I’m always tracking affordable Mother’s Day gifts that still feel thoughtful. My Notes app is basically a running list of ideas, constantly updated throughout the year when I spot something someone I love would appreciate. I’ve dropped some of those gold-mine finds here, alongside a few current faves from the mommas on our team.
28 Affordable Mother’s Day Gifts Under $50 for Every Type of Mom
Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your sister, your friend, or yourself (because yes, solo date = solo shopping), you’ll find something here worth gifting. Let’s unpack it—the best affordable Mother’s Day gifts under $50 are here.
For Her Home
Gifting for the home can be tricky—it can easily veer into “here’s something to help you do more chores.” And if there’s one thing moms don’t need, it’s another reminder of everything on their plate (though, to be fair, there are caveats—I freakin’ love the blender I got last year).
The key is choosing pieces she’ll use often and enjoy every time she reaches for them. Think: a handmade mug that feels special in her hands, the cutest citrus squeezer she’ll actually leave on the counter, or a set of bowls destined for nightly ice cream. These are joy gifts: functional, but never just functional.
When it comes to edible gifts, going budget-friendly just means getting a little creative. I love a high-low pairing, for example. A good bottle of white wine with her favorite movie theater candy. Or, try something elevated paired with something equally thoughtful—like Alison Roman’s pasta sauce with bronze-cut pasta in the fancy bag. It’s simple, a little indulgent, and guaranteed to be used (and enjoyed) immediately.
There’s a phase of motherhood when facemasks start collecting dust—little reminders of a time that once was. Instead, I like to give wellness gifts that she can incorporate into her daily routine, so she can enjoy some deep breaths even in the midst of the chaos. A weighted eye mask she can slip on at the end of the day. A bath soak for Sunday nights. A journal that doesn’t require a 5 a.m. wake-up call. These are small ways to build in a moment of pause, even when life feels full.
Our team tests a lot of products, and these are the ones that consistently make the cut. A mix of current favorites and longtime staples, each one earns its place in her routine—easy, effective, and a little bit luxurious.
One of the best affordable Mother’s Day gifts is something that taps into what she loves right now. A puzzle that’s almost too pretty to put away. A book for the aspiring birdwatcher (we all know one). The water bottle that replaces all others. A cookbook for the baker who treats every recipe like an occasion. Because sometimes the best gift is the one that reminds her she’s more than just “mom.”
I’m moving at the end of the month, and while there’s plenty to figure out, one thing is already decided: outdoor furniture comes first. Al fresco season is here, and I plan to claim every early-morning coffee and late-afternoon aperitivo outside while I can. In Austin, that window is fleeting—so sofas and rugs can wait.
Even on the days I’m not hosting outside or lingering with a summer book on the porch, there’s something about an inviting patio that changes how a home feels. From the kitchen sink, it’s the view of planters, soft lighting, and a space that’s ready when you are. Lately, I’ve been deep in the search for patio sets, comfortable chairs, and small pieces that pull it all together—and the good news? Affordable outdoor furniture has come a long way.
Here’s the approach I keep coming back to: start with one anchor piece, then build around it. It’s the simplest way to create an outdoor space that feels layered, intentional, and actually lived in.
Ahead, the best affordable outdoor furniture—everything you need to create a space that looks elevated, feels effortless, and lives well all season.
The Investment Pieces That Make Everything Else Look Better
Here’s the trick: not everything needs to be a splurge. But a few pieces should be. The ones that ground the space, hold it all together, and make even the simplest setup feel pulled together. Start here, then layer in the rest.
Most budget patio sets feel temporary—lightweight, overly matching, and easy to forget. These bring a little more presence: better materials, softer lines, and a look that lasts beyond one summer.
In smaller spaces, every piece has to earn its place. These do—pulling double (or triple) duty as side tables, plant stands, or extra surfaces when you need them, then tucking away just as easily.
The Finishing Touches That Pull It Together—Planters + Decor
Once the larger pieces are in place, this is where the magic happens. The finishing touches—planters, pillows, lanterns—add the warmth and texture that make a space feel truly your own.
The Pieces That Make It Livable—Umbrellas, Rugs, and Lighting
An outdoor space only works if you can live in it. These are the pieces that make that possible—cooling shade, grounding textures, and lighting that extends the day just a little longer.
A great shower can be more than a quick rinse—it’s a reset. Some days, it’s a five-minute refresh before (or after) work. Other days, it’s a full “everything shower” moment, complete with hair masks, scrubs, and body oils. Either way, it’s worth making the intentional shift to make your shower a ritual.
Over the years, our team has tested a lot of shower products—from drugstore staples to spa-level splurges. These are the ones that elevate our showers into a moment worth indulging in, and the ones we actually repurchase.
The Best Shower Products, According to Our Editors
Ahead, our editors share the best shower products they swear by, from scalp treatments and shampoos to body washes, exfoliators, and tools that make your routine feel like a mini at-home spa.
Why I Love It: Nothing feels more luxurious than massaging this rosemary shampoo and conditioner into my scalp. It’s nourishing, refreshing, and instantly transforms my bathroom into a spa.
Best For: Refreshing the scalp while adding softness and shine
Why I Love It: This duo gives me that fresh-from-the-salon feeling every time I use it. The eucalyptus and rosemary instantly wake up my scalp, while the formula clarifies without leaving my hair dry or squeaky. I’ve been struggling with oily hair for years—this is finally the solution that keeps my hair soft and hydrated without any greasy finish.
Why I Love It: It can be hard to find hair products that don’t smell like artificial flowers. This leave-in is my fave for an elevated, light Palo Santo scent. And of course, it makes my hair impossibly soft and easy to detangle.
Why I Love It: Last summer, I decided to go blonde (as a brunette!). I’m convinced one of the reasons I still get compliments on my blonde hair is because of this shampoo. Purple shampoo helps keep brassiness down, and it totally delivers.
Why I Love It: I’ve loved every hair care product I’ve tried from Shaz and Kiks, but this Hydrating Turmeric Shampoo is one of my all-time faves. It leaves my hair feeling so soft and hydrated, while also helping to leave my scalp feeling fresh and clean.
Best For: Hydrating your hair with the power of Ayurvedic ingredients
Why I Love It: I love this shampoo for the way it makes my shower routine feel a little more elevated. The cypress scent is fresh and grounding, and it leaves my hair feeling really clean without that stripped feeling. It’s one of those small upgrades that make an everyday ritual feel more intentional.
Best For: Fresh, glossy hair that smells really, really good
Why I Love It: I truly believe Roz changed my hair. Mine is long, thick, and straight, and tends to produce buildup easily. The first thing I love about this duo is the scent—it’s sophisticated and nature-bent, like a spa mountain retreat. But what keeps me coming back is how clean, healthy, and smooth it makes my hair. Styles and shine just last longer. And so does this product, by the way. A set lasts me almost 8 months, washing 3-4 times a week.
Best For: Everyday hair care that smells like a mountain spring
Why I Love It: This hair mask is my favorite drugstore (if you will) product. If you know—you know. It’s a holy grail for conditioning and nourishment on tired strands. I use it once a week paired with my sea salt scalp scrub, and the duo cannot be beat.
Why I Love It: I’ve been using Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Hair Oil as a pre-shower treatment lately, and it’s become one of those simple rituals that makes a noticeable difference. I comb it through my hair and let it sit for about an hour before I shower, and every time I rinse it out, my hair feels so soft, shiny, and healthy. It has that minty, scalp-fresh feeling I love.
Why I Love It: I’ve long been on the hunt for a product that reduces buildup and nourishes my scalp. For a few months now, this purifying scrub has been the star of my weekend hair routine. You only need a little bit (I’m talking a teaspoon) and it lathers beautifully to rebalance oils, exfoliate my scalp, and leave my hair feeling clean and purified for days.
Best For: Weekly scalp care & clarifying treatment
Why I Love It: I love using this when my scalp needs a little reset. It gives that really fresh, clean feeling at the roots and helps remove buildup without being harsh. It’s become my go-to when my hair just isn’t feeling its best.
Best For: Giving your scalp the deep clean it’s been begging for
Why I Love It: Some body washes are purely functional, but this one feels like a tiny vacation every time I use it. The scent is warm and beachy without being overly sweet, and the formula leaves my skin noticeably softer the moment I step out of the shower. It has that silky, serum-like texture that makes your whole routine feel like a (much cheaper) spa visit.
Best For: Turning your everyday shower into a mini beach escape
Why I Love It: The holy grail of physical exfoliating products. If you have KP (also known as strawberry skin), a few weeks of light exfoliation with this bar will practically make it disappear.
Why I Love It: I love the texture of this body scrub. It doesn’t just dissolve when it comes in contact with skin or water. It’s gentle, but also so effective.
Why I Love It: This body scrub feels like such a treat. Sticky Dates has the most delicious scent, and I love that it stays on the skin in the best way after showering. It leaves my skin feeling super soft and refreshed every single time.
Why I Love It: I’m addicted to soft, dewy skin, and my perfected routine starts in the shower with Uni’s Shower Oil. It’s an oil-based body wash that starts as an oil and transforms into a lather as you massage it into your skin. It’s the best shower oil I’ve tried because it still feels cleansing without stripping my skin of moisture. I do still add lotion post-shower, but I’ve seen a noticeable difference in my skin immediately after towel drying.
Best For: Replenishing moisture and supporting the skin barrier
Why I Love It: If I could convince you to buy one shower essential, it would be this. The santal scent is warm, soft, and grounding, making the entire shower feel slightly more luxurious. The lather leaves your skin feeling so refreshed—especially paired with the body oil—it’s such a dreamy combination.
Why I Love It: I love this because it streamlines my routine. You apply it at the end of your shower and rinse, and somehow you step out already moisturized. It’s perfect for days when you want soft skin but don’t feel like doing a full post-shower lotion routine.
Best For: Hydrated, silky skin without the extra lotion step
Why I Love It: If you didn’t think it was possible to be obsessed with something like a hair towel, think again. Crown Affair manages to make even the most mundane items feel luxurious (have you seen the scrunchie?), and this oversized towel gently absorbs while protecting hair from damage that causes frizz and breakage.
Why I Love It: Billie razors and I have been in a committed relationship since 2019. I haven’t needed to purchase razors at the store in years because I get them delivered to my door. A dream! I even swap out the handles for different colors seasonally.
Why I Love It: You’d think that I’d have mastered shaving my legs by now, but if I use anything except THIS shaving cream, I leave the shower looking like I walked through a bush. Cremo’s shave cream is super slick and hydrating, letting me easily shave without any nicks. It’s also super concentrated, so a bottle lasts me forever!
Why I Love It: This body butter has a whipped texture that melts into skin and leaves it glowing and radiating the most divine scents of bergamot, lemon, and orange blossom. My favorite treat for slathering on right after my bath.
Best For: Deeply nourishing skin with a soft, velvety finish
Why I Love It: This moisturizer melts into the skin in the most beautiful way—rich but never heavy. I love applying it right after a shower when my skin is still slightly damp; it locks in moisture and leaves everything feeling smooth and deeply hydrated.
Why I Love It: Yep, I double moisturize post-shower, because if I had to pick one signature scent for the rest of my life, this would be it. Kai’s fragrance is soft, floral, and clean in a way that feels effortless rather than perfumey. The body butter itself is deeply nourishing, and the scent lingers just enough that I catch little hints of it throughout the day.
Best For: Anyone searching for their signature scent
Why I Love It: Fair warning: this duo is expensive, but it feels so luxe every time I put it on. The body oil is silky and doesn’t transfer, and the body cream is instantly nourishing. I don’t just feel a difference, I see one when I put it on.
Why I Love It: I’m obsessed with this scent. I love using this body creme post-shower, especially in the warmer months. It’s a sweet, floral scent that’s ultra feminine and chic. I also like that the body cream is light and not super thick—it goes on so smoothly. Plus, it’s pink!
Best For: Smooth, glowing skin that feels as good as it smells
Why I Love It: Again, I’m addicted to my soft skin routine—and people notice how soft I am all the time. This duo from Osea is my holy grail. Post-shower, I start with the lotion and seal it all in with the oil. Both products also have firming properties, so not only will you feel hydrated, but your skin will feel tighter over time. Plus, the smell is to die for—I’m craving it in perfume form. Yes, it’s a bit pricy, but the luxurious feeling is worth it. I used to save this for special occasions, but then I decided that every day is special and I deserve to feel and smell this good on the daily!
Why I Love It: This Nerra Body Oil is my ultimate luxe upgrade to my shower routine. I love body oil, and this is maybe the only one I’ve tried that doesn’t leave behind an oily feeling, thanks to the way the oil absorbs right away, leaving your skin feeling soft and moisturized. I always get so many compliments about how lovely the scent is, and I can’t stop recommending this.
Best For: A beautiful, subtle, and luxurious scent and the ultimate moisture without the oily feeling
Why I Love It: I was never really a robe person—until this one. It’s incredibly soft and cozy, and throwing it on after my shower has become one of my favorite parts of the whole routine. It just makes that post-shower, getting-ready moment a little bit more romanticized.
Best For: That luxury hotel feeling—without leaving home
How to Build an “Everything Shower” Routine
There’s your everyday shower—and then there’s the everything shower. The kind where you linger a little longer, reset your mood, and step out feeling like the most polished version of yourself. It’s less about adding more steps and more about being intentional with the ones you already have. Personally, I always feel like I’m channeling Gwyneth on my everything days, but you do you.
Here’s how to build a routine that feels both elevated and easy to return to.
Step 1: Prep Skin and Hair First
Turn on the shower and let the water warm up while you get prepped. I like to start with a dry brush routine to slough off dead skin and stimulate my lymphatic system. It feels like a mini massage and delivers results, leaving my skin silky-soft by the end of the shower.
Depending on your hair type, brushing it out before you get it wet can do wonders. I find it reduces the amount of breakage and tangles later when I step into the shower with thoroughly brushed hair.
Step 2: Start Your Hair & Scalp Care
Think of haircare as the foundation. Begin by fully saturating your hair, then go in with a shampoo that gently cleanses without stripping. This is also the moment to apply a scalp treatment or mask—something that clears buildup while supporting long-term hair health. Once your treatment is in, let it sit while you move through the rest of your routine.
Step 3: Exfoliate and Cleanse
While your hair soaks, shift your focus to your skin. A gentle body scrub helps remove dry, dull layers and brings back that smooth, just-left-the-spa feeling.
Follow with a body wash that feels good to use—whether that’s something citrusy and energizing or soft and grounding. The goal here isn’t just clean skin, it’s creating a moment you actually look forward to.
Step 3: Shave (If You Want To)
If shaving is part of your routine, this is the moment to do it—after your skin has softened under warm water and exfoliation. A good razor and a moisturizing shave cream can make all the difference between something you rush through and something that feels seamless.
Step 4: Rinse + Reset
Before stepping out, take a final rinse and let everything wash away—product, tension, the mental clutter of the day. This is a small shift, but it turns your shower into a true reset instead of just another task.
Step 5: Lock in Moisture Post-Shower
The real glow happens after you turn off the water. While your skin is still slightly damp, apply a body oil or in-shower moisturizer to seal everything in.
Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel, take a breath, and resist the urge to rush off. Slip into something silky, pour a glass of wine or brew some tea, and settle in with a book or movie for the ultimate top off.
What shower products do you actually need?
At minimum, a great shower routine comes down to three things: a gentle shampoo, a body wash you enjoy using, and a moisturizer to apply afterward. From there, extras like scalp treatments, scrubs, and body oils can elevate the experience—but they’re just that: additions, not requirements.
What is an “everything shower”?
An “everything shower” is a longer, more intentional routine where you go beyond the basics—washing your hair, exfoliating, shaving, and applying treatments all in one session. It’s less about doing everything and more about creating a moment that leaves you feeling fully reset.
How often should you exfoliate in the shower?
For most skin types, exfoliating one to two times per week is enough to maintain smooth, healthy skin without irritation. If your skin is more sensitive, you may want to scale back and opt for gentler formulas.
What are the best shower products for glowing skin?
Look for products that support both exfoliation and hydration. A body scrub helps remove dullness, while a nourishing body wash and post-shower oil or lotion help restore moisture and give skin that soft, lit-from-within glow.
Do you need a long routine for an effective shower?
Not at all. A quick, simple shower can be just as effective when you’re using products that work well for your hair and skin. Think of the “everything shower” as an occasional ritual—not an everyday requirement.
This post was last updated on March 24, 2026, to include new insights.
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