Happy Sunday! This post is your step-by-step guide to the ultimate everything shower, complete with my holy grail products that will take your self-care experience to the next level.
We’ve all seen the viral TikToks of the weekly reset shower, but this is more than just a trend, it’s the best chance to deeply care for your hair, skin, and overall well-being. I shower daily to feel clean and refreshed, but the everything shower is that once-a-week intensive treatment that will make you feel brand new.
This is my exact routine I follow to channel that “soft girl” energy: clear, hydrated skin, silky strong hair, and a scent that lingers all day. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and totally customizable to your needs.
Let’s get into it !!
Step 1: Shampoo
Start by choosing between a clarifying shampoo (to detox) or a hydrating shampoo (to nourish). I like to clarify once or twice a month to break down product buildup, sebum, and hard water residue that can dull hair and clog the scalp.
MY FAVORITES <3:
- Vegamour GRO Shampoo – My current go-to. It leaves my scalp feeling fresh and clean with a soothing, plant-based formula. ($14)
- Nécessaire The Shampoo – A clean, fragrance-free formula with niacinamide to support scalp health. (~$48)
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo – Moisturizing and color-safe with jojoba and green tea for soft, shiny hair. ($37)
- OUAI Detox Shampoo – Deep-cleansing with apple cider vinegar to remove buildup and refresh the scalp. ($32)
- Redken Cleansing Cream Shampoo – A clarifying wash with citric acid to remove impurities and product residue. (~$26)
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Shampoo – Hydrating and strengthening with biotin and algae extract. ($39)
Massage thoroughly into the scalp using your fingertips or a scalp brush to stimulate circulation, encourage follicle health, and lift away debris. I always double shampoo so the first pass removes surface oil and dirt, while the second allows active ingredients to actually penetrate the scalp.
I love to use the Wet Brush Shower Scalp Exfoliator during this step for a deeper cleanse and scalp massage.
Step 2: Conditioner + Optional Hair Mask
After shampooing, apply your favorite conditioner from mid-length to ends, where the hair is most porous and prone to damage. Leave it in for at least 5 minutes to allow ingredients to deeply penetrate and replenish lost moisture, then rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle and enhance shine.
MY FAVORITES <3:
- Vegamour GRO Conditioner – Lightweight, plant-powered and balancing; helps leave your scalp refreshed and your strands soft. (~$16)
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner – Deeply moisturizing and strengthening, packed with biotin, algae extract, and oils to revive brittle strands. (~$39)
- Gisou Honey Gloss Conditioner – A luxurious, honey-infused conditioner that smooths and detangles with a soft, nourishing touch. (~$34)
- L’ANZA Conditioner (Healing Moisture Kukui Nut or Keratin line) – Rich, repairing formulas that tame frizz and strengthen damaged hair with deep hydration.
If your hair is color-treated, chemically processed, or frequently styled with heat, this is where an in-shower mask becomes essential. Hair masks contain higher concentrations of emollients, proteins, and amino acids that help restore:
– Keratin proteins for strength and elasticity
– Lipids to support the natural hair barrier
– Moisture to smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz
They help reinforce weakened strands, reduce breakage, and bring back softness and shine.
MY FAVORITES <3:
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask – A rich, restorative mask with biotin, algae, and rosehip oil to soften and strengthen. (~$39)
- Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask – Hydrates and repairs with argan oil to tame dryness and restore softness. (~$40)
- Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask – A luxe, moisturizing mask that smooths and adds shine while reinforcing weak strands. (~$30)
- Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask – A creamy, nourishing mask with easily absorbable kindness that leaves hair soft and smelling amazing. (~$19–$34)
- Gisou Honey Gloss Mask – A luxe, honey-infused treatment designed to hydrate, detangle, and add glossy shine. (Price varies)
- K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask – A biotech hero that repairs and strengthens hair bonds at a molecular level in just four minutes.* (~$29–$75 depending on size)
Step 3: Wash with a Gentle Base Body Cleanser
Start your body care with a fragrance-free, non-stripping body wash. Think of it as the “first cleanse” for your skin. Just like your face, your body benefits from double cleansing to effectively remove oil, sweat, deodorant, and product buildup.
MY FAVORITES<3:
- Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Body Wash – Creamy and moisturizing with ¼ moisturizing cream, perfect for sensitive or dry skin. (~$9 for 22 oz)
- Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash, Unscented – Formulated with soothing oat and rich emollients, this wash calms dry, itchy skin without fragrance. (~$10 for 18 oz)
- Method Free + Clear Body Wash, Unscented – Plant-based and biodegradable with gentle cleansing power, ideal for sensitive skin. (~$6 for 18 oz)
To truly feel clean, I always pair my base wash with a textured tool to help physically lift away dead skin cells. Lately, I’ve been using the African exfoliating net sponge, its firm weave provides next-level exfoliation, enhances blood flow, and improves texture over time. It also resists bacteria better than a loofah and dries quickly.
If that’s not your style, a standard exfoliating mitt or loofah works great too. Apply your cleanser and massage in gentle, circular motions to stimulate lymphatic drainage and deeply purify your skin
Step 4 (Optional): Acne-Treatment Body Wash
If you deal with bacne, clogged pores, or keratosis pilaris, adding a targeted active cleanser to your routine can make a huge difference.
Look for ingredients like:
- Salicylic acid (BHA): to penetrate pores, reduce inflammation, and exfoliate
- Benzoyl peroxide: to kill acne-causing bacteria
- Lactic acid or glycolic acid: for surface-level smoothing and brightening
These formulas help prevent breakouts, reduce congestion, and even fade post-inflammatory marks with consistent use. Apply to affected areas, let it sit for 30–60 seconds, then rinse.
MY FAVORITES<3:
- PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash – Contains a potent 10% benzoyl peroxide concentration that kills acne-causing bacteria and unclogs pores for powerful breakout control. (~$16 for 16 oz)
- CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin – Salicylic acid gently exfoliates and smooths skin while ceramides restore the protective barrier. Ideal for keratosis pilaris and body acne. (~$13 for 16 oz)
- Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash with Salicylic Acid – A classic option that exfoliates and fights body acne with 2% salicylic acid. (~$9 for 16 oz)
- Murad Acne Body Wash – Salicylic acid-based wash that purifies pores and prevents future breakouts while soothing irritation. (~$39 for 8.4 oz)
Step 5: Scented Body Wash
Now for the luxury moment. Once your skin is cleansed and treated, follow with a scented body wash that turns your shower into a full-on sensory experience.
I use this step to build the base of my fragrance layering. Whether you’re into sweet gourmand notes like vanilla, cocoa, or caramel, or more refreshing scents like eucalyptus, citrus, or florals, this is where your signature scent starts.
This is also a good time to choose formulas that include humectants like glycerin or aloe, which help draw in moisture while leaving behind a lasting scent.
MY FAVORITES <3:
- Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel – A rich, fruity scent with notes of caramel and date extract, this gel gently cleanses while leaving a subtly sweet fragrance. A true treat for the senses. (~$25 for 8.4 oz) (my favorite but only in store)
- Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum AHA Resurfacing Body Wash – Infused with glycolic and lactic acids, this wash gently exfoliates for radiant, smooth skin, all while enveloping you in the iconic Brazilian vanilla and pistachio scent. (~$30 for 8.5 oz)
- Nécessaire The Body Wash – Eucalyptus – A clean, plant-based wash with a fresh eucalyptus scent and skin-soothing niacinamide and squalane. Perfect for waking up your skin and senses. (~$28 for 8.5 oz)
- Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Wash – A rich, creamy wash bursting with a floral and fruity bouquet that pampers skin with hydration and the signature sweet scent. (~$30 for 8.5 oz)
- EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash – Creamy and indulgent with a warm vanilla and cashmere scent, this wash hydrates and softens for a cozy, comforting shower experience. (~$6 for 10 oz)
Step 6: Shave with a Cream That Moisturizes
If you’re shaving, now’s the time while your skin is softened, exfoliated, and the hair is easiest to remove. While I used to use conditioner or body wash (guilty!), I’ve found that dedicated shave creams offer better slip and minimize friction, irritation, and ingrown hairs.
MY FAVORITE <3:
- EOS Shea Better Shave Cream – Creamy and moisturizing with shea butter and aloe, this lush formula provides smooth razor glide and leaves your skin soft and hydrated. Perfect for daily use and razor-sensitive areas. (~$5 at Amazon)
This one smells incredible and leaves skin feeling smooth, soothed, and touchably soft with no razor burn in sight.
Step 7: Use a Shower Oil Before Stepping Out
This was my personal game changer step for glowing, hydrated skin. Before you step out, apply a shower oil directly to your wet skin. These oils emulsify slightly with water to trap moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Shower oils are especially great for:
- Dry or flaky skin
- Winter routines
- Prepping for lotion layering
Massage in and either lightly rinse or pat dry. You’ll be left with dewy, nourished skin that feels buttery soft.
MY FAVORITES <3:
- L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil – A cult-favorite, this luxurious oil transforms into a creamy milk on contact with water, locking in hydration while offering a subtle almond scent and silky softness. Perfect for parched or post-shower glow. (~$30 for 8.4 oz)
- Neutrogena Light Sesame Body Oil – Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this oil uses sesame seed oil to soothe and replenish without a greasy finish. Ideal when pairing with lotion or as a standalone moisturizer. (~$8 for 3.3 oz)
Step 9: Moisturize with a Rich Body Lotion + Body Oil
Finally! Seal it all in. While your skin is still damp, apply a rich body lotion to replenish hydration and follow up with a body oil to lock it in.
Lotion contains humectants and emollients to bind water into your skin, while oils act as occlusives, sealing in moisture and preventing it from escaping. If your skin is on the drier or more sensitive side, finishing with an oil helps keep the moisture barrier intact and adds a healthy, luminous glow.
I personally love sweet and cozy vanilla-based body products, so I keep my scented lotions and oils in the same fragrance family to build scent layers that last all day.
MY FAVORITE BODY LOTIONS <3:
- EOS Vanilla Cashmere Lotion – (literally the best thing ever, my top favorite) applies like silk and smells amazing !! It layers beautifully with other scented products for an all-day glow. (~$10 for 8 oz)
- Lush Sticky Dates Body Lotion – This indulgent lotion packs a sweet, caramel date scent and a thick, buttery texture that makes your skin feel pampered and nourished. (~$25 for 7 oz)
- Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Lotion – Bright and tropical, this lotion delivers a lush bouquet of florals and sweet notes with a creamy, hydrating formula that leaves skin smooth—all in their signature scent. (~$45 for 8.5 oz)
- Naturium Bio‑Lipid Restoring Moisturizing Body Lotion – A clean and gentle daily moisturizer with omega fatty acids, shea butter, B-vitamins, and sodium PCA to hydrate and support the skin barrier—fragrance-free yet luxurious. (~$15 for 14oz)
- Nécessaire The Body Lotion – A clinical, fragrance-free formula with niacinamide and ceramides designed to hydrate, strengthen, and calm the skin, making it a gentle but effective everyday essential. (~$28 for 8.5 oz)
MY FAVORITE BODY OILS <3:
- Nativa SPA Madagascar Vanilla Body Oil – A warm, soft vanilla scent with a smooth, non-greasy finish. Formulated with quinoa oil to help deeply moisturize and support skin elasticity. Ideal for dry skin and those who love subtle sweet layering. (~$27)
- Gisou Honey-Infused Body Oil – Infused with Mirsalehi Honey and botanical oils, this formula deeply nourishes and leaves skin visibly soft and radiant. The light honey scent adds a luxurious touch without being too heavy. (~$49)
- Saltair Pink Beach Body Oil – A lightweight, fast-absorbing oil with a soft, clean scent and a silky finish. Great for everyday hydration and layering with other fragrances. (~$22)
- OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil – Rich in seaweed, passion fruit, and acai oils, this formula helps firm, tone, and hydrate the skin. Known for its clean ingredients and spa-like scent, it’s a staple for deeper nourishment. (~$52)
Note! As for the order to apply first, It’ s a personal preference for what your skin needs. I like to apply lotion first, then oil to allow your skin to absorb hydration and have the oil lock it in & add a glow on top. Feel free to experiment and see what gives you the best finish.
Shop the Post💞
Shampoos
- GRO Revitalizing Shampoo (~$30)
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo (~$36)
- Ouai Detox Shampoo (~$32)
- Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream (~$27)
- Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo (~$42)
- Nécessaire The Shampoo (~$28)
Conditioners
- GRO Conditioner (~$30)
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner (~$30)
- Gisou Honey Infused Conditioner (~$36)
- L’ANZA Keratin Healing Oil Conditioner (~$35)
- Pureology Hydrate Conditioner (~$36)
- Nécessaire The Conditioner (~$28)
Hair Masks
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask (~$39)
- Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask (~$36)
- Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (~$30)
- Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask (~$32)
- Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask (~$57)
- K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask (~$75)
Unscented Body Washes (Step 1)
- Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash (~$9)
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, Fragrance-Free (~$9)
- Method Simply Nourish Body Wash – Fragrance-Free (~$7)
Acne-Treatment Body Washes (Optional)
- PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash (~$10)
- CeraVe SA Body Wash (Salicylic Acid) (~$12)
- Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash (Salicylic Acid) (~$8)
Scented Body Washes
- Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel (~$32)
- Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4Play AHA Shower Gel (~$26)
- Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Wash (~$26)
- Nécessaire The Body Wash – Eucalyptus (~$28)
- EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash (~$9)
Shaving Creams
- EOS Shea Better Shave Cream – Vanilla Bliss (~$5)
- Truly Coco Cloud Whipped Shave Butter (~$22)
- Fur Shave Cream (~$28)
Lotions
- EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Lotion (~$10)
- Lush Sticky Dates Body Lotion (~$25)
- Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Cream (~$45)
- Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Lotion (~$15)
- Nécessaire The Body Lotion – Fragrance-Free (~$28)
Body Oils
- Nativa SPA Madagascar Vanilla Body Oil (~$27)
- Gisou Honey Infused Body Oil (~$72)
- Saltair Pink Beach Body Oil (~$22)
- OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil (~$52)
Soft Girl Guide 
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