There is a version of me that thought self-care meant buying a candle and pretending that counted. Then came the desk job — eight hours, five days a week, staring at a screen — and my body started sending bills.
I’m talking stiff shoulders, zero patience, the whole thing.
Friends in LA kept telling me about this massage studio called The Now. I finally went, mostly because my neck was threatening to stage a coup. And honestly? It hit that sweet spot I didn’t know existed. Not a hole-in-the-wall, not stuffy luxury — just good service at a price that doesn’t make you wince.
The space is gorgeous inside. Think woven pendant lights, neutral tones, sheepskin throws everywhere. Very Instagrammable, but in the “this actually looks like the photos” way, not the “staged for content” way.
I get their signature “The Now” massage — 25 minutes — and I’ve been back several times. Each session feels different, which is nice. But the thing that keeps pulling me back? The ambient ocean wave sounds. I know that’s not technically part of the massage, but I have never heard anything more calming put through speakers.
They’re in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Silver Lake (hearing Studio City is next). If you’re in LA, book a walk-in or reserve online — easy to take a friend too.
When the spa isn’t an option
Most of you reading this aren’t near Los Angeles. I get it. So here’s what I do at home when I need to decompress and my wallet says “stay put.” All of these brands ship widely — Dr. Teal’s, Kiehl’s, and L’Occitane are available in the US, UK, and EU.
Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Bath (Lavender)
Lavender is my go-to, always. This is the drugstore find I keep restocking. Smells great, actually relaxing — not one of those that just perfumes the bathroom.
L’Occitane Exfoliating Butter
I’ve already finished one jar and had to reorder immediately. Makes your skin feel impossibly smooth. Worth the price jump from drugstore salts if you can catch it on sale.
Kiehl’s Lavender Bubble Bath
Yes, more lavender — but this time in bubble bath form with sea salts and aloe. It is genuinely the best bubble bath I’ve tried. On a rough day, this alone fixes things.
Herbivore Botanicals Bath Salt — “Calm”
I’m already a fan of their brand (the Phoenix facial oil is another story entirely), and this has been on my wish list for months. The product literally calls itself “Calm.” You can’t argue with that confidence.
FIG+YARROW Pink Bath Salts
Haven’t tried these yet — Kristin has raved about them so much that I had to include them. Next on my list. Will report back when I actually buy a tub instead of just talking about it.
A few honest notes
- The Now massage runs roughly $40–50 for 25 minutes — solid value if you’re in the area.
- Dr. Teal’s salts are under $15 a bag. The budget pick, hands down.
- L’Occitane butter sits around $30. Worth hunting for sales.
- Kiehl’s bubble bath is roughly $20 — not cheap, but I go through it fast enough that it earns its spot.
FAQ
Is The Now only in LA?
Right now they have locations in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Silver Lake, and a new one opening in Studio City. All Southern California.
Can I get these bath products outside the US?
Dr. Teal’s, Kiehl’s, L’Occitane, and Herbivore Botanicals all ship internationally or have EU/UK stockists. FIG+YARROW is a smaller Canadian brand — check their site for your region.
What’s the cheapest way to unwind at home?
A bag of Dr. Teal’s Epsom salts and 20 minutes in a warm bath. Under $15 total. I do this at least once a week when life gets loud.
A note from Ava: I used to treat self-care like something I’d get around to. Now I schedule my baths the same way I schedule meetings — because if I don’t, they never happen. How do you unwind? Tell me your go-to in the comments.
