I recently went to the mall (heading to Washington Square) and had a great time, soaking in the nostalgia and admiring the updates the malls are making now. I walked by Bath and Body Works and the place was full of people and dripping with product. As a 90’s kid, I had so much nostalgia for the smell of watermelon and cucumber (I think Daffodil Fields were my favorite scents at the time – anyone else?) that I had enough time to step in for some good old fashioned candle scent and test samples for old time’s sake. .
But almost like magic, they reached out to me with a partnership request and my curiosity was piqued. Is the loud, sweet-smelling brand of the ’90s back? Are there products that work for my body and in my home? Could this be a way to restock bath supplies that are almost always out of stock without going over budget? I’ve ordered a variety of different products, tried them all over the farm, and all of you are great news: This is a great source for affordable candles, soaps, hand creams, and lotions that smell (and look, TBH) a lot more expensive than they cost. All of our bathrooms are stocked and every guest at the Henderson will receive 5-star treatment this summer. Let me show you what I ended up putting in my home (and seriously, the four candles below smell so good):
Affordable spa supplies
Eucalyptus and Peppermint Bath Soak | Body Wash and Bath Foam with Eucalyptus and Mint | Eucalyptus Mint Sparkling Bath
As you know, I shower frequently and am learning the basics of a spa very quickly (I don’t stock up, I actually use it). I love extravagant things for special occasions, but I have a revolving supply of affordable bubble baths, bath salts, and bath bombs that I’d love to try. I’m arrogant about a lot, but not this one. So when I got some eucalyptus and mint-scented products (designed to relieve stress), I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were also packed with all kinds of good stuff (natural essential oils, vitamin E, and they’re even effervescent). Contains Shea Butter) without parabens or artificial dyes. The bath soak smells clean and fresh and makes a really nice, soft bubble, if you like that (a little goes a long way, FYI). The body wash smells natural and soothing, like a gentle spa. Both the body wash and bath soak come in 100% recycled plastic bottles, too. It’s hard to feel stressed when you’re enjoying a nice bath 🙂
Mahogany teak candle
Technically, I bought this candle for Brian because he loves a candle in his writing desk and this candle has rich mahogany, black teak, dark oak, and frosted lavender. (It’s weird to call a scent masculine but it’s so beautiful and earthy.) I ended up stealing it for the bathroom because it smells so good, but he loves it and brings it back to the office. FYI, it burns for 25-45 hours and is very affordable (and even more so if you can pick it up during the promotion) with such a great brand and a really good room-filling throw. It even has near-unanimous 5-star reviews, so it looks like Brian and I aren’t the only big fans. (If candles aren’t your thing but the scent sounds interesting, mahogany teak also comes in everything from hand sanitizer to laundry detergent.)
Fiji White Sands Candle | Coco Shea Rich Moisturizing Hand Cream | Clay mask for face
Ever since Brian brought Mahogany into the office, this has been the affordable candle I decided to keep in our bathroom for the summer. It’s called “Fiji White Sands,” and the copywriting is spot on because it truly smells like “the sweetest, brightest beach day ever.” (Scent notes for candle lovers: freshly cut sugar cane, white nectarine, sandalwood.) If you prefer something a little lighter and cleaner during the warmer months, Fiji White Sands is the place to go.
Two more products arrived in the tub: a lovely, super-nourishing hand cream and a clay face mask (I use masks as quickly as I do a bubble bath). I definitely don’t moisturize my hands often enough, so I’m hoping this setup will make it easier. Bath & Body Works obviously has a ton of different hand creams, but I loved that this one is infused with cocoa and shea butters that keep hands soft for 24 hours (and I also loved the price—just $8.95).
Upgrade our guest suite
Pure Wonder Daily Nourishing Body Lotion | Hand cream | Wild rose and suede candle
I’m a little embarrassed to admit it here, but in my mind, Bath & Body Works has always been directly linked to the watermelon-scented time in my life (probably because our sense of smell has the closest link to our memories and all that). I was a little blinded by nostalgia. I didn’t realize that as we all grew, Bath & Body Works kind of grew as well. Now there are more sophisticated and sophisticated scents to choose from, and even the products themselves feel more modern and fresh. But those affordable ’90s fare you remember? It is still intact, thank God 🙂
Pure Wonder Daily Nourishing Body Lotion | Hand Cream | Wild Rose & Suede Candle
In fact, I decorated our entire guest bedroom and bathroom with self-care essentials that I know our guests will love. We’re always working to be good hosts, but when we can provide some special amenities (especially ones that look this nice), it takes our guests’ spaces to the next level. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to make a great impression that sets the tone for a relaxing visit. 🙂
Our highlight here: the Wild Rose & Suede candle, which I grabbed after seeing it described as smelling like “an antique store filled with forgotten treasures.” Obviously we had to try it. The scent is cleaner and more subtle than expected (based on years of field research ;)) but well balanced between musky and sweet. A great neutral choice for any guest room IMO. I also got the lightweight/fast-absorbing nourishing body lotion in “Pure Wonder” (simple, sweet, bright, with a little earthy edge) and finished off the prep with the musky hand cream, which has since sold out. (I’m intrigued by a restorative product or hyaluronic acid though. Has anyone tried that too?)
Lavender & Pink Espresso Foaming Hand Soap
I found a few cute soap bottles that were super easy to style in our bathrooms (as you can see). We only photographed the Pink Lavender & Espresso scent, but we also got a bottle of the Wild Rose & Suede scent for the future (only $3.25 on sale too). FYI, our kids love using foaming hand soap (mostly because it’s so fun to play with that they don’t even realize they’re washing their hands LOL) so I’m glad I found an affordable source. The whole family agrees that this scent is really pretty (slightly creamy and fresh, with chocolate coffee and sweet vanilla). I also want to give some props to the huge soap refill containers. I think $13.95 for 4 full bottles of soap in one recyclable container is a great deal 🙂
Bridgerton style powder bath
Season Diamond Foaming Hand Soap | Diamond candle for this season
I think this is a fun and unexpected collaboration – I’m a huge Bridgerton fan and the branding and labels on them feel regal, but not too flashy (I think they really could have done that and I’m glad they didn’t). This bathroom is right off the family room where we all watch TV too, so it feels like a little wink and nod. I think “Diamond of the Season” is my favorite (LOL) but there are some other fun scents like “Queen Charlotte’s Tea” and “Danbury Shortbread.” Some mini candles or hand sanitizer would be the perfect hostess gift or party favor for any future Bridgerton themed party!!
Season Diamond Foaming Hand Soap | Diamond candle for this season
Here’s what this smells like, which made me laugh: “It has captivated and enchanted even your harshest critics.” (Fragrance notes: Sparkling peach, spring narcissus, and radiant jasmine, for those looking for a more specific description.)
I ordered a bunch of other products (including our throwback cucumber and watermelon lotion which was delivered in full) and Brian got me some Father’s Day gifts like the Whiskey Soap and the Noir 3-in-1 Bath Soap. After my initial skepticism, I was very happy because we loved so many of the products (and still have a lot to try, to be fair) – but especially the candles, hand soaps and hand creams. And I’m not alone. The real customer reviews on the site are absolutely amazing. We’ve all been missing out on so much!!
A big shout out and thank you to Bath & Body Works for providing luxurious home scents and body care essentials at affordable prices. I know they never stopped, but it feels like a fun update for a new (nostalgic) generation. And if you see me stocking candles at Washington Square Mall… come say hello 🙂 xx
*Photos by Kaitlyn Green
