Palatium, Roman-Inspired Bath and Lifestyle Products

Palatium is a line of bath and lifestyle products inspired by the luxury of the ancient Roman bathing culture. The first two products in the recently launched line are a Roman bath oil and a "Replenishing Foam," a foaming liquid soap for use in the bath or shower.

Palatium Roman Bath Oil was created with the purest ingredients to provide nourishment for the skin and a relaxing bathing experience. The oil is a blend of organic Tuscan olive oil and other nourishing oils, such as such as organic soybean, jojoba, and primrose oils, mixed with soothing vitamin E and organic white and green tea extracts. The result is a beautiful bath oil.

The bubbling Palatium Replenishing Foam is enriched with aloe vera and organic Tuscan olive oil. Flower extracts, including chamomile, and vitamin C ester supplement the foam to make your cleansing routine luxurious.

Olive oil was used as a base for bathing products in ancient Rome. Who knew this? Not me! Today, we know that olive oil is a pure fat that offers natural antibacterial properties. It's great for use on sensitive skin. The highest grade of organic Tuscan olive oil is used in Palatium products.

Palatium launched with three finely crafted, custom scents - all designed to recall the Mediterranean region. Arancia Dolce, the scent I was able to try, courtesy of Palatium, was inspired by the sweet citrus of the orange groves lining seaside retreats from Cinque Terre to Amalfi. The top notes are effervescent orange, grapefruit, and lime zest. The heart notes are lily of the valley, jasmine, and orange blossom. The base notes are cedarwood and gentle musk. It doesn't get any better. The Enriching Foam I tried is luscious. I'd love to try the bath oil in Arancia Dolce. I think I'd use it as a perfume.

Fico Speziato is based on the scent of fresh figs balanced by gentle spices from Jerusalem and Alexandria along the edges of the Mediterranean. With green notes supplemented by orange flower leaves, magnolia, rose, jasmine, exotic woods, and musk, it's got to be gorgeous.

Mare Myrteus, shown above, blends the zest of a refreshing trade wind with the spirited notes of Tyrrhenian myrtle berries. The top notes include bergamot, sparkling lemon, and the simulation of cool ocean air breezes. Jasmine and lily of the valley blend with ginger at the heart. The fragrance base is composed with blond woods, amber, and musk.

These three unique fragrances, one for every taste - with the promise of more to come - are the essence of Palatium. If you'd like to enliven your bathing experience, you can find them at the Palatium Web site. The Roman Bath Oils are priced at $65, but appear to be sold out currently. The Replenishing Foams are $45. They will certainly take your daily routine up a notch.

Photo courtesy of Palatium

Jo Malone Bath Oils

Who doesn't love Jo Malone? I remember my excitement and anticipation when I learned that her products were coming to the United States. I remember my first whiffs at Neiman Marcus. Red Roses in particular transported me to an English garden. The "high" lasted for years because every time I wore Red Roses Cologne, someone would ask me, "What is that beautiful fragrance you are wearing?" Men and women alike - it was amazing.

By now, all beauty lovers surely know who Jo Malone is, so I won't recount her incredible history in any detail. She started her career as a facialist using her own products, hand-mixed at home, which were an instant hit. Her global brand was purchased by the Estee Lauder companies in 1999, but Jo remains the creative director of the brand. She was the first to make fragrance mixing mainstream.

I do want to write about my favorite Jo colognes (and candles and skin care), but today, let's talk about the bath oils. I'm one of those people for whom a long bath is a luxurious treat. My baths have to be fragranced with something, and about half the time it's a Jo Malone Bath Oil ($60-100). You can use the bath oil as an oil poured into your bath water or as a moisturizer after you step out. I prefer to pour a small amount in my bath, creating an atmosphere that's both relaxing and good for my skin.

My personal favorites? The fruits and florals. You can see the categories on Jo Malone's Web site, a fun visit. Of course, there's Red Roses Bath Oil, which, true to its name, makes your bath smell like you have been surrounded by hundreds of red roses. Grapefruit, surely one of the most popular scents, is the perfect citrus. Tuberose, which doesn't seem to be available in bath oil anymore, is a heavy white floral - heavenly. Honeysuckle & Jasmine? A country garden brimming with bloom. Orange Blossom is a divine blend of clementine, orange blossom, and water lily. Nature, Jo's inspiration, takes over my bath.

There will be a scent to please you - no matter what your tastes - in the eclectic collection, which includes citrus and fruity, floral, spicy, woody, and Kohdo Wood fragrances. The bath oils are available in classy glass bottles or plastic. I prefer plastic because I don't have to worry about broken glass on the ceramic tile bathroom floor when my Bengal boy goes on a romp - much safer.

You can purchase Jo Malone Bath Oils on the Jo Malone Web site, or at Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and other department stores. Stop by the Web site sometime to learn about fragrance combining, a way to create your own signature scent.

Photo courtesy of Jo Malone.