Start Your Day Right With A Luxury Body Wash

Our 6 picks for the best luxury body wash for men.

I’m team cold shower. That’s right. You heard me correctly. And just let me say that although I have never been someone who’s been particularly susceptible trendy health things — I’m looking at you, CrossFit, though I do employ some of your moves in my current strength and conditioning program… — I have gotten in the habit of taking a freezing cold shower every morning.

Also very uncharacteristically, I have done absolutely no research on this topic. All I know is 1) that I’ve heard it’s somehow, for some reason, supposed to be good for you and 2) that I feel freaking amazing afterwards. It’s invigorating! The perfect way to kick off my day, especially after a workout followed by 10-20 minutes in the dry sauna.

And speaking of kicking off my day, as a quick aside, I’ve recently been fielding some follow-up questions to my morning routine YouTube video with my attempt at a clickbait thumbnail which reads “5AM WAKE-UP?” You can watch it below.

People have been wondering if I’m still sticking to this routine. Actually, I’m not. But it’s actually gotten just a bit more insane. I am now waking up at 4:30 a.m. so I’m home from the gym a bit earlier to give Robin some of her own time in the morning as well that doesn’t involve managing the dogs.

But back to the shower and the actual reason for this post.

Why Use A Luxury Body Wash?

So, I think it’s important to pamper yourself a little bit each day. Call it whatever you want — self-care, me time — it’s a small thing that can set the tone and completely change your outlook on the day.

And one of the places I like to do just that is during my morning shower. My very, very, cold morning shower. (Seriously, try it if you haven’t.)

How do I treat myself during my cold morning shower? Well, with a very nice luxury body wash.

Now, I fully understand that this may seem a bit indulgent and possibly obnoxious, but you know what? You pick your “thing” and this is (one of) mine. Currently, I am fancying Acqua di Parma’s classic Colonia body wash but inclusive of that, here are six luxe body washes I’ve personally tried, tested, and love.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Body Wash

Colonia Bath & Shower Gel

Acqua di Parma

You can’t get any more classic and masculine than this, particularly during the summer. A fresh burst of citrus but with that distinctive spice makes AdP very unique among citrus fragrances. The body was has even a bit more spice than the fragrance. The perfect complement.

Hermès Citron Noir Body Wash

Eau De Citron Noir Shower Gel

Hermes

The Hermès Citron Noir fragrance is one of my spring and summer go-to’s for special events and the body wash is honestly one of the best I’ve ever used. It’s fragrance lasts nearly the entire day and since buying this, Robin has told me repeatedly that she loves it.

Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire Body Wash

Vetiver Extraordinaire Body Wash

Frederic Malle

Frederic Malle’s fragrance of the same name is on my all-time best list. In fact, if I had to choose one fragrance to wear for the rest of my life, that just might be it. Their luxury body wash is a great complement and perfect for layering the fragrance, if you’ve got it in your collection. Dry, green, classic, and sexy. What more could you want?

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Wash

Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser

Aesop

For the longest time, a travel-sized version of this was in my gym-specific dopp kit. I’ve since upgraded to the larger format. There’s a hint of geranium but it’s an overwhelmingly vegetal and green scent. Fresh, clean, and unique.

Byredo Bal D’Afrique Shower Gel

Bal D’Afrique Shower Gel

Byredo

I got my first taste — er, whiff — of this luxury body wash when Robin and I stayed at the InterContinental in Rome. It’s got a dry, woody aroma and is utterly divine. Very light. Very masculine.

Diptyque Revitalizing Body Wash

Revitalizing Shower Gel

Diptyque

You can never go wrong with Diptyque. Always a beautiful and refined take on classic fragrance and this body wash is packed with citrus notes that are a great way to start the day.

The Bottom Line

Just to be clear, a luxury body wash is an indulgence. However, it is a great way to treat yourself at the beginning of the day so you can leave your morning shower — cold or otherwise — feeling like a million bucks. Let me tell you, you’re not going to get the same feeling with a bar of Irish Spring. That’s why I highly recommend investing in a quality luxury body wash. Because you’re not just investing in some soap, you’re investing in yourself.

Thanks, as always, for reading.