Editor’s Picks: Scrub-a-Dub-Dub

September is just around the corner, a month for me that has always marked a time to refresh. Even though I haven’t stepped foot in a classroom in over 10 years, there’s something I really enjoy about prepping for the fall as if I’m headed back to school. And since I’ve already picked up my new 17-month agenda, it’s time to get started on my wellbeing, beginning with one of my favourite rituals: an at-home scrub spa to help cope with a few of the skin sins I committed living my best life this summer. From head-to-toe, here are my go-to picks: 

Ibuki cleansers are my go-to all year round because I love the creamy texture, mild scent, and the mileage I receive from one tube (a little goes a very long way). For this time of year I trade the Gentle Cleanser for the Purifying Cleanser that’s formulated with micro-granules to gently remove sebum build-up and excess surface cells, because this summer I’ve been pretty lazy about removing my makeup before bed. 

Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser, $38, at beautyboutique.ca. 

A triple-action, tiny pot of gold, this lip scrub contains raw brown sugar and pineapple enzymes, plus exotic oils and agave syrup to cleanse, exfoliate and condition. The result: lips so soft and smooth I forgive myself for failing to throw on an SPF lip balm. 

Bite Beauty Agave Sugar Lip Scrub, $20, at sephora.com

I’m a nail biter, so a hand scrub is must for me no matter the season, but post-summer it’s especially crucial since my mitts have spent a fair amount of time floating in the deep end (frequent water exposure can lead to dry, cracked hands). To rehydrate, I turn to L’Occitane’s One Minute Hand Scrub that’s packed with organic sugar and a combination of sweet almond and grapeseed oils, which leave my hands feeling nourished and oh-so-soft.

L’Occitane One Minute Hand Scrub, $25, at Sephora.com. 

Leaving my body feeling silky soft and perfectly polished is an ocean-breeze with this blend of sea salt, lemongrass, and sweet almond oils on-hand. One better, it features calming lavender oil so my time in the tub actually feels like I’m receiving a relaxing spa treatment without the heavy price tag. 

Ole Henriksen Rub n’ Buff™ Transforming Salt Scrub, $52, at sephora.com. 

After a summer gallivanting barefoot, my dogs are barking and in major need of a little TLC.  Working triple duty to exfoliate with both glycolic and salicylic acid, hydrate with soothing aloe vera, and freshen with peppermint oil, this skin saviour from Bliss helps me put my best foot forward my after a few gentle massages. 

Bliss Foot Patrol, $9.50, at hudsonsbay.com. 

Heather Marrin